Anglo-Polish Discussion on Road Transport
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AN informal discussion took place on January 16, under the auspices of the I.A.E.. and the Motorization Section of the Association of Polish Engineers in Great Britain. The .president of the Mr. George Lanchester, was inthe chair, and the short `papers read were " The Motorcar and General Engineering Industry in Poland," by Mr. -Jan Dabrowski, M.I.Mecli.E., and "Types of Motor VehiCles Suitable for Polish Road Conditions," by Mr. T. Z. Marek, A.M.I.A.E.
Mr. Dabrowski said that before the war Poland compared unfavourably with other European nations in respect of road transport, the population per vehicle being in the region of 700 as compared with 20 in Great Britain and France and 40 in Germany. The goal for post-war development was 400,000 motorcars within 20 years, or 1 per 100 inhabitants. The ratio between private cars and commercial vehicles should, however, be in favour of the latter to the extent of, say, 2 to 1 or 3 to 1.
, As regards types of vehicle, Mr. Marek pointed out that a rapid increase of commercial cars and buses might he assumed to the extent of, possibly, 150,000 lorries and 15,000 busesin a period of 15 to 20 years. The most suitable commercial vehicle. would be the 30-cwt. for short-range work on secondary roads, -the 3-todner and a bus Of 25-27seats for medium-range operation, and a bus of 35740 seats for long-distance work on main roads.
Features particularly desirable were hydraulic brakes, and steering with correct .geometry in close relation to the straight-ahead position, also good suspension and efficient, shock-absorber system.
The discussion which followed mainly concerned the need for cooperation on the part Of the British automobile . industry, and Mr. Dabrowski made the suggestion that a special committee .should be set _up, consisting of English arid Polish automobile engineers" and representatives of the industry.