Wheels Without Wheels Wheels Without Wheels
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ACOMMON but depressing sight in many commercial-vehicle factories is row upon row of otherwise completed chassis resting on wooden blocks. They are awaiting axles. Delivery periods of up to 12 months are being quoted for specialized types of axle, whilst the position is little better with regard to more orthodox units. As a result, valuable orders at home and abroad are being lost by those manufacturers who have to rely on outside suppliers for these items.
As yet, British vehicle makers have not turned to the Continent for alternative sources of supply, but this may well happen. Then such countries as Germany will have gained yet another hold on the British industry, as they are already doing in the market for gearboxes. Indeed, It concern overseas which assembles vehicles from British components has already offered to accept the kits sent without axles, so that it can purchase axles elsewhere. Must the British content of British vehicles continue to decline?