40,000,000 Vehicles in U.S.A.
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BY the end of this year there are expected to be over 40,000,000 motor vehicles in the United States, or 17 per cent, more than in 1941, states the Automobile Manirfacturers' Association. Forty-nine per cent, of the entire United States population over 16 years of age (50,586,090) is licensed to drive.
The largest increase over pre-war levels in the U.S.A. is in lorry registrations, which have risen by 50 per cent. According to "Automobile Facts and Figures," 6,817,432 lorries, 188,767 buses and 30,877,066 private cars—a total of 37,883,265—were registered in 1947. As indicating the great strides made by goods road transport in the U.S.A., it is stated that 65 per cent. of the nation's livestock, 93 per cent. of live poultry, 42 per cent. of vegetables, 66 per cent. of...milk, and 52 per cent. of eggs go to major markets by lorry.
According to the Department of Commerce, in Washington, there were estimated to be 4,753,035 lorry drivers in the U.S.A. in 1946.
To keep up with the rapid growth in road transport, nearly every State and major city has embarked on large roadbuilding and maintenance programmes, and more than $2,500,000,000 are being spent annually on them. By way of contrast, the proposed expenditure on maintenance of British trunk and classified roads in 1948-49 is estimated at £24,000,000, compared with £29,500,000 in 1947-48. Moreover, in the year ended August last, road staffs of British highways authorities were reduced.from 95,362 to 75,485.
"Automobile Facts and Figures" reports that world registrations of 53,288,000 motor vehicles in 1947 exceeded the 1940 figure by 8,346,000. There were 9 per cent. more private cars, 57 per cent. more goods vehicles, and 45 per cent, more buses. World • production in 1947 is set at 5,744.697 vehicles, including 1,578,599 lorries and 40,254 buses. America's share was 4,797.820, including 1,220,634 goods vehicles, and 19,008 buses.
In America there are 39 makes of lorry and 20 makes of bus.