Britain's bid in a exports
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BRITAIN is mounting a strong challenge in the world commercial vehicle market—and doing so with a great deal of success. This was the message from Sir William Batty, president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, on the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Speaking at a reception in Frankfurt on Tuesday evening Sir William, who is Ford of Britain chairman, said that the UK was represented at the show in greater strength than ever before. More than 90 British companies had goods on display.
"There could be no better international opportunity to show the .comprehensive and highly competitive status of our motor industry. Its breadth of operation and its contribution to motoring in all aspects around the world is best demonstrated by a study of our industry's exports— even in this year of generally reduced markets and excess capacity."
Total exports in the first seven months of this year were 44 per cent higher by value at £1,520m than the same period last year. Taking into account the effects of inflation this was a rise of 20 per cent in real terms.
And it was the commercial vehicle field which was leading the export charge. They were up in the seven-month period by a massive 71 per cent, accounting for some 16 per cent of total motor industry exports.