Show Will be Packed with New Models
Page 36
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BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT THIS year's Commercial Motor Show, to be held at Earls Court from I September 26-October 4, will contain far more new models than the Exhibition of 1956 and there will be something new to interest every class of operator, goods and passenger. Every manufacturer will have at least one exhibit that has not been seen at Earls Court befoie.
The new Guy range, described on pages 78-81, typifies the latest approach to design by makers of heavy vehicles. Specifications include optional eight-wheel brakes (standard on most other makes), air-operated hand brakes, a wide choice of engines, gearboxes and driving bogies, and cabs providing a higher standard of comfort than ever before. The influence of car stylists is to be seen in both external and internal appearance and appointments.
" Heavy " makers are paying great attention to weight reduction and at least One has been signally successful in this direction. Higher-powered engines will be used and the power-to-weight ratios of engines themselves, as well as of complete vehicles, are being increased Interest in turbocharging is growing, and multi-speed gearboxes with up to 10 ratios represent another distinct trend.
Close attention is being paid also to the interests of operators of delivery vans of up to about 5 tons and new models to suit their requirement's will be seen at Earls Court. The Dennis Paravan, described last week, is a notable example. Another manufacturer will show a range of new models in which body and cab floor height has been drastically reduced. Although they are normal-control vehicles, they are as manceuvrable as forward-control outfits. Several new light delivery vans will also be introduced at Earls Court.
Most of the trailer makers are likely to show models with air suspension, which will be seen also on at least two powered vehicles. Disc brakes are another significant development in comn'tercial vehicles to be revealed at the Show.
Government Start Transport Inquiry
BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT AN important move to economize in transport has been made by the Government. For this purpose, Mr. George MacAulay, 0.BE., controller of transport at the Ministry of Works, has been seconded to the Treasury.
His terms of reference are "to examine the extent to which it is possible to co-ordinate Government traffic." Transport for the Fighting Services will come within his purview.
It is understood that in his new task he has been assured of the full co-operation of the British Transport Commission. He is succeeded at the Ministty of Works by his deputy, Mr. C. V. Carr.
Before going to the Ministry of Works, Mr. MacAulay was in the transport organization of Unilever for nearly 20 years. He thus brings to his new task commercially trained mind.
He is also a great enthusiast for road safety and is one of the most active members of the national organizing committee of the Lorry Driver of the Year Competition. This year he has attended practically every eliminating test as an invigilator and has submitted valuable recommendations to the national committee. He will be present at Plymouth on August 24, when the last of this year's eliminating contests will be held.
ONE-MAN BUS TEST
TZ0 experimental services of onean-operated buses are to be introduced in Yarmouth and Gorleston by Great Yarmouth Corporation. In addition, it is proposed to reduce certain basic services and to use the mileage saved to run duplicates at peak periods.
B30
BETWEEN 1,300 and 1,400 workers in the road freight section of the Ulster Transport Authority are to receive an increase in pay of 5s. a week back-dated to June 30, following an agreement reached last week between the U.T.A. and the trade union. Men affected are drivers, mates and porters.
The rise will cost the Authority an extra £21,000 a year.