Vehicle Prices May Rise Again
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WHAT one commercial-vehicle manuVV facturer termed "another turn in the spiral of inflation" occurred this week in the increase of the price of steel. Of all categories of steel, sheet has risen over £6 .per ton and this alone will add about £3 to the cost of production of an average goods model. Increases in the prices of other types will probably add another £8. Nuts and bolts, etc., have alr risen in price.
Most manufacturers told 'The Commercial Motor" that they would not be able to absorb the extra cost for long and that their vehicle prices would have to be put up. One heavy-vehicle maker stated that the impact of the increase would be serious. Generally, a rise in the price of steelwas expected, although its extent has come as a surprise.
A more optimistic view was expressed by Mr. W. G. Graham, general manager of Morris-Commercial Cars, Ltd. Because there was a sellers' market for commercial vehicles, he felt that the increase could be withstood, if it were not too heavy. In the export trade, however, the effects might be serious.
Spokesmen of the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders pointed to the additional difficulties in overseas business that the increase would create.
BIG WESTINGHOUSE BRAKE ORDERS
26i HUNDRED Atkinson four-, six
and eight-wheeled lorries are to be exported to Australia, Spain and Portugal. They will be fitted with Westinghouse compressed-air braking equipment. The type ElOPA compressor is to be supplied, with singlechamber reservoir units and MLS foot-control valves.
Kromhout Motoren Fabriek, Holland, will take delivery of 35 brake sets, comprising El IP compressors, twinchamber reservoir units and S.2 control valves, to be incorporated in passenger chassis.
Large home,, orders include brake sets for goods and passenger models. The 320 Bristol goods vehicles being made for the Road Haulage Executive will be fitted with Westinghouse E5V compressors, simple reservoir units, S.2 control valves and " push-pull " cylinders for the Girling brakes.
Guy Motors, Ltd., is to equip 135 underfloor-engined bus chassis with El 1P compressors, 10-in, single-chamber reservoir units, ML control valves and CL clutch valves.
MORE OPPOSITION TO SCHEME
FOLLOWING a request by the Omnibus Passengers' Protection Association, Chard Rural District Council is to make representations to Somerset County Council against the south-western area scheme for road passenger tnansport.
Total membership of the South Wales and Monmouthshire area of 0.P,P.A. is now 20,013. New members include the Chambers of Trade of Barry Llanbradach, Ebbw Vale and Llanwrtyd Wells.