ShOWti Me-
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and merger talks are in the air
by Tony Wilding Brussels, Tuesday
• Once again a major European Show opens with talks of mergers in the air. This time it is the probable link between Daimler Benz and Rheinstahl vehicle interests which will bring together the names of Mercedes-Benz, Henschel and Hanomag.
But the Brussels Show (January 15-29) is also noteworthy in that it is the first time that the British Leyland Motor Corporation has taken part in a European exhibition as a single entity. As a result, BLMC appears as a major force in European vehicle circles.
It is perhaps significant that BLMC chose Brussels for this major participation. The Belgian market is potentially a very good one for Britain and confirming this we can see ERF and Atkinson for the first time, as well as Seddon, Bedford, Ford, Commer and Dodge vehicles. The gas turbine truck is the major exhibit on the British Leyland stand while the model with ex-Krupp cab announced during last year is due to arrive here for display by Atkinson.
There are quite a number of new models on the other stands. Steyr of Austria has a range of three new goods vehicles with forward control cab, engines up to 230 bhp and gross weight ratings up to 19 tons in four-wheel form.
New from Mercedes-Benz are a 6 x 2 semi-forward control truck and a 5.6-ton gross addition to the L608 range. Magirus Deutz models have been extended downwards with the 75 D 6 for 6.5 tons gross and there is the first showing of a Skoda 1-ton van. A new model from Opel is a version of its 2-ton van—and derivatives—with a Peugeot 2.1 litre diesel engine.
Japanese vehicles on show include a Hino normal control 6 x 2 featured for the first time in Europe with a small Daihatsu four-wheeler—the D200.