Allocation Cuts Mean More Maintenance
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THERE is little doubt that there will be considerable cuts in the numbers of both commercial vehicles and private cars in the allocations to the home market for the current year and probably several more. These will, inevitably, result in corresponding increases in the numbers of obsolescent vehicles and will, consequently, involve the need for even greater attention to their maintenance and repair.
We are not concerned with the car side of the industry, except in respect of the obvious joint demand which will be made upon the particular class of operator required on this type of work. From this aspect also, it is regrettable that the car of to-day presents far greater problems in its repair than was the case before the new models, with their American styling, came into existence.
The inflation of costs in connection with car repairs is exercising another influence which, in turn, may affect the repair of commercial vehicles, particularly where this is covered by insurance. The insurance companies are finding it extremely difficult to meet the additional expense without increasing their rates. It may be that, however unfair this may seem, their economic position maY force them into raising those affecting commercial vehicles.
From the point of view of the maintenance side of the industry, the situation may well be that it will be overwhelmed with work. If spares be readily available, this will not be looked upon as being disadvantageous, but this is hardly likely to be the case, and the process of make-do-and-mend will probably have to continue for an indefinite Nriod, thus involving increased labour requirements at a time of labour shortage.
However, maintenance men and those who supervise them have had considerable experience over the past few years, in making do with what they have. Provided they employ a combination of skill and up-to-date processes of repair, they will, no doubt, be able to continue to produce sound and safe jobs which will enable the wheels to be kept turning. At least, road transport engineers will be put on their mettle and will occupy an even more important position in the affairs of road transport than they have held in the past. It is all the more important, therefore, that they should keep themselves fully acquainted with new and improved methods of repair and see that they utilize, whereever this is possible, the finest equipment available. In the field of commercial road transport it is always as well to remember that the vehicle which is idle, whether it be because there are no loads available, or for the reason that it is under repair, represents so much idle capital and the temporary loss of a valuable money-making asset.