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236 
Maj.-Gen. J. S. Crawford
Page 81
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C.B., C.B.E., Chairman, Heavy Vehicle Manufacturers' Section and Vice-President, S.M,M.T.
Tl-IE International Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition at Earls Court marks a critical point in the post-war era of British commercial vehicles. All the technical improvements which have taken place in recent years, and received such an impetus in the demands of war, will be found in vehicles designed in modern style.
There are some 12,500,000 cornmei cial vehicles throughout the world—about 1,250,000 more than immediately before the war—but still the need for road transport, accelerated in overseas countries by the growing trend towards industrialization, is vital.
The British industry is geared to meet the demand wherever and whenever currency is available in overseas markets for the purchase of its products. At the present time, exchange conditions, caused by the overall dollar shortage, have reacted to the advantage of British manufacturers, and we have been able to widen the sphere of trade in many parts of the world.
It is becoming increasingly evident that not only are our products gaining foothold in markets where previously they have had but little Sale, but they are earning for themselves a reputation in performance which is the prelude to continued demand in time of normal trade.
Manufacturers in this country have reason to be proud of their export achievements; already, up to August, the value of commercial-vehicle monthly shipments has four times exceeded the target of £3,200,000 set by the Government as a monthly average for attainment at the end of this year.
For eight days the vehicles which have been the means of making this
contribution to the Nation's economy
will be on show to overseas buyers and visitors in the world's largest
commercial motor Exhibition. I
know that the Show is destined for unprecedented success, and that the vast array of lorries, tractors, buses and many other products which occupy the stands will meet with the enthusiastic approval of all who have an interest in road transport.
The industry which has made such a tremendous effort for its country throughout the years of war is ready to meet needs of peace by offering to the world the most dependable and efficient vehicles made. We, in the industry, look ahead with sure knowledge that the British commercial vehicle has achieved a ,great and lasting reputation, which will keep the production lines working to the limit It is only lack of steel and other vital supplies which prevents our fac tories from turning out very many more vehicles at the present time. When these restrictions disappear the industry will be able to step up out' put to a level hitherto unknown.