Real show of optimism
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THE AIR of optimism which was apparent at the Scottish Motor Show this week was based on reality rather than hope. Although the number of visitors was down compared with the bumper year of 1979, those who attended were genuine buyers. There were fewer enthusiasts, schoolboys and people sheltering from Glasgow's "all hanging vapour".
Reports of sales from the commercial vehicle stands were coming in all week. They ranged from one-vehicle orders to a
possible order for more than 90 vehicles in one case. It was not uncommon to hear of fiveor six-vehicle orders and genuine inquiries about these.
The cause for a change in buying attitudes is not difficult to detect. Manufacturers and operators are looking with keen expectation to Parliament to hear that the Armitage Report will be imp' Jrnented shortly. Mr Howell cannot speak too soon on this abject.
T'ie impending introduction of the tachograph as a working tool is expected to weed out those who have worked beyond the law at depressed rates. Its introduction will benefit the egitimate operators.
For too long vehicle life has been stretched to the limit. 1:annibalisation has been employed to the last available 1:omponent. There is no choice left now but to replace. All of .hese factors combined have begun the movement which was )pparent at Kelvin Hall. It will now levelop surely by degrees, )ut the enthusiasm must be !nCOU raged by the rest of industry Ind the Parliamentarians.