British v. foreign vehicles

22nd September 1972, Page 214

22nd September 1972

Page 214

Page 214, 22nd September 1972 — British v. foreign vehicles

Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

I have read with a great deal of interest in the past few weeks, comments regarding the pros and cons of British and foreign vehicles. "Un Rou tier" started the subject by specifically criticizing the Scammell Crusader. Mr I. C. Wilson, of Scammell Vehicles Ltd, as I read it, put the record straight on quite a few points. Since then, numerous people have widened the argument and are now comparing British and foreign vehicles.

I have a great deal of sympathy with the correspondents, especially with their claim that British vehicles are in many ways inferior. I can only speak as someone actually running five Scammell Crusaders in a wholly British fleet. Initially, I wanted the best vehicle for the job and when I first saw the Crusader, I was impressed with the consideration given to driver comfort, accessibility of components and an extremely modern appearance. Admittedly, we have only had 80,000 miles operational experience to date but this is the only vehicle we have purchased whereby drivers or fitting staff were unable to find any major faults. This in itself is a revelation. It is my view that the Crusader is two years ahead of any other British vehicle at the present time and at least equal to any foreign vehicle in the same classification.

M. J. CURTIS, Manager — Motor Transport, British Steel Corporation, Orb Works, Newport, Mon.