A Forecast of America's New Models T HE consulting engineer 01
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the International Harvester Company of America has expressed the opinion that whilst makers of lorries are paying much consideration to the commercial vehicle of the future, they practically agree that at least two years must elapse after victory in Europe before vehicles of advanced design will become available. Up to that time the post-war lorry will resemble 1942 models in their chassis and general appearance, but the heavier types will be more utilitarian, without what is termed private-car "beauty treatment." The light delivery models will
probably still be beautified, and many new vocationally designed specialpurpose bodies will enter the picture.
He forecasts that the larger vehicles will be lighter, stronger and more durable as a result of the greater utilization of light metals. This will mean increased pay-loads and decreased operating costs. The power trend will be definitely towards higher-compression engines and an increased ratio of horse-power to gross vehicle weight. Some of these later models will embody automatic transmissions and fluid drives, whilst power steering may be employed on the very heavy types.