PEACE: ARE YOU READY FOR IT?
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JUST AS it behoves the Allied Governments to prepare immediately for the advent of peaCe in the near future, so it behoves the motor-vehicle industry to be up and doing, to be virtually ready with its plans of reconstructive effort the moment the end of munition orders comes in sight. .
The motor industry has been engaged for the past three years or so upon a "dead-end" oceepation or has been side-tracked into aeroplane and aero engine production. As a motor industry, it has almost ceased to exist, and the sacrifice has been made because it has helped us to win the war, and to win it comparatively quickly. Its work has saved this country and the Allies thousands of millions sterling, for a seven or ten years war was, obviously, quite conceivable but for the accelerating effect of the Tanks, aeroplanes, motor transport and other aids to rapidity and perfection of military strategy.
For this reason, the industry deserves every possible help and encouragement from the Government, but it must be able to say what it wants and must press its claims energetically.
Men and materials are required. They should be placed early at the disposal of the industry. A know. ledge of the Government's intentions on certain vital questions must be obtained. Why should.thos. e inten, tions not be made known at once ?
What of protective tariffs ? Why should the trade not be informed to what extent we are committed to the open door for American productions?
What of the returned army lorry 7 Why not say how many are likely to be disposed of for civilian purposes?
And what is the industry itselfdoing in the matter of the returned army lorry? Councils seem to be divided as to the best way to deal with the problem and, in the meantime, discasded vehicles are already passing through the auction rooms at high prices!
Some of the manufacturers already have their postwar plans cut and dried, but there are others who frankly confess, when the question is put to them, that they really do not know whatis going to happen.
And if manufacturers have yet to make up their minds, .what of the question of propaganda work among the users? The time is ripe for telling potential purchasers of post-war intentions so that they may commence forming their plans for fleet extensions and replacement of worn vehicles.