Output and Exports Remain Steady
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DESPITE the Easter holidays, both production and export figures for April were well maintained. The average weekly output of commercial vehicles was 4,554 units, the total for the month being 18,218.
In the first four months of the year 83,023 units were made, or 5,198 more than in the corresponding period of 1953. Of the month's output, 9,376 were for export and 8,842 for the home market.
Goods vehicles, road haulage tractors and special types built in April numbered 17,441, of which 9,090 were for export and 8,351 for the home market. Of the total, 9,491 were under 15 cwt. carrying capacity, 6,302 from 15 cwt. to 6 tons and 1,648 over 6 tons.
During April, 696 passenger vehicles were produced, of which 526 were single-deck and 167 double-deck motorbuses and three trolleybuses. Battery-electrics totalled 81.
Of the four months' production (83,023 units), 79,480 were goods vehicles, road haulage tractors and special types. Those under 15 cwt. carrying capacity numbered 44,411, from 15 cwt. to 6 tons, 28,359, and over 6 tons, 6,710. The 3,230 passenger vehicles produced comprised 2,617 single-deck and 599 double-deck motorbuses and 14 trolleybuses. Battery-electrics totalled 313.
Exports during April, excluding dumpers and industrial trucks. totalled 11,642 units, their value, including dumpers and industrial trucks, being £6,923.031.
During the first four months of the year 45,728 units, valued at £26,587,293, were exported, and in addition there were 679 used vehicles (£329,834) and parts and accessories to the value of £29,482,329.
PROFIT INTO LOSS?
rtA NET surplus of £44,372, clearing the outstanding deficit of £18,127 and leaving a credit balance of £26,245, was shown by Sheffield Transport Department at the beginning of the present financial year.
According to the general manager, Mr. R. C. Moore, there was no way of cutting costs to meet the deficit of £106,000 expected next year (reported in The Commercial Motor last week).
Mainly because of higher wages and 88 electricity charges, costs rose during last year by about £52,000. There was also a fall in revenue. The latest wage awards would cost another £72,000, and new salary scales, £8,000.
Road reinstatement arising from the abandonment of trams will add £31,500, and annual debt charges consequent on buying more motorbuses to replace trams, £20,000 COAL-RECOVERY ROAD CLOSED THE road at Easington used by about I 80 lorries to recover coal washed up by the sea has been closed by Peterlee Development Corporation. The coal came from heaps at Blackhall and was sold to industry at around £1 15s. a ton and to householders at a controlled price of £3 a ton.
As reported in The Commercial Motor on January 29, the Minister of Transport had been asked by Durham County Council to confirm an Order for the closing of the road. This was the Abject of an inquiry.
TRIMDON BUY 10 SENTINELS TEN Sentinel buses and coaches have I been supplied to Trimdon Motor Services, County Durham, by K. and B. Motors, Newcastle upon Tyne. They comprise four 40-seat and one 44-seat buses, and three 35-seat and two 41-seat coaches. The bodies were built by John C. Beadle (Coachbuilders), Ltd., Dartford, and Associated Coachbuilders, Ltd., Sunderland.