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Britain
There are nearly as many trucks made in this country as in the rest of Europe put together, We are the second largest producer in the world. The entry of Rolls-Royce into this market (or should we call it arena?) will add tremendously to the image of British trucks here and abroad. Imagine how much easier it 'could be, when selling trucks to operators anywhere in the world, to be able to say: ". . . you can have a choice of three or four engines, including a Rolls, at no extra cost".
Keeping our share
At home, with air and rail interests Chasing the same business as ourselves, it's vitally important that the road transport industry keeps its high standing in the country's eyes. To this end, the service we offer must be the best. This service can only come from efficiency, and to this end the right power must be linked to the right loads. Bigger trucks need more powerful engines. Engines with power in hand to avoid jamming the country's already over-crowded road system. Engines big enough to keep up with Britain's modern motorway traffic.
Big things ahead
There is a pronounced trend to bigger trucks throughout the transport industry. Economics and common sense make it inevitable. Fords, for example, have taken a big step up the size ladder. There are more and more articulated vehicles all needing more horsepower per ton. Motorway conditions demand ready acceleration and smooth, fatigueless conditions for the driver.
Containers
It is forecast that in five years' time, vehicle output at the heavy end of the scale will be nearly double that of today. Containerisation is going to contribute more and more to demand for bigger trucks/bigger engines. One of the most popular U.K. container sizes at the moment is the 8 by 8 by 30 tons g.v.w truck and trailer unit. It is exactly for this kind of load that Rolls-Royce have developed their Eagle range. This is good thinking by a company who, over the years, has brought more prestige to this island than any other. Good luck to the Eagle and its contribution to the changing pattern of the trucking industry in this country.