De Dion Buses for London.
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Our Paris Correspondent Interviews the Marquis de Dion.
For some while rumours have been afloat in London to the effect that it was the intention of the De Dion-Bouton Co. to place on the streets of London a large fleet of buses in competition with the vehicles of the London General Omnibus Co. With a view to obtaining confirmation of this report, I sought an interview with the Marquis de Dion, the head of the French company, and asked how far the news was correct. Admitting that there was EL certain amount of truth in the rumour, Marquis de Dion declared that any announcement at the present time would be premature. "The matter has been under consideration," he declared, "but up to the present 710 decision has been arrived at. Until we are in a position to make a move I should prefer not to say anything." Questioned still further, however, Marquis de Dion stated that his firm was one of the few having the necessary experience to carry out such
important mportant scheme as the construction and maintenance of a service of motorbuses in London. "We have now a big order for the Paris General Omnibus
Co., and are producing three bus chassis per day in our factory at Puteaux. It is true that the Paris type of bus, although found most satisfactory by the company employing it, would not he suitable for London, or, more correctly could not be put into use in Londonon account of the police restrictions. If this. scheme should be developed, it would be necessary for us to produce a special omnibus to meet the London police requirements and also to satisfy the needs of London users. " Personally," he continued, "I am in favour of the single-decker as being a much safer type than the London bus with its outside seats ; but as you English must have your dose of fresh air, even if you have to take the fog mixed with it, I suppose we must give you what you want." Of the 800 motorbuses to be put into use by the Paris General Omnibus Co. before the middle of next year, the De Dion-Bouton Co. has received an order for ant). These are all of the single-deck type with the motor under the driver's feet. The motor employed is a four-cylinder of 110 mm. bore by 150 mm. stroke.