Higher Wages Would Raise Prices
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IF further increases in wages are given, it is doubtful whether we can, carry them without subsequent rises in the prices of our products," stated Mr. William Fish, acting chairman of Dennis Bros., Ltd., in his annual report. In this, he echoed the warning given by Mr. Sydney S. Guy, reported last week. In the past the company had specialized in meeting the requirements of coach operators. Only infrequently. however, were such operators cash customers: usually they paid for new vehicles out of income. The Hire Purchase Order, 1952, ki110 this class of business, as the maximum period allowed for repayment was made quate for the operator to regain his outlay. Removal of restrictions in July this year was welcomed by the company. and, having developed two new light and medium-weight passenger chassis, the renewed demand from the smaller user could competitively be met. With the introduction of the AVI oil. engined ambulance, the concern reentered a field familiar to them since the beginning of the century. The sales pattern of the municipal vehicle department was almost identical to that of 1953. In this sphere, trade had settled down to a steady replacement business after a period of post-war re-equipment. Two new municipal oil-engined models had been introduced, each designed with the emphasis on low first cost and cheaper operation. To achieve such objectives in any type of commercial vehicle was becoming increasingly difficult and less rewarding remarked Mr. Fish. Operational costs were heavily weighted by the high fuel tax and the inadequacy of investments in roads.