ROAD TRANSPORT IN OTHER LANDS.
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Items of News Intended to Stimulate the Interest of British Makers in Overseas Markets.
British Fire-engines in New South Wales.
DENNIS fire-engines have not only achieved considerable popularity in this country, but•have won many laurels in countries abroad. An instance of this satisfaction can be quoted from New South Wales, where the Board of Fire Commissioners has, we understand, recently placed an order for 15 fire-engines of Dennis make, this being placed through Dennis Truck Sales, Ltd„ of Sydney. When these appliances are delivered, the New South Wales Board of Fire Commissioners will have approximately 70 Dennis Ere-engines in service.
The acquisition of additional equipment will enable certain of the machines to be transferred to country areas, -which, it has been said, have not been adequately equipped to counteract the great risks of bush fires \cilia' exist during certain periods of the year.
Trade Chances in China.
A SHORT confidential report on the market for motor vehicles in China has been prepared by the Department of Overseas Trade from information furnished by the commercial secretary at Shanghai. A copy of the report can be obtained by British firms Upon communicating with the Department, at 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1. Inquirers should quote reference AX. 7429.
The East African Market.
THERE have been very slight gains by both British and Italian manufacturers in the market for motor vehicles in East Africa, against the dominating strength of American producers. Much has been written upon the subject of comparative efficiency, but, at the same time, the provision made for extended road construction in East Africa points to increasing possibilities for the sale of mechanically propelled vehicles.
The practice of arranging for buyers to purchase tractors on easy terms has had much to do with the strong position secured in this connection by American manufacturers. According to a Department of Overseas Trade report, British manufacturers have, with two possible exceptions, done very little as yet to secure a foothold in this market. Legislation has been enacted in Kenya whereby users of kerosene oil for tractors and other agricultural machinery can secure a refund of the import duty.
A B.W.I. Import Restriction. THE importation into St. Vincent, British West Indies, of motor lorries having a carrying capacity certified by the manufacturers to exceed 21tons has been prohibited since December 1st last.
• Commercial Motor Progress in Denmark.
THE Danish Statistical Department undertook a census of motor vehicles that were in use in Denmark on September 30th last, and the result shows that the total number of such vehicles registered on that date was 107,971, or one vehicle for every 32 inhabitants. The number of motor vehicles excluding motorcycles, in use at the date mentioned was 8808, this figure comparing with 75,594 in Mare% 1927. Of the total, delivery vans and lorries were responsible for 25,250 vehicles, all but 991 of which were running on pneumatic tyres. Of the total, 7,310 vehicles fall within the net-weight category of 1,001-1,200 kilos.
lithe motor vehicles weighing not less than 2,000 kilos. be classified according to type—private cars, motorbuses, taxicabs, and delivery vans and lorries—it is to be noted that the vehicles comprised by those weight classes are practically all buses working on definite routes or motor lorries. Inquiry shows that the decrease in the total registration of such vehicles is entirely in respect of motor lorries, the reduction in the number of which, since the 1927 census, has amounted to 32 per cent. for vehicles weighing at least 2,000 kilos., and to 42 per cent. if 3,000 kilos. be taken as the minimum net weight. On thc other hand, the number of route buses and town buses of over 3,000 kilos. weight shows a rise of 58 per cent. Agricultural Machinery Competitions in Switzerland.
THE British Consul at , Geneva has furnished the Department of Overseas Trade with information regarding agricultural machinery competitions, to be held in Switzerland in September, 1920 and 1030. The first competition will be in respect of designs relating to power-driven agricultural appliances which are suitable for use on small holdings. At the competition to be held in 1930, practical demonstrations of the various machines will be given.
Manufacturers in this country who may be interested in displaying British appliances can obtain further particulars upon application to the Department, at 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, reference AX. 7394 being quoted.
Lorry and Bus Prospects in Arabia, INFORMATION has been received which paints to the construction in the near future' of a motor road from Ash Shehr to Terim, in southern Arabia, connecting with the present road from Makalla on the Gulf of Aden north-eastward to the minor port of Ash Sliehr. Motor vehicles are already operating to a limited extent, between the two ports, and they use a beach road that follows the coast for about 25_or 40 miles.
Mexican Import Duties Reduced.
THE Mexican Treasury has replied favourably to the application made by the importers of road vehicles for lower import duties on commercial and other motor vehicles. The new ditties will be assessed on the f.o.b. factory prices, regardless of weight. It is understood that, to compensate for these reductions, the tax on petrol will be increased.
Two Swiss Motor Shows.
AS a result of the increasing demand for space, it has been decided to hold two Swiss motor shows this year in Geneva. The section for motorbuses, lorries, and vans will he included in the second exhibition. -which is to be held from April 270. to May 5th next.