THE CALL OF OLYMPIA

5th November 1929, Page 111

5th November 1929

Page 111

Page 111, 5th November 1929 — THE CALL OF OLYMPIA

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ifIFIERE is every indication that the Commer1cial Motor Exhibition, which opens next Thursday at Olympia, will offer the most striking display of road and cross-country vehicles and appliances, together with accessories, components and equipment for them, which .has ever been staged In this or any other country.

It is frankly admitted by many of our foreign rivals that' the astounding strides which have been made by the commercial-motor industry have raised our products to such a high plane that their quality, although it may be equalled by certain first-class imports from othercountries, cannot be excelled. In bodywork, too, the British coachbuilder certainly reigns supreme.

The exhibits at Olympia will prove to be of such a comprehensive nature that they can hardly fail to provide a solution to any transport problem. A large proportion will consist of vehicles and appliances shown for the first time. We have examined practically all these. products and we have been greatly impressed by the high average quality, the careful design and the attention which has been given to all those points which make for safety, reliability and economy in running. There are certain distinct tendencies which will impress themselves upon the visitor, but most of these were dealt with last week. We may refer briefly, however, to the six-cylindered engine, servo-operated braking and centralized or battery lubrication, whilst the employment of light alloys is on the increase.

Since the Olympia Show of two years ago the passenger-vehicle body has undergone some radical changes, making for the seemingly -Ultima Thule of comfort. Seating arrangements, ventilation, heating and sliding roofs have all added their quota towards the comfort of the passenger, and many a vehicle on view will compare favourably, in this respect, with the high-class private car.

Two of the developments which have occurred in connection with machines designed for the transport of goods are the progress of the large sixwheeler to carry 12 tons, and the road tractor or tractor-trailer. At the other end of the scale, perhaps the greatest advance has been made in connection with vehicles of 11-2 tons capacity, but there are not lacking new models between these extremes. Visitors to -Olympia can examine the latest examples of that essentially British product—the steam wagon, as several will be shown, including four-wheelers and six-wheelers.

It is to be regretted that, if present arrangements hold good, no British Diesel engines will be on view, but there will be several of foreign make which will afford a good idea of the progress made. Many experiments are being made in this country and one vehicle is in production.

No one who is in any way interested in road transport and its development can afford to miss this most wonderful of exhibitions.