Let the Operator Advise the Maker
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-Do Not Check Creative Spirit By Another Manufaciurer Amanufacturers of commercial vehicles we have been extremely interested in. the recent articles cria the sub-. ject of " Let the Operator Advise the Maker," and we may say that we are not a little disturbed and dismayed, particularly as the policy of this company for the past 40 years has been to supply vehicles based largely on the requirements of the customer; indeed, to such an extent that the production and technical departments have made' repeated requests over many years to the sales department to endeavour to adhere strictly to standard specifications and cease building special vehicles for the exacting type of customer at the expense of increasing the production cost of standard types of vehicle.
It is not possible here to deal with the subject at any• length, but a few thoughts emanating. from the numerous articles will perhaps convey a realization that " All is not gold that glitters," and that pitfalls are almost as prolific as land mines when dealing with a subject of this magnitude'.
It is suggested by a number, of people that a better system of standardization be adopted amongst all manufacturers, and one must admit that such an efficient state of affairs in respect of maintenance and service is an ideal to aim for, but to what length is it intended to carry this idea of standardization? Is it suggested that every make of commercial vehicle in its respective class be built in such a manner that parts become interchangeable, if so, any incentive to create something new or distinctive will be crushed and life in the manufacturing world will reach a state of boredom, We venture to state that in'pre-war years individuality in design and the expectancy of seeing something new were largely responsible for the interest taken by the operators in the commercial motor shows which were held from time to time, and in many instances such individuality was to some extent the means for sales being effected.
As already stated, we agree that standardization is essential, both from a manufacturing and servicing angle, and so far as each individual manufacturer is concerned, we contend that attention has been paid to such matters and it is only a question of providing for the special requirements of a' certain section of the haulage business which really affects the issue.
Many manufacturers have established their own service depots throughout the country, which, coupled with the various agents, cater for the servicing of their own makes of vehicle, and we ourselves can truthfully . say that our customers have little difficulty in maintaining their fleets and giving their own customer satisfactory service,
We appreciate that there is a tendency to-day to form groups and committees, and we welcome any constructive suggestions which may emanate therefrom, but please do not allow the creative and individual instinct to pass away.