The standard bearers
Page 2
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:REDIT must be given where and when it is due, but imported hassis manufacaturers don't always get their fair share. In those halcyon days when our domestic manufaturers had Iverflowing order books, the importers arrived. They satisfied in immediate need with off-the-shelf deliveries. These orders yore placed by the operators at the end of the domestic queue vho couldn't wait.
They paid over the odds for theirimpatience — the price of he imported vehicles was much dearer than they had been ised to paying — but their need was pressing and, in the main, hey bought wisely.
The circumstances amounted almost to a phenomenon. lritish operators had been unwilling to pay for premium 'ehicles, so domestic manufacturers built down to a price. The breakthrough which the importers achieved dented the lomestic suppliers' market share on the one hand, but on the ither, it raised standards and quality.
Scania was one of the leaders in the initial assault on the narket and must share in the credit for improving standards. Today's domestic breed has closed the gap and matches the -nporters' pound for pound in value; but the new Scania range as stepped up the pace once again, which will no doubt lead o further improvements.
This is good for all sides of the industry. It enhances the -nage, the safety record and the service which operators can lifer to the public. It makes driving desirable occupation and nust attract the right type of eople into the business. Standards can only be raised.