Bird's Eye View
Page 52
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WHILE at the Turin Motor Show last week I met Mr.
E. F. Gutfreund, who is the export manager of the' Lancia concern, and who told me something of his company's plans for Europe and the Common Market. He confirmed that Lancia intended to expand their truck sales gradually into Europe, having already established markets in Austria and Switzerland, but felt it wise to concentrate on existing flourishing export markets, such as Ethiopia, Liberia, the Sudan and so forth for the time being. Lancia would stay independent in that they were not contemplating any link-ups with manufacturers in other Common Market countries, but Mr. Gutfreund did say that the company may consider supplying units to other European makers. This is the sort of arrangement which, I .feel, could well expand with the Common Market: who knows —we may one day see a French vehicle with an English engine, a German gearbox, a Dutch cab and Italian axles!
Omnibus Words
A S one whose duty inculcates a certain respect for the -I-English language I must admit to a sense of irritation at various rather odd expressions coined by some publicity interests. Perhaps, however, " Wotalotigot ", and " Drinka
pinta" and the rest, justify themselves commercially by the impression they leave in people's minds. Only recently did I learn that at least one road transport firm is following the trend, its contribution to the world of omnibus words being "Wekankarryit ".
All that needs to be added is that its originators hail from a famous seat of learning: to wit, Oxford.
A Good Name
A CCORDING to Mr. Norman Parry, director and -1-1k general manager of Rolls-Royce Ltd., Oil Engine Division, Shrewsbury, a company's high reputation can create a prejudice against some of its products. Mr. Parry
c2 was addressing members of the technical Press at a preview recently of the concern's new D range of high-output V8 diesel engines. After paying tribute to Rolls-Royce aero and car engines, a number of diesel-engine users have expressed the misguided view that a manufacturer producing high-precision units of this type could not be expected to develop such a robust piece of machinery as a diesel engine intended for arduous work on and off the highway.
Although the company's technical resources in the Aero and Motor Car Divisions are available to, and are used by, the Oil Engine Division," said Mr. Parry, "I think you will appreciate—when you see the D range engine— that this is an engine based on diesel experience and made in a factory equipped and skilled for the economical production of products heavier and more robust than those normally associated with Rolls-Royce.
Heavy and Economical
DUE for quantity production in mid-1963 the D range of V8 engines will be produced in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms with ratings of 400 b.h.p. to 700 b.h.p. Although the weight of the bare engine of 6,400 lb. precludes its application to normal types of road vehicle, it might find a place in the heavy haulage industry in the not-too-distant future, particularly if its weight is reduced by the liberal use of aluminium.
Although no specific consumption figures are available, the large bore of the engine and its relatively low, speed of 1,800 r.p.m. should enable a favourable consumption to be obtained. It was pointed out by Mr. Parry that in 10 years the output of the C-range six-cylindered engine has been uprated from 180 b.h.p. to 340 b.h.p. without loss of reliability.
A Sort of Upstart . . .
THE motorbus is still regarded in some quarters as a I sort of upstart which has only come on to the transport scene in recent years. The Golden Jubilee of the Aldershot and District Traction Co. Ltd., celebrated last week, is yet another reminder that the foundations for much of the modern network of bus services were laid before the First World War.
To me, the mention of "A. and D." always conjures up pictures of Dennis buses, generally with Strachans bodywork, although nowadays a considerable part of the singledecker fleet is based on A.E.C. Reliance chassis. I wonder what makes of vehicle, particularly double-deckers, we might see in the familiar two shades of green in the future, especially as the Dennis concern is rumoured to be wondering whether to return to the passenger market.