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Research : Vital Factor
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COMPARED with American practice, expenditure on research by typical British manufacturers—where any such research is carried out at all—represents a relatively high proportion of the market value of the vehicles produced, because of a more limited output. This is inevitable, so it is to the credit of the British industry—and a source of profit--that research projects have mainly been based on a realistic appreciation of operators' immediate problems.
Waste has largely been avoided and it is symptomatic of the industry that, in some cases, a trend originating in America or in a Continental country has been continued by a British maker after concentrated research on essential detail. There is certainly no reason to suppose that connections between British manufacturers and, for instance, American parent concerns bring anything but good.
Balanced View
The necessity to be expedient has bred a balanced view of the practical value of research. Very large sums can be spent on research to no good purpose if the work is haphazardly planned. In fact, the production of an advanced design that has no market value because of faulty detail. or costly production reacts very unfavourably on the reputation of the manufacturer. Although vital conservatism might seem to have been the keynote of British makers' research policies, when looking at the end products, such is, in fact, far from the case. Many makers do try out a great many ideas on prototypes. If they are subsequently left off the vehicle, it is only because no maker will put new ideas into production until he is assured they will be worth while. The apparently slow development of air suspension and disc brakes are two current instances.
In fact, the British manufacturers have provided a very substantial contribution to the United Kingdom's export earnings. True, there is at present a slight slump in commercial vehicle exports, compared with the record month of May, 1960, when 14,404 vehicles and chassis of all types were sold outside this country. But when viewed in perspective, even the 9,936 units exported in October last (the latest published figures) had a total value of £7,393,605. In the first 10 months of 1960 British manufacturers exported units worth over £90m. It is almost certain that the full year's total will top £100m.—a fine achievement.
Leading the World Commercial vehicle operators in this country have considerable reason to be thankful for British manufacturers' efforts, because attempts to export inevitably result in better, more tried, designs being available. This country leads the world, for instance, in semiand fully-automatic transmission systems. Reviewing the potential of research at a different level, however, shows that a full order book can foster semi-stagnation. Conversely a flagging market produced by competition that is too keen, or by the good-wearing properties of older vehicles, can act as a stimulant to design progress.
When this condition develops, the need for additional funds for research projects can be an acute financial embarrassment to the manufacturer unless it has been provided for in cost schedules. Whilst the majority of makers have the foresight to recognize that long-term research is the basis of stable enterprise, full appreciation of its value should not be dissipated by a smug attitude to a healthy market.
Long-term research is liable to be confused, in practice, with short-term research relating to models being developed for production within a few years. The thought processes of long-term research workers should be divorced from the duress of shortterm action, but an essential corollary is an awareness by management of the implications.
How many long-term research test vehicles are in operation, as distinct from advanced prototypes and vehicles equipped to evaluate the characteristics of a particular type of component? It is the responsibility of management to evaluate the period in prospect covered by the long-term research policy of the company. A period of 20 years, although arbitrary, could well be taken as a useful measure. To evolve the vehicle of the future on this basis could produce applicable results in a much shorter time.
How many British manufacturers can claim to be forward thinking to this extent? Taking stock of the future on these lines could be all-important to the industry and, of course, to operators.
Is it Wise?
DEFINITELY a step in the right direction. That will be the reaction of all long-distance haulage members of the Road Haulage Association to the news, in this issue, of publication of the R.H.A. rates guide. The guide is coupled to a code of conduct designed to discourage flagrant rate-cutting. The Commercial Motor applauds the move.
Whether the rates committee is wise, however, to charge £3 10s. for each copy is another matter. As value for money £3 10s. is a small price to ask. But it is a large enough sum to discourage some small hauliers who might otherwise benefit from such an invaluable guide.