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On the eve of the Earls Court Show, which will

13th September 1974
Page 51
Page 51, 13th September 1974 — On the eve of the Earls Court Show, which will
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

focus attention on the industry's essential equip/net-it, it is salutary to be reminded b) the I.Dolr championships that only the skill and effort of the country's professional &iv ing force turns this mass of inert hardware into productive transport

It is a fact which should claim the increasi attention of Vehicle and equipment manufacturers. British makers have gained a reputation for building sale commercial 'chides — supporting the skills which a Cornish champion and an Aberdeenshire runner-up in the ( '11-sponsored contest have demonstrated to be nationwide'. Such skills are valuable not only in their own right but as an example which must hay e effect throughout the industry: in his message to LDoY finalists, the Minister for Transport rated the skill and consiOeration of lorry drivers as the most important factor in the encouraging fail in the commercial vehicle accident rate. gut skill and safety apart, manufacturers are being compelled to appreciate that drivers are voting with their feet — by refusing to drive vehicles whose comfort standards fall below the high standards set by the Continentals.

Even the Show briefing material from Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders concedes that, with one or to Texceptions, British heavy trucks have not until recently been able to match the softer ride and well-finished cab interior which have become such a selling point for the imported truck. in a CM spot check this week, big operators have confirmed that driver preference as well as quicker delivery is a factor in the widespread trend towards re-equipment with Continental heavies. It looks as though the dramatic improvement in cab comfort among British makes has come onl) just in time. the

Neither manufacturers nor operators can rest on their laurels in this regard, even if another recession puts drivers on the labour market: ever) lesson from abroad teaches that skilful and industrious heavy-truck drivers become harder, year by Near, to find and to keep.