• Home
• Used vehicles
• Product news
• Dealer news
• Compliance
• Buying advice
• Archive

News of the Week

1.1I,T.E. HOLDS A BRAINS TRUST

THE third meeting of the inaugural session of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers was a brains trust, held on December 12 at the Royal Society of Arts, the question master being Mr. N. G. Brookes, M.I.R.T.E., chief engineer of the Aldershot and District Traction Co., Ltd.

A considerable number of interesting questions was dealt with, and the general opinion was that the meeting had been most successful. Mr. Brookes was congratulated upon being the right ,man in the right place. His summing up of the various replies 'made by the brains trusters was concise and masterly. The other members of the brains trust were: Mr. P. Smyth (Asiatic Petroleum Co., Ltd.), Captain J. B. Walton (S.P.D., Ltd.), Major P. M. A.. Thomas (" Motor Transport "), Mr. J. W. C. Hedges (Carter Paterson and Co., Ltd.), and Mr. J. D. Osborne (Silvertown Lubricants).

HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE OF "COMMONS" FORMED HIGHWAYS .Development Co

JArn

L mittee of the 'House of Commons was inaugurated at a meeting held at the " House " on December 11. Mr. B. Janner was elected chairman and Mr. G. House hon. secretary; additional officers are to be appointed later. This committee, which has been established at the instigation of the Roads Improvement Association, will take the place of the All-Parties Roads and Bridges Committee of the late Parliament, which was sponsored by the Association.

The immediate programme of the committee is to accelerate (1) the production and issue of the master plan that is to indicate the framework of our future road system, and (2) the development of a long-term programme to carry out the improvements and extensions that will be specified in the plan. The provision of finance and other resources to carry out these works are to be debated at the next meeting.

PROBLEMS THAT BESET THE MANUFACTURER JN the course of his speech at the general meeting of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., Mr. C. W. Reeve, C.B.E., the chairman, after giving a broad review of the company's extensive war-time production, went on to discuss future possibilities.

The company has a very full order book, both for this country and overseas. So far as the export m3rket is concerned, he felt that a great deal of lip service is being paid by Ministers and various Government spokesmen, but that little practical assistance is experienced from the same sources, and no real priority for labour or materials for export work is given. . Since the beginning of the year, the company has been seeking additional skilled labour for this purpose without any perceptible result. ' Substantial orders are in hand to meet the post-war requirements of the London Passenger Transport Board, • and agreements between the company and the Board provided for the delivery of chassis and spares until June, 1944. These agreements have been extended for another five years.

Manufacturers to-day, he said, especially in the engineering industry, are unimpressed by the desire expressed for greater output whilst, at the same time, having to suffer the calling up of skilled workers before employees in the various Services are returned to them.

ANALYSIS BOOK REPUBLISHED TN the past, the publication, "Standard 'Methods of Analysis," of the United Steel Companies, Ltd., met with considerable demand. The book, which has been revised and enlarged, has now been produced in a standard format which should increase its popularity. The book deals fully with analysis methods of iron, steel and ferro-alloys employed in the laboratories of the United Steel Companies, Ltd„ and copies may be obtained from the Publications Dept., United Steel Companies, Ltd., 17, Westbourne Road, Sheffield, 10, Yorkshire, price 7s. 6d. net.

LAX. REPAIR CERTIFICATE SCHEME NOT TO BE REVIVED

THE Council of the Institution of

Automobile Engineers has recently reviewed the possibility of reviving its repair certificate scheme, which was suspended throughout the war. Having regard to the forthcoming initiation of a national scheme of certification of motor-vehicle repair apprentices, which has been sponsored by the National Joint Industrial Council for the Motor Vehicle Retail and Repairing Trade, and adopted by the Ministry of Education, the Council considers that no useful purpose would be served by reviving it. Therefore, no further practical tests will be organized and no further certificates issued.

If the possession of a certificate becomes compulsory for employment, it is felt that the claims of the I.A.E. repair certificate cannot be overlooked in that case.

Details of the national scheme are obtainable from the Ministry of Education through the City and Guilds of London Institute, Department of Technology, Kensington, Londo n. S.W.7. LICENCES TO ACQUIRE BEING DISCONTINUED

THE Minister of War Transport announces that, in view of the increased production anticipated in 1946, he has decided to discontinue, at the end of the year, the system' of licences to acquire all types of new motor vehicle (goods vehicles, publicservice vehicles and cars). Accordingly, no further licences will be issued by the Ministry.

The manufacturers have undertaken to supply new vehicles to holders of licences to acquire already issued before meeting the orders of other customers. The Minister is also removing, at the end of the year, the control on the sale of used public-service vehicles, which will no longer need the authority of a licence from the Regional Transport Commissioner.

Before entering into any commitment to buy a goods vehicle or public-service vehicle, the intending purchaser should make the usual inquiries to satisfy himself that the R.T.C. is prepared to grant a permit authorizing its use.

A ROOTES COMPANY CHANGES ITS NAME

AS from January 7, 1946, the Rootcs Group Company known as Transport Acceptances, Ltd. (which for many years has exclusively handled hirepurchase financial arrangements for the Group) will be known as Rootes Acceptances, Ltd. It will be operated from Devonshire House, Piccadilly, London, W.1, and will be under the managing directorship of Mr. D. Jamieson Moore.

MUNICIPAL TRANSPORT ENGINEERS CELEBRATE

A MOST enjoyable Victory celebra1-1 tion dinner, cabaret and dance was

held last Saturday at the Tudor Barn Café, Eltharn, London, S.E.9, . by the Asociation of Municipal Transport and Mechanical Engineers.

The toast of the Association was proposed by Mr. G. Mackenzie Junner, Editor of "The Commercial Motor," who congratulated the Association on its progress, including in his remarks a reference to the founder and chairman. Mr. M. Downs, M.I.R.T.E. Many of the members of this body, the speaker said, have also joined the Institute of Road Transport Engineers, but it was important that they should maintain their connection with the Association because it specialiies in a particular branch of motor engineering and deals with many tasks not ordinarily encountered by the road transport engineer. At the same time, he appreciated the support which had been given by them to the I.R.T.E., of which he was chairman. This was the first dinner of the Association and was a most successful event, Response was made by the chairman, who took the opportunity of expressing thanks to the secretary and other officials of the Association.

"The Guests was proposed by the hon. secretary, Mr. C. H. Davison, M.I.R.T.E.. responses being made by Messrs. E. W. Keighley and J. Faulkner.

BRrnsti VEHICLES TO BE MADE IN INDIA BEFORE he left recently for Calcutta by air, Sir Mites Thomas, vice-chairman of the Nuffield Organization, said that in conjunction with Indian financiers, the Nuffield Organization was co-operating in the formation of a £3,000,000 company called Hindustan Motors, Ltd., which was backed by the Indian concern of Birla Bros.

Hindustan Motors, Ltd., would first assemble, and then manufacture Nuffield cars and commercial vehicles. A team of technicians had already been sent to India, said Sir Miles, and Indian apprentices are being taken into the shops in England, there being a complete interchange of knowledge.

GLASGOW'S EXPERIMENTAL TROLLEYBUS PLAN QCOTLAND'S first trolleybus Oment may be approved, in principle, by Glasgow Corporation. The transport committee recommends that technical advice be obtained on a scheme to spend £126,000 on a trolleybus service between Polmadie, in the south of the city, and Provanmill, in the north. The estimated cost includes £75,000 for 25 vehicles, £34,000 for cables, £12,000 for Overhead equipment, and £5,000 for sub-stationS.

URGENT NEED FOR STEPPING-UP EXPORTS

THE British motor industry can make a greater contribution, in proportion to its pre-war figures, to the dire necessity created by the American loan than any other industry in the country, Mr. George W. Lucas, president of the Motor Agents' Association, told members of the Institute of Traffic Administration last week.

Unless we could improve to a greater extent our position in the competitive markets of the world, by producing the right goods at the right prices, all the loans in the world would not save us. Instead of increasing our exports by 50 per cent. over pre-war volume figures, they had now to be increased by 75 per cent.

In the American loan arrangements, Mr. Lucas continued, the lowering of tariffs was implied; 80 per cent. of the motor industry's pre-war exports went to the Empire under Imperial prefer ence. If this be towered, we shout's have to meet increased competition in these markets.

What chance had we of increasing our exports of British vehicles to these' foreign markets if all we had to offer was the same type which proved unattractive to them before the war'? The whole position of the British motor industry and its contribution to the export markets must come under searching investigation.

Until they were freed from all elements which circumscribed design, British motor vehicles would never make their proper contribution to the welfare of this country.

A.E.C. APPOINTS FIVE DISTRIBUTORS IN WEST OF ENGLAND

ONE important aim of the post-war ‘...../policy of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., is to maintain closer contact between existing and potential operators of its vehicles than in the past. This

is particularly desirable in the Western counties which have, hitherto, been served only by the company's branch establishment at Southampton and a spares depot at Exeter. • The company now announces the appointment of five distributors who will represent its interests from the western part of Wiltshire to Land's End These will be linked with A.E.C.'s main divisional sales office at 7, The Avenue, 'Southampton.

Their names and addresses and a general indication Of the areas allotted to them are given below.

Western Motor and Bristol, the counties of Carriage Co. (Bristol), Gloucester, Somerset Ltd., Coliseum, Park and Dorset, and the Row, Bristol, 1. western part of Wilts, Motor Mats (Exeter), Exeter and part of Ltd., 167-169, Sidwell Devon, eKcluding Street, Exeter. Moretonharnpst e a d, General manager, Merton and South Colonel J. Hacking. Mohon.

Western Garage and Newton Abbot and part Engineering Works, of Devon, incinding Ltd., 48-56 WolborTeignmouth, Paige ougn Street, Newton ton, Ashburton and Abbot. General manMoretonitampstead.

ager. E. G. Randall.

W. Minnford, Ltd., Plymouth and parts of Abbey Garage, St. the counties of Devon

Andrew'sStreet, Plyand Cornwall, exclud

mouth, General ing Padstow a u d manager, P. W. B. Fowey. Prance, H.T.P. Motors, Ltd., Truro and the western Princes Street, TrUTCY, part of Cornwall. in

General manager, cluding Padstow and

K. J. Mumford. Fowey

CROSSLEY MOTORS TAKING OVER BIG WAR-TIME WORKS

IN pursuance of its post-war plans for the extension of the production of public-service and commercial vehicles, Crossley Motors, Ltd., Manchester, is shortly taking ovet the extensive factory of the Fairey Aviation Co. at Errwood Park, near Stockport. The factory is being vacated by Fairey's at the end of its war-time contracts. The works cover an area of approximately 650,000 sq, ft. and are of modern design and layout.

NEED FOR HAULAGE RATES STRUCTURE " WjE cannot survive without an VV efficient transport industry, be it road, rail or water," said Mr, A. W. H. T. Jackson, national chairman of the Industrial Transport Association, in an address at Leeds, last week, when he called for resistance to State control of transport services in this country. He urged that all who thought such Government interference would teed to the negation of efficiency should bind themselves together into an antinationalization front.

Mn Jackson, traffic manager for the Raleigh Cycle Co., Ltd., Nottingham, whose address was entitled "The Industrialist Looking Ahead," gave a broad survey of the post-war industrial field in this country, to members of the Leeds branch of the Association, after a dinner at which he was the guest of honour. He -stressed that the transport industry should be free to develop its energies for the service of the traVelling public and the commerce of the Nation. A measure of competition was necessary as an aid to developm01 of economy for the benefit of the community. A preferable alternative to State . management of transport would be a corporation system whereby, for each form of transport, there would be public ownership but independence of management.

In a more detailed discussion Of postwar transport organization, Mr. Jackson emphasized the need for a roadhaulage rates structure, andsome advance towards co-ordination of road and rail services. Industrialists, he added, wanted to be in a position to calculate carriage charges for the distribution of goods in the home and overseas markets. NO BUSES ALONG HONISTER

THE Ministry of War Transport has decided not to permit public service vehicles to run along Hon ister Pass, Cumberland, from Buttermere to Seatoller. , There are sharp bends and gradients in the Pass and, after practical tests, the Ministry decided that the route was not suitable for buses;

BRAZIL MAKES ITS OWN TRUCKS

AREUTER report from Rio de • Janeiro states that the output of the Marechal Hermes plant of the NationalTruck Co., which was established recently, amounts to six lorries perday. An annual output of 4,000 trucks is said to be the company's programme for the Mareehal Hermes and Cruzeiro plants.

PRIORITY TRAVEL TO CO •

BUS operators in the North-eastern Region have been.autborized by the Regional Transport . Commissioner. • Major F. S. Eastwood, to discontinue, at their discretion, the war-time practice of allowing workers the right to priority travel. Several undertakings have discontinued the practice, whilst others are deferring the step until they are able to put more vehicles into service.

REDUCING NUMBER OF STANDING BUS PASSENGERS

A SCHEME for the progressive reduction of the number of standing passengers allowed on buses in the North-eastern region has been put forward by the . Regional Transport Commissioner, Major F. S. Eastwood, as an outcome of conversations with Mr. C. Fitzgerald, a Yorkshire official of the passenger branch of the Transport and General Workers' Union. The scheme provides for reductions in the following stages:—From 12 to eight, as from January 1, on Sundays only; from 12 to eight on all weekdays, as from February 1; from eight to the 1939 figure of five on all days, as from

May 1 These suggested stages have • been set having regard to prospects of new vehicle production and demobilization..

MORE MEMBERS WANTED FOR BENEVOLENT FUND OMMENT on livh a t he termed the ghastly sap" between the actual and potential membership of the Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund was made by Mr. Thomas I. Bennett, of Leeds, chairman of the Yorkshire Centre, at the Centre's annual meeting, in Leeds.

The Fund's lack of membership, said Mr. Bennett, was shown by the fact that of its income only 7 per cent. came from members and 4 per cent, from associate members, the remainder being made up of 74 per cent. irtsubscriptions from other sources and 15 per cent, in interest on investments.

Stating that the Yorkshire Centre's' membership had increased from 442 to 473 since the previous annual meeting, Mr. Bennett expressed disappointment that the increase had not been greater, but he was very hopeful about the progress which' had been made in the formation of local boards in liaison with the M.A.A.'s local sections. RAILWAYS COULD NOT HAVE TACKLED THIS JOB W/RAT is claimed to be one of the rf largest electrical loads ever conveyed by road in this country was recently tackled by Pickford's, Ltd., between Stafford and Blackburn. The load comprised the I25-ton stator of a new 40,000-kw. alternator, which the English Electric Co., Ltd., is building for Blackburn Corporation's electric power station.

The job required the services of a motor wagon and two steam traction engines in front, with an additonal highpowered oil-erigined tractor behind for braking purposes. Travelling by day, at an averave speed of 5 m.p.h., the convoy is estimated to have travelled an additional 100 miles in order to avoid difficult bridges and junctions. With it was a staff of 12 drivers and mechanics, who had their own mobile kitchen.

THIRTY THOUSAND VEHICLES SURPLUS IN THREE YEARS

OVER the past three years 30,065 N.F.S. vehicles have been reported to the Ministry of Supply as being surplus. 'Information concerning the average time elapsing between report and transfer of the vehicles to the Ministry, under the scheme for the disposal of Government stores, is not available.

Mr. Chuter Ede, Home Secretary, giving this information in a recent written answer to a question put by Mr. Q. Hogg, stated that. in view of the fact that over 20,000 vehicles have been dealt with, it would be a formidable task to go through records to obtain the details required.

NO EXTENSION YET OF CAB OPERATING RANGE I AM unable to agree to further extensions at present," stated Mr. E. Shinwell in the House of Commons, last week, in a written reply to a question concerning the 10-mile limit imposed on taxicabs.

Lieut.-Col. Mackeson had asked the Minister if he were aware that privatehire cars are allowed to proceed outside a 10-mile limit, whilst taxicabs are not so allowed, and if he would reduce the restrictions placed on the-latter. Mr. Shinwell replied that petrol allowances for both types were increased last June, and there was an extension of the permitted radius of operation of both classes of vehicle. In the case of taxicabs, the radius was extended from five to 10 miles beyond the boundary of the area within which the vehicle is licensed to ply for hire.

BOOKLET ON TYRE CARE

A RESTYLED edition of the popular 1-1. booklet, "The Tyre-way Code," has been published by Henley's Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., Westcott, Dorking, Surrey. A number of humorous sketches increases the readability of this useful pocket-sized booklet, which contains much valuable and interesting information about the care of tyres. It can be obtained free from the address given.

OVERSEAS ORDERS FOR VULCANS

WM are advised by Vulcan Motors, Ltd., Maidstone, that it has recently received an order from Denmark for 100 Vulcan chassis, equally divided between petroland oil-engined

vehicles. The company also has on hand an order for 40 vehicles from Portugal and 18 for. Argentine, whilst. other orders received from Ceylon, Canary Islands, Eire and Uruguay are being executed.

SINIMS EASTERN COUNTIES BRANCH ANEW branch at Tudor Place, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, was recently opened by Simms Motor Units, Ltd., to enable increased service to be given to users of Simms electrical and fuel-injection equipment. A modern building has been acquired and fully equipped to handle repairs to every make and type of automobile, marine and industrial lighting, starting, ignition and oil-fuel injection equipment.

This branch is under the management of Mr. D. H. klawgood, who has previously covered this area from London. MOTOR INDUSTRY RESEARCH ASSOCIATION FORMED

ODeceMber II, the memorandum `.-./ and articles of association of an entirely new and independent ,organizalion, the Motor Industry Research Association, approved by the Board of Trade, were signed by representative members of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and 'Traders and members of the Institution of Automobile Engineers.

The following were the signatories:— Mr. E. C. Ruffle for Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd.; Mr. C. Et Nixon for Leyland Motors, Ltd.; Mr. L. P. Lord for the Austin Motor Co., Ltd.; Mr. W. R. Black for Park Royal Coachworks, Ltd.; Mr. H. L. Kenward for the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., Sir Stanford Cooper for the Ford Motor Co., Ltd.; Sir Peter Bennett for Joseph Lucas, Ltd., and six members of the I.A.E., signing in their personal capacity, these being Messrs. E. A. Evans, John Shearman, A. G. Benstead, W. Constantine, G. H. Lanehester and W. A. Tookey.

The new Association will have at its disposal the research laboratory on the Great West Road, at present directed by the Automobile Research Committee of the I.A.E. Dependent upon the substantial support of the industry, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has agreed to make grants to the Association.

The new Association will be governed by a council of 32, consisting of representatives of the industry and of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

ONE HUNDRED LORRIES DAILY FOR U.N.R.R.A.

ORRIES for the relief of Europe are I-Abeing shipped by U.N.R.R.A from this country at the rate of 100 a day, said the Minister of Supply, Mr. J. 'Wilmot, in the House of Commons last week, in reply to a question put by Mrs. Middleton.

U.N.R.R.A.'s requirements called for the supply from this country of 14,248 vehicles, of which 10,230 fall to be supplied from surplus Service stocks; 6,622 have already been sent for service on the Continent. 'NO LORRIES LENT TO SPAIN

1\

10 vehicles have been lent or sold to

Spain by the British Government. and there is no information about any loan of vehicles by the U.S.A., said Mr. 5. Wilmot, Minister of Supply, in the House of Commons, last week, in reply to a question put by Wing Commander Cooper. Since January, licences have been granted against normal commercial orders for the export of 40 commercial vehicles to Spain.

BRITAIN HAS BEST BUS SERVICES

THE British Isles enjoy the Ernest road passenger-transport services in the world, said Mr. J. S. Wills, M.Inst.T., chairman of East Yorkshire Motor Services, Ltd., at the recent annual general meeting of the company. " At a time when all concerned should be working to enable the Nation to emerge from disorganization brought about by the war, it is actually proposed to divert untold man hours to pulling to pieces what has been built up over a• period of half a century and putting the pieces together again !" declared Mr. Wills. "To all clear-thinking people, therefore, it will be apparent that we are asked to abandon a tried and proven. system for a vast and costly experiment in State monopoly, all because of a political. creed."

RUSSIA PLANS PRODUCTION ON BIG SCALE

ALREADY work has begun on a number of new arterial highways in Russia, in connection with the fourth five-year plan, that covers every aspect of Russian life. An extensive network of motor roads is projected, says Reuter.

The Molotov Auto plant at Gorky, the " Detroit " of the Soviet Union, is, it is stated, to achieve a production rate of 1,000 cars and lorries per day. A number of new automobile factories is to be established, and they will have their own housing settlements in Siberia, the Ukraine, White Russia and Georgia. A sum of £200,000,000 is being invested in this industry.

MANY SAFETY AWARDS FOR SCOTS BUS DRIVERS

RECENTLY, Mr. Archibald Henderson, R.T.C. for Scotland, made presentations of safety-first awards to drivers of Youngs' Bus Service, Ltd., and the Paisley and District Omnibus Co., Ltd., for the years 1939744. In the course of his-address, he emphasized the importance .of a general good standard of conduct on the roads, and pointed out that bus and lorry drivers had what he might term professional experience, so that it was their duty to show others how they should use the roads.

Gold medals were presented to Messrs. William Brien, William McArthur and William McLelland. Six drivers received three bars to silver medal, seven drivers two bars to the silver medal, and 10 drivers one bar to the silver medal. Cash awards amounted to £929, the highest, E60, going to Mr. William Brien, who also received two oak-leaf bars to the gold meLl. MORE LABOUR CONTROLS REVISED

Tileffects of the revision of labour trols by the Government, which came into force yesterday, are summarized as follow:—In respect of Essential Work Orders, there is no change in the provisions. Workers in establishments covered may not leave, nor may an employer discharge them (except for serious misconduct) without permission of the National Service Officer. Thus, men up to 65 and women up to 60 in these are not free to leave their jobs at win

The industries covered will be reviewed and the control retained only where essential from the points of view of production and man power. It is intended to give three months' notice of the withdrawal of any industry from the scope of the Orders.

In general, men age 31 and over, and women of any age, who are free to take a position, are no longer required to obtain them through the Ministry of Labour, and they will not be directed. 'Where directions are issued it will be in respect of only a few industries and services having high priority or, exceptionally, where they are needed for the administration of the Essential Work and similar Orders which cover men and women of all ages.

Workers should ask for advice and help at the Employment Exchanges, Appointments Offices, or the Technical and Scientific Register.

The main exceptions concern men up to and including the age of 50 in the civil-engineering industries. These men and women must continue to obtain their jobs through the Ministry of Labour, and may be directed.

Male agricultural workers up to, and including, the age of 50 will be subject to existing controls. They may work outside agriculture only by permission of the Ministry of Labour, and must obtain such jobs through a local office of the Ministry:

Employers are, however, now free to advertise their labour requirements for persons covered by the Control of Engagement Order.

Amongst the industries covered by the Essential Work Orders are motor vehicle repair shops and garages, petroleum, public cleansing, road haulage and passenger road transport.

DEEP DRAWING AND PRESSING ALUMINIUM ALLOYS

NOTHER useful booklet comes r-Lfrom the Aluminium Development Association, Union Chambers, 63, Temple Row, Birmingham, 2, price Is. This is No. 10 of the series, and is entitled "Deep Drawing and Pressing of Aluminium Alloys."

It deals specifically with power-press processes and the tools necessary to produce standard articles economically. It appears at a time when' there is an increasing demand for the quantity output of shaped components in these materials, and considerable developments in the methods employed. There is even a chapter devoted to coining and embossing, and its 40 pages include 32 reproductions' from photographs and diagrams of typical machines, tools and methods of production; there are also several useful tables.

A.E.C. SERVICE AND SPARES PLANS FOR CHRISTMAS THE factory of the Associated Equip' ment Co., Ltd., at Southall, Middlesex, will be closed for the Christmas holidays from 12.30 p.m. on December 22 until the morning of December 28. The service station will be completely closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but a skeleton staff will be in attendance for urgent needs on the remaining days. The spares department will dose in the evening of December 24 for the remainder of the holiday period. PRICES OF COMMER AND KARRIER VEHICLES

THE maker of Commer vehicles, Commer Cars, Ltd., Luton, has just announced the price of the Commer Commando 26-32 passenger chassis: with six-cylindered petrol engine it is £595, or with a Perkins P6 oil engine, £845.

We give, hereunder, a list of the current models of both Commer and Karrier machines, all of which are available against M.O.W.T.• permits to acquire up to the end of the year; when there will be full freedom to purchase: