ANSWERING VEHICLE CRITICISMS

2nd October 1964, Page 53

2nd October 1964

Page 53

Page 53, 2nd October 1964 — ANSWERING VEHICLE CRITICISMS

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SPEAKING at a Press luncheon in London on Tuesday, Mr. R. N. Smith, director, commercial vehicle section, Stewart and Ardern Ltd., gave his answers to several of the points that were raised during the discussion on the papers read at The Commercial Motor Fleet Management Conference last week.

Opening his remarks by stating that "an outstanding" conference for fleet operators was run by The Commercial Motor. Mr. Smith said that one paper referred particularly to operators' requirements and was read by "a leading operator who pulled no punches ". (The paper was by Mr. H. C. Redburn -see pages 85-87.) That same day, he said, Morris had announced their new Fl series of 5-, 7and 8-tonners, together with an 18-ton prime mover It was illuminating

to place the two items side by side, he said—the criticisms and the new specifications—as the new model met most of the major criticisms voiced--in cab design, brakes, suspension, finish and— above all—safety.

In this particular paper, there were also parts criticizing aspects of the hauliers' needs in relation to sales, service and parts. went on Mr. Smith, and he said he would like to mention just how much Stewart and Ardern, on behalf of B.M .C., had done to meet these criticisms before they "were voiced. Within the past five years, two large and specialized commercial vehicle centres had been put into operation at Wembley and Camberwell offering 24-hour service and parts availability seven days a week,