World cv looms on horizor
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A WORLD commercial vehicle is imminent provided world-wide ct operation can be obtained, according to vice-president and genen manager of Ford of America, Truck Operations, Joe Capolongo, i Detroit last week.
In the interests of economy, he believed manufacturers could no longer afford to be arrogant. He said: "We at Ford must not believe that we are ten feet tall and have all the answers. We must be business-like and pragmatic."
The world cv which he visualises, however, will be tailored to meet individual markets' and customers' require ments from common comp nentry, and supports the vie which Ian Wilson (Leylar Vehicles) is taking in his prese tation at this year's Fleet Ma agement Conference.
Mr Capolongo paid tribute his European colleagues ar said the Ford Cargo could easi be the forerunner of a wor vehicle. While it is not yet c sale in the USA, he did ni dismiss the possibility of appearing there soon, having E ready been successful in Euror and the Far East.
However, he was less th:i complimentary to the Japanes "Hino is trying to get into tt: American market but it is ni good enough," he said. It hi sold only 300 units in Canada four years and it would not catc on in the USA.
Mr Capolongo offered this a( vice to competition if they wai to enter the USA. IVECO, whoi he disregarded as a serious cha lenger, should look for a panne possibly Hino.