CYCLING AND MOTORING NOTES

Horowhenua Chronicle, 25 May 1916, Page 3

CYCLING AND MOTORING NOTES

Aii effort is apparently to be made by ativerad of the motor oar manufacturers America to force Australian Ago.) ts to accept their oars fitted willi straight edge lim hua of late come into considerable prominence and most oi in place of tho ''clinch" rim which lias been standard in Europe and Australia praleticaliy since the start of the motor industry. In America > the straight edge him, has of late come into consideration promineace, and most of the leading tyre houses market two typo* of Covers to meet requirements. 11l Australasia, only the' clinch rim has bean used; it being everywhere recognised as standard; the result being that nil tyre makers arid agents are enabled to carry stocks of various makes of tyres to fit the stndard rims. Since the war commenced, the American Motor Firms, have been practically supplying the majority of the cars coming into this Country. In alii cases, the car have been ordered from the Manufacturers, with clinch rim to suit Australian conditions, and invariably tihoy have been fitted, but with the ascendency of the American trade, a change has recently come over the scene and evidently an organised effort is being made to force the American type of rim, and with it the American tyro on the Australian market. • A moment's consideration will bring home to motorists in this country what . his movement threatens. To start with, if most of the American machines coming into Australasia are to be equipped with straight-edged rimß and tyres then two distinctive types of motor covers would have to be stocked right through this country. To trad re this means carrying practically double stocks. flailing this the purchaser of an American car with straight edge rims, would be likely to find himself stranded, b oca tine fiis rims were not according to the European standard. It is not likely that the motor traders of Australia, and New Zealand are going to meekly submit to the 'atost move of some big American makers, Mid already the various traders' associations. recognising the seriousness of the position have the matter in hand. Another aspect of the position is this: if the American makers can force their rim on the Australian market, then purchasers of their care must either change the rim equipment or else use American made covers, for neither the Australian, English nor French tyre manufacturers make sltraigit edge tyres. The position is one lor immediate action, for it is very evident that the American move is one organized with the intention of forcing Uie American tyre and rim on motorists whether they desire them or not.