THE MOTOR WORLD

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10276, 10 May 1919, Page 10

THE MOTOR WORLD

REVIVAL OF TRADE BRITISH MANUFACTURES AND OVERSEA MARKETS. Tho established position of British motor-ejir manufacturers in overseas markets necessarily suffered during the war through tho prohibition of exports of motor vehicles. Their agents abroad were compelled to do business with foreign makers and to introduce foreign cars to their clients, thus utilising the goodwill built up with British support tor the purpose of obtaining a footing. Ail this was one of the unavoidable ill-effects of the war. But British motor manufacturers are determined to regain their footing and to supply os heretofore the most dependable and the most durable cars for use in countries overseas. At the outbreak of the war largo numbers of British-built motor vehicles were commandeered from civilian users, and from that time onwards the whole output of the manufacturers was taken up oy tho Government. Large numbers ot Government vehicles no longer required for military service will now be thrown on the market, and care will bo needed in disposing of these vehicles so that the least possible detriment to the industry responsible for their production in times of national emergency may ensue. It is strongly urged that all surplus vehicles shad first be offered to their original makers for repair and overhaul. The condition of vehioles ao overhauled( .would be

guaranteed by the manufacturers, and this guarantee would materially increase their market value. Such an arrangement should prove advantageous to colonial buyers, for a large number ot valuable cars in good condition should become available for shipment to colonial markets at low prices. Tho experience gained by British makers of cars tor war service has enabled them to construct vehicles capable of withstanding the roughest use, and eminently suited for hard wear in countries where roads are primitive. ADVANCE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES. The battery, which is the contrivance for chemically producing or storing electricity, was one of the first electrical inventions, and it is now tho key to one of the latest uses of electric power. Battery-driven vehicles axe being increasingly used in Great Britain for many forms of transport wdthin a radius of a few miles. These forms are really much more numerous and important than is generally recognised. They include municipal services (refuse collection and disposal, street watering and sweeping, road rolling, and the cartage of road materials and public stores generally); public utility services (the carriage of coal to central electric stations and gasworks, the disposal of ashes, the driving of tower and repair wagons for tramways); the collection and distribution of coal, milk, bread, and other commodities; the delivery of goods by carriers and department stores; taxicab and omnibus services; and tho internal transport of factories, docks, and warehouses. In those directions the electric vehicle has proved itself more economical than othej vehicles, as well as more reliable and more simple in operation. Tho end of the war has brought a revival of activity by British manufacturers to meet tho demand for electric vehicles. Arrangements are being made to turn out larger quantities of traction batteries of the most efficient typo and to standardise the motors, controllers, and other parts of the vehicle so as to en. courage economical output. Several motor-car makers are also taking up The production of chasscs and bodies for electric vehicles on a scale large enough to meet the needs nob only of Great Britain but of countries overseas British motor-car makers, battery manufacturers, transport associations, and electric supply authorities are, in fact, co-operating to develop a form of transit which is ideal for city and suburban purposes. AIR-COOLED ENGINES. The connection between motoring in the air and motoring on terra lima has always been very close, much closer than between the latter and motorboating. It has been remarked that the automobile gave to the aircraft an engine which made aviation possible; and after the strenuous lest of wai the automobile received from the aeroplane a much improved engine which is rapidly being adapted and adopted. A further connection has now been, announced. Several of the large aeroplane factories are now turning attention to the production of motor-cycles and cars, tho Sop with Company having already begun on motor-cycles. This combination will go very far to popularising air-cooled engines m cars and motor-cycles, effecting a saving in weight and production costs as well as simplifying the engine power. Several bvpe s of air-cooled engines already in use have given good results on both moter-cvcles and cars, the models being of the aeroplane type, with certain modifications to suit the, machines for which they are severally intended. TANKS TO FARM TRACTORS. The little light-weight Renault •■banks” established an enviable reputation as fighting machines during the last year of the war, and now, m times of peace, they promise to become equally useful. Already some of them have been converted into agricultural tractors by the removal of the guns and armour, and a few other slight modifications, and are said to bo doing excellent service on tho farms of Fiance, where labour is painfully scarce just now. Another, and probably temporary use, that has been found for them is towing barges on canals, taking the place of horses.