Motor Millions

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 930, 25 March 1930, Page 6

Motor Millions

British Industry Grows 18 Times in 22 Years For every motor-car produced in 1907, British factories produce 18 today at prices which, on an average, are 50 per cent, below the pre-war level. These and other striking facts are set out in a booklet entitled “Pride of Achievement,” which has been produced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (British Manufacturers’ Section). It announces the start of an extensive campaign to regain the overseas markets that were lost as a result of the war, and tells he history of the remarkable progress made by the British motor industry at home during the last 30 years, in face of many difficulties and fierce competition. Links in the Chain The British section of the society has opened offices in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as first links in a chain that is to connect world markets with the British factories. During the first eight months in 1929, Britain exported motor vehicles, chassis and parts to the value of £7,000,000, an increase of over 25 per cent, on the corresponding period last year. In 1913, states the booklet, Britain had just commenced to develop overseas markets, and had exported 9,000 cars that year, when the resources of the industry were turned to the manufacture of lorries and tanks for the war, and the export trade was strangled. “The stage is now set for an era of expansion throughout the world,” continues the booklet. “British manufacturers were never more determined to do their best, not only for the welfare of the industry, but in order that they may play their 'part in maintaining British commercial prestige.” Growth At Home In 1900 there were only 3,000 motor vehicles —including private cars, cabs and commercial vehicles —on the roads of Britain. As a result of a 1,000mile tour of motor-cars throughout the country, organised by the Automobile Club (now the Royal Automobile Club), the number of motors multiplied over sevenfold in five years, jumping to 23,000. This year Britain has reached a record output of 215,000 motor vehicles, and the industry employs, directly and indirectly, close on half a million men and women.