PRODUCTION NOW IN FULL SWING

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 14185, 9 October 1946, Page 5

PRODUCTION NOW IN FULL SWING

CAR EXPORTS SOAR For the second quarter of 1946 British exports.of cats increased considerably, 15,459 cars being exported as against G 779 in the first ouarter, and an average quarterly export of 11,034 in 1938. These cars will have nothing strikingly new about them: there has not yet been time to devote to new designs, and after all new cars on 1938 specifications will bo luxury indeed after the privations ot the war-time years. While nothing startlingly novel will be seen, there will be minor improvements. The latest instrument boards are very neat and .compact The elaborate dash with countless gadgets is no longer incorporated the idea of the less fussy dash being that the less the driver takes his eyes off the road, the better. With the smaller more compact panel, a glance will tell the driver all he wants to know. The New Cars Designers working on the first post-war models tell' us that "streamline " the fetish of the long curve,. is out-of-date: it disregards the necessity for auace and ease of driving: therefore, attractive as it looks, it must' go Instead, we shall have "smoothline" cars: they will be wider and lower, curved at the sides, and probably with shorter bonnets. Bulgier Shape Many may regret the passing of the "streamline" but there are many advantages attached to the bulgier shape—less air resistance, less drag, less wind roar; wider windscreens, which inrease side vision, and more elbow room generally, which is all to the good. Shorter bonnets will be a noticeable feature of the postwar models. In addition to affording better forward vision they give to the body some of the additional space so badly needed, which means added comfort. Technical Improvement Motorists or potential drivers whose bugbear is gears can look forward to improved gear-changing from the steering; wheel, as well as independent front suspension. There will be a better insulation and more luggage accommodation.