CARS IN RUMANIA.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19803, 16 December 1929, Page 5

CARS IN RUMANIA.

INCREASING POPULARITY. In 1928 approximately 12,000 automotive vehicles of all classes were sold in Bumania. At the close of 1928, as at the close of 1927, registration of automotive vehicles of other than American manufacture showed Italian, French, and German makes leading, in the order named, with registrations of 3407, 2884 and 2659 units. While the percentage of increase during 1928 was greatest for German makes, 52.11 per cent., as compared with 48.27 per cent, for French makes and 14.63 per cent, for Italian makes, the actual numerjeal increase was greatest (939 units) in the case of French makes. Kumania now ranks sixth among petroleum-producing countries and the availability and comparatively low cost of motor spirit, at present retailing at 8 lei a litre gives an impetus, to the development of the local automotive trade. The fact that the wealthy classes have turned to the automobile as a means of pleasure is also a contributing factor to its recent increased popularity, especially in the case of medium and high priced vehicles. An automobile reflects the owner's inancial fcnd social position. Eumania's main highways are constructed for the most part of plain macadam. While their upkeep leaves much to be desired, the government is trying to improve them. The best roads are in Transylvania and Bukowina. The scenic advantages of these provinces offer special attractions to the Rumanian motor-car tourist. The chief limitation on the development of motor-car sales among the general population in Rumania is the fact that, out of this country's total population of approximately 17,000,000, 80 per cent, are peasants of simple habits and frugal tastes. Among the 3,400,000 urban inhabitants, the purchase of motor-cars is becoming larger all the time, and to-dav not only the well-to-do classes but the people of moderate means are purchasing cars. NAMESAKES IN MOTOR COLLISION. REVEALED BY DISPUTE. A storv of how two motorists, strangers" to each, other, but with exactly the same name, collided on a road near North Bay is attested to by the provincial traffic officer who dealt with the subsequent dispute. After the collision, 6ays Reuters Toronto correspondent, one motorist angrily asked for the other's name. "Arthur Huard," was the reply. "But that's my name," Eaid the other in amazement. It turned out that both were telling the truth One came from Cobalt and the other from Mattawa, which are » considerable distance- apart. «