Auto Gossip

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29791, 6 April 1962, Page 9

Auto Gossip

During February of this year the output of ears from British factories reached the highest figure since late i 960 with a weekly average of more than 25,500. Exports Were higher than in February, 1931. and total exports during January and February exceeded by several thousand the figures for the first quarter of 1961. Exports from Germany to other countries, however, were more than 5 per cent, lower than in January and February. 1961. The number of British components used in foreign-made cars has increased since last year. ¥ ¥ ¥

About 20 000 Rootes Group vehicles are expected to be sold in the United States this year.

Several of the German Auto Union models are now being produced with British disc brakes made under licence in Germany. * ¥ ¥

The employment of glassfibre reinforced plastics in the manufacture of heavy trucks is being developed by the Thornycroft organisation. The company has been producing truck cabs in this material for some time, and is, now producing wings and radiator cowls. ¥ ¥ ¥

A convertible version of the new French Peugeot 404 will be put into production later this year. The co ach work is styled and constructed by Farina, but will be assembled in France with several engine accessory options ¥ ¥ ¥

The Sunbeam Harrington Le Mans and the Hillman Super Minx are now being exported to the United States by the Rootes Group. ¥ ¥ ¥

According to a recent United Nations commission investigating in Europe the speed limit on any particular road should be similar to the speed at which about 80 per cert, of the drivers normally travel. ¥ ¥ ¥ The Volkswagen, formerly Australia’s best-selling small car, has now been overtaken by the B.M.C. Mini-cars. ¥ ¥ ¥

Because of demand from North America and the inability to supply sufficient numbers of the new TR4, the Triumph TR3 is to be reintroduced at about £5O less than the TR4. The first batch of cars will probably go to the United States, but other batches are scheduled for other export countries and Britain. ¥ ¥ ¥

A stretch of electrically heated roadway more than 100 yards long is now nearing completion in the north of England. *. * ¥

Leyland Motors are reported to be engaged in talks with the Chrysler Corporation on the possibility of co-operation in both the technical and marketing fields in both car and heavy trade vehicle construction. Chrysler, which already has a large holding in the stock of the Simca organisation, which itself is controlled to a great extent by the widespread Italian Fiat concern, is also rumoured to be making an attempt to acquire a large amount of stock, even a controlling interest, in the Citroen organisation. Since the major changes in its top management a short time ago the Chysler Corporation has been thriving, and has purchased interests in a large number of concerns. The best selling British car in Sweden during 1961 was the Ford Anglia. More than 337,000 Citroens were built in 1961, 21,000 more than in 1960. Exports rose by nearly 15 per cent.