Auto Gossip

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30027, 11 January 1963, Page 7

Auto Gossip

Japan’s entry into international motor-racing may not be long delayed, according to reports reaching London. A light-weight grand prix car is being developed by Honda, and will probably be fitted with a V-8 engine in the rear. Although no details of the new car have been announced, it is thought the engine will probably develop more than 300 bJtp. at 12,000 r.pm. -* * * BerttaMtan flgum in the United States show that compact cans now are acaountmg for 40 per cent, of car sates, the highest level yet achieved. Compacte—care between 970 Mid 200 inches in length —reached this level in September new ear registrations. Three years ago the figure was only 7.9 per cent. There now are 6.300,000 compact care in use in tiie United States, compared with only 3,925,000 a year ago.

Jaguar exports to all parts of the world set a record figure in 1962, increasing by 28 per cent Besides increased sales in Europe, Jaguar models sold well in the United States at a time when sales of imported cars in general declined sharply. The company is now placing emphasis on expanding production, During the year the reorganisation and integration of Jaguar and Daimler manufacturing facilities, coupled with an extensive machinery re-equipment programme, was undertaken, and the company will begin to benefit from these plans towards the end of this year. By then the company will have a comprehensive manufacturing unit at Daimler’s Radford factory and a complete assembly unit at Jaguars Browns lane factory.