Important years ahead

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32588, 23 April 1971, Page 7

Important years ahead

At a time when it would be easy to take a gloomy view of the future, there is a surprising and growing feeling of confidence among British car manufacturers that things are going to improve for the industry this year.

It would be a simplification to suggest that 1971 will be the industry’s make-or-break year after six years in the doldrums, but it is difficult to resist the feeling that if Britain is to remain in the front rank of car-producing countries, the industry will have to show this year that things are coming right at last, writes John Langley in the "Daily Telegraph.”

Britain’s credibility among overseas customers has been seriously damaged by the effects of strikes on the industry’s ability to deliver the goods on time. The Rolls-Royce crash and the current strike at Ford also damage confidence, and at home the makers are battling with a rising tide of imported cars.

Much now hinges on the outcome of the Ford dispute and the round of wage bargaining going on at other companies. But barring any disastrously prolonged con-, frontations in this area, some optimists are already talking in terms of the industry achieving a record output this year. 100,000 made

In the three years since rotary-engine production started, the Toyo Kogyo company, which makes Mazda vehicles, has produced 100,000 Wankel-type engines, it has been announced in Japan.

A key factor in these assessments is the hopeful indications of an improvement in British Leyland’s fortunes this year. Since the initial euphoria over the merger with B.M.C. wore off, Lord Stokes and his men have had a rough ride, which has not been helped by the depressed state of the home market. Because of the time factor in producing completely new models, they have not had much to show their critics. The new Morris range, due out in a few weeks, could be the turning point. In spite of the dismal predictions of some many who. have tried the new cars believe they will have a considerable impact

5 on the market they are 1 aimed at. Even Lord Stokes, with 3 his obsession about the ; years of B.M.C. misrule, is s now talking about “the end J of the beginning,” and > better times ahead. , As a conventional, 1 straight-forward design, the f new Morris range will,, I fear, never achieve a “car of the year” award, Lang- • ley writes. It should, how- ’ ever, have considerable t commercial success. r Equally encouraging for s those who believe that ' British Leyland should still ■ pioneer the cause of ! advanced design is an s apparent determination to : continue with, and improve I on, the front-wheel-drive t Mini and Austin range.