DEARER CARS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 October 1937, Page 9

DEARER CARS.

PRICE-RISE PREDICTED. Dearer cars on the New Zealand market are expected shortly because of the upward tendency in the prices of essential raw materials in the countries of origin, as well as substantial increases in labour costs. It is expected that the increases in the retail prices in New Zealand will range from five to seven per cent (says the "Dominion.”) "How can you expect prices to remain down with costs up all round .' said a Wellington agent when asked to comment. Recently he had received advice from an overseas manufacturing concern that costs had suffered a further setback through an award for engineers which provided for a wage increase of 3/- a week as well as a week’s holiday on pay. This meant, £200,000 a year to this firm, and naturally each vehicle would have to stand its share of increased overhead costs. Other leading agents for English and American cars said that, while their prices for 1938 models had not yet been announced, as stocks were not. available, they fully expected to have to raise prices in sympathy with increases overseas. They agreed that higher labour costs in New Zealand had little bearing on the rise, which was in their opinion attributable to higher factory costs, reflected in dearer wholesale prices. At the same time they pointed out that higher wages in the assembling and distributing of cars in New Zealand must have an influence on retail prices. Another agent said there were still large holdings of current models for which there was a keen demand. However. there had been substantial tor ward purchases, which would have to carry the price increases. He quoted a, letter received from an American manufacturer of engines. “For the first time since 1915 we find ourselves forced to increase prices in the middle of the season,” the letter said. The writer added that labour costs were mounting steadily, and raw materials, notably iron, had advanced in price recently by as much as 40 per cent. Small increases in price in countries of origin are greatly magnified by the time the cars reach Now Zealand, an agent pointed out. A rise in the wholesale price overseas was subject to exchange, and had to be taken into account, when assessing duty and sales tax. In addition, freights were rising and in one case at least a, manufacturer had reduced substantially his agents’ discount.

NEW ENGLISH FORD “TEN.” FEATURES OF LATEST MODEL. From the largest t.nd most-modern motor-building factory in Europe, the English Ford works at Dagenham, near London, comes a striking new model —the new' English Ford “Ten." A joint production of the English and New Zealand Ford factories, this new .1 fl-horse-power Ford is a- striking development of one of the most popular of all English light cars. There are two models, tho four-door saloon and tho two-door saloon, and the features that will undoubtedly impress every motorist are the extremely attractive appearance and the roomy comfort of the intereior. In design, this new car is a delightful example of modern streamlining, the curves sweeping harmoniously from front to rear, with such distinctive details as slanting, chromium-plated bonnet louvre mouldings, which accentuate the dashing lines of the car. The graceful rear pauel conceals a large luggage compartment, opening from the outside, while the spare wheel is enclosed in a. separate locker, protected from theft, irom weather and dust. As for roominess, this new Ford “Ten" is- one of the most spacious four-seater cars ever introduced. While the wheelbase is 91 inches, an increase of four inches, by an ingenious method of suspension, a spring base or riding base of 103 inches litis been obtained. Full advantage has been taken of this long riding base, in designing tho body. In addition, I he engine is mounted well forward over tho front, axle, \yith the 1 c:.,u]t that legroom in both front and rear scats is an outstanding feature. All scats arc located between the nxles, so that a remarkably smooth, lido is experienced l>y all passengers. Another special feature is the im- ; roved braking. The new brakes arc of the Girling type, with full compen sation between all wheels. They have xtremcly powerful stopping action with very light pedal pressure. The pistol-grip handbrake is up under the dash, being more easily reached, and allowing' more, legroom. This year the engine is mounted on rubber al four points, giving smooth running and 1 •■markable freedom from vibration. Imperil'nt engine refinements include

:■ I hrcc- herring vmi nt.< r- ba lanced < ; iiiilif lia.ft, presuuiT feed lubrication,] < il ba'.h air cleaner, piccim'in-iic-t valve <l> ara.iwcr, requiring no adjustment between overhauls. Tim cur throughout is notable- for its robust construction. Tim frame, of Um double-drop type, is entirely new in certain points] (>f design, and is an extremely sturdy end ligid assembly. Body, frame and fl<-<ir arc- of stout all steel const rm Don. forming a single unit of great ■tn ii-gth. Wheels are of modern i recited steel design, being particularly strong as well as attractive in api earance. The upholstery, equipment, and beautiful finish of the car are in keeping with the high standards shown

Lliroughout. F’ront scats are of entirely new design, with "peerless” type spring construction. Arm rests tire provided for rear-scat passengers, and : m b convenient fitments as package ira; . ash I ray front and rear. sun visor. Hock, self-cancelling traffic iudi i liter;', etc. Altogether, whether one chiefly impressed in the choice of

.. ci"- by performance, riding comfort, appearance, or dependability, the ,Final '‘Ten” is a. car which must undoubtedly have the most attentive study. -