THE WORLD’S MOTORS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 28 May 1927, Page 14

THE WORLD’S MOTORS.

CENSUS RETURNS.

REMAR K ABLE IN CREASES.

With an increase of considerably more than three million motor-cars and trucks last year, there were 27>~ 527,238 automobiles in active service throughout the world at the beginning of 1927 While 8q per cent, of the world’s automobiles are owned in the United States, relatively more rapid strides are being made in other sections, according to the annual world motor census by The American Automobile. The census reveals that automobiles used outside of the United States increased by 858,997 vehicles, a gain of 18.3 per cent, in the last year.

Important gains in the use of the automobile occurred in Asia, the increase in this section of the world, which includes the Dutch East Indies, being 22.6 per cent. In Oceania, in which is included Australia, New Zealand and ‘Hawaii, the gain for the ,\ear amounted to' 22.3 per cent. The Western Hemisphere, excluding the United States, registered a gain for the year of 20.3 per cent. Europe went forward at the rate of 16.2 per cent. But two territories, Thibet and Greenland, are without either passenger cans or motor-trucks. A few years ago one motor-tractor was in operation in Greenland, but, according to latest information, it its no longer in service. Automobiles are being driven to-day by peoples of every colour and in every clime, from Iceland in the north to the Strait of Magellan in the south. Extensive highway systems are being constructed throughout the world to bear the increasing motor traffic. In Cuba a contract has been placed for the construction of a 600-mi.le central highway. From Africa .is reported constmotion of a lengthy road in the -Belgian Congo that makes possible an overland journey of 34 days, by automobile, rail and water, from Capetown to Cairo. Another great trade route opened to traffic is that from Bagdad to Tabriz, in north-western Persia, almost on the Russian border. Practically' every country in Europe is either maintaining or extending its present highway mileage. Finland is, this : year, making the proud boast that every village of the republic can be readied by automobile.

r The number of automobiles in use in the United States at the beginning; of 1927 wias estimated at 22,059,910. Great Britain is second as an automobile nation, having almost a miillion cars and trucks in •service. France continues in third place. Countries and territories having 100,000 or more cars and trucks in use are: United States 22.059,910 Great Britain 984,368 France 901,000 Canada 820,222 Australia 361,602 Germany 318,800 Argentina 222,610 Italy ' 150,000 Belgium 130,000 New Zealand 123,334 Brazil 110,741 India 100,000 Since the i statistics were compiled New Zealand has increased its quotia of oars bv about 4000.