AUSTRALIAN-MADE BODIES.

Waipa Post, Volume XIX, Issue 1104, 11 June 1921, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN-MADE BODIES.

Ninety-five per cent, ojf the, cars exhibited lately at the Australian Show were fitted with Australian-made bo-l-ies. 1 Tyres of Australian make were also a feature of the display, and as the work of .fitting the bodies to the chassis, is also necesoarily Australian, it may! be claimed that the motor manufacturing industry has sequred a firm hold in Australia. In some cases engine parts and chassis were, locally assembled, but a car wholly produced in, Australia has yet to make its appearance. The motor body building industry has made rapid headway, chiefly by reason of the import embargo, imposed on complete cars by the Federal Government. In New South Wales alone last year over 3000 bodies were constructed. The industry in the other States is also flourishing. Queensland maple is specially adapted for the'Australian body, the advantage lying chiefly >n the strength and grain of the timber. Lightness is .another factor in its favour. A large section of the show was devoted to the display of commercial motors and tractors, which are now being employed in increasing numbers in Australia. In this latter connection, however, the high price of petrol is a severe handicap on trade, for while the efficiency of motor traction .s recognised, prospective buyers are holding off because of the fear that fuel prices will soar still higher.