Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-01-13
CLEAR. CRISP AND CLEAN
AUTOMOBILE PROGRESS

It the tenth international exposi-
N ton OF automobiles, cycles and
- accessories, organized by the Auto
mobile club of France and conducted
under the auspices of the minister of
commerce and industry, which opened
in Paris November ~ and closed De-
cember 1, there was exhibited no epoch
making novelty or invention in auto
mobile construction. Consul General
Mason of Paris states that the princi-
pal changes noticeable were the in
creased employment of the cardan drive
and the elimination of the chain and
sprocket, except on the heaviest cars;
where the chain is retained there is an
effort to protect it with gear case, but
this involves difficulties in case of
breakage.
One of the developments in the auto
mobile industry as disclosed by this
exposition is that low tension magnetos
have been very generally replaced by
those of high tension on account of
their great simplicity and fewer parts.
The use of air brakes is rapidly increas-
ing and they appear to have been found
entirely satisfactory. There were sew
eral more or less promising improve
ments in clutches and lubricating de-
vices. and one practically new type of
car known as the "auto-electric, in
which a dynamo, driven by four
cylindered gasoline engine, generates
current which propels the vehicle by
means of motors attached to the rear
wheels.
1.-THE really dominant note of the
exposition, the feature which most
sharply distinguished it from those of
other years. writes Mr.. Mason, was
the prominence which it gave to the
and medium priced vehicle adapted to
the man of moderate means who can
own only one automobile at a time and
wants something that he can use
throughout the year in town or coun-
try, and which shall not be extrava-
giant either in first cost or maintenance.
1t will be remembered that the cold,
wet, tagging spring of 1907 precipitated
a condition in the European automo-
bile market which was already impend-
ing and has already had certain impor-
tant results. Most of the leading MAX
ers found themselves at the close OF
the spring season with unsold stocks OF
high powered, costly machines that nc
one appeared to want. The needs of the
weather. class of enthusiasts-men who
were accustomed to buy new car each
year-seemed to have been fully sup
piled, and the one active demand was
for a smaller and much less expensive
type of vehicle, suited to the needs OF
the average citizen.
1.-THE leading French makers recog-
nized promptly the changing conditions
of the market, and the most interesting
feature of the recent exhibition has beer
the results of the combined efforts which
they have put forth to meet it. Al
each OF their stands there was exhib.
tied one or more cars and chassis Of
from twelve to twenty horse power
with plain though ingenious and con.
venient bodies, and adapted to city oil
country work in all seasons. The speci.
materials and with the same high
standard of workmanship that have
been expended on the larger and more
costly types. They are offered by the
high class makers at prices ranging
from 1000 francs to $1,000 francs, OF
S2123 to $2S95. Builders of the SECOND
grade firms which have not the ad.
vantage Of a long established name
Offer cars OF similar dimensions AM
character for 10000. 5000 and even 500
francs, or 1890, s1737 and 1854. respec,
tviely."
Automobile men the world over will
be interested in the announcement tina
the prevailing opinion among exhibitor
at the Paris exposition was that tn
show Of 1907 constituted climax. 1t il
very doubtful whether another of tn
same character will be attempted mex
winter. The expense of such exposi
lions is naturally great, but the bene
fits to automobile manufacturers ant
the trade generally, as a rule, are com
Inensurate with the magnitude of tn,
endeavor put forth to show the work
the progress that is being made in thll
line Of industry, in many respects tn,
most remarkable In the world.