New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-08-09
Effects of War on
American Auto Trade

and these would be the last resort for
the motorist who insists on keeping
his car in commission. However, we
hope the European trouble will be a
matter Of history long before the
worst comes 70 the worst. In the
meantime. il would be a wise precau-
ton for the inexpert motorist 20 visit
the headquarters Of tire companies for
expert advice regarding the proper
care Of tires IN order TO prolong their
life to the greatest possible extent"
In the manufacture Of cars there IS
no department of production that is
absolutely dependent on Europe, al
though, Of course, many of the build
ers Of high-priced vehicles have made
il a practice to secure some of their
parts abroad. They will be, however,
able TO turn for help TO the American
factories. their only concern being that
the filling Of their orders will not have
to wait on the filling Of orders from
regular customers.
In the early days Of the industry,
before American metallurgists learned
the secret Of producing steels Of the
exact tensile strength necessary for
the small but highly important parts
Of motor cars, European products were
used generally. That time has passed.
The greater percentage Of motor cars
built in America to-day speedy, de-
pendable, strong vehicles, well able 20
bear comparison with the cars Of Eng
land France, Germany and ltaly-are
built wholly Of American materials.
Foreign ball bearings have been very
generally used in American-made cars,
but il is probable that the domestic
producers will be able to meet any de-
mand that may be made. Here, again,
enters the question Of new customers
being obliged to wait until regular or
ders have been looked after
The situation as regards gasoline is
rather difficult to figure. 1t is true
that the Standard Oil Company will
not find any demand from Europe, but,
on the other hand, the Mexican and
Baikal production has been so greatly
curtailed that the supply here is not
likely to be so far ahead of the de-
mand as to affect the prices at present
existing
The direction in which the automo-
bile industry of the United States
seems likely to be the gamer as a re-
suit Of the war is in South America,
which for years has bought practically
All us cars IN Europe. numerous at
tempts have been made to invade the
markets of the Argentine, Brazil and
other automobile using countries of
South America, but without any
particular measure of success.
Now the situation has changed, and
European commerce is a negligible fac
tor on the Atlantic. South America
cannot get European cars if it wants
them. and it will necessarily turn to
the United States. The opportunity
has been realized by the American mo-
tor car makers, several of whom dur
ing the week perfected, or at least
started, plans for intrenching them
selves in the markets so unexpectedly
opened up. A prolonged war will prob
ably mean that American built cars
will practically supplant the European
product in these great and growing
markets.
Automobile dealers, especially in the
East, regard the war with mixed feel
ings. They expect that many of the
thousands who have planned to go to
Europe this summer will instead spend
their time in touring in this country.