Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-07-18
BY HOWARD S. FISK.
DETROIT, Mich. July II, 1918.

DETROIT, Mich. July II, 1915.
~ HERE is no depression In the
automobile business in THIS
section of the country, at
least there is no indication OF
it on the outer surface. Inc
automobile factories are going full
blast, and everybody is optimistic at
the outlook The output for 1916 Will
far exceed any year in the history VI
this wonderful industry.
While there has been n marked re-
duction in the list prices of many OF the
motor cars for the coming season. 'hiS
is due In nearly every instance TO +"
noticeable increase in the produe'ioii'
During the year 1914 approximately
435,00O machines were produced ~
the close of that year there were III
operation throughout the country l,ooe'-
es4 pleasure cars. These owners con-
tributed s12,270.035.7S in registration
fees. In addition to this, motorists
gave to the road funds of the various
states in fines S101,364.
In 1915. the fiscal year of which is
about closed, about $4,000 cars nave
been built. While it is hard 10 est
mate the number of cars in the 1910
production, it is predicted that the
1915 production will be exceeded by
over 100000 cars. While number OF
announcements have been made or tne
new models and prices for the coming
season. there are still number TO DC
made vet And along with future an
nouncements will still be found sharp
cuts in the prices. Several of the manu-
facturers are maintaining the same
price as 1915. While the price re-
mains the same, the cars have been
of 3.
which the prospective purchaser VIII
get the full benefit of. One manufac-
turer in Detroit is arranging to IN, IN,
crease the list price, according TO wen
defined rumors. 1t is about the only
instance where an increase in price Is
scheduled to be made.
Investment Totals So, DOC, Ooo, 600.
Alfred o. Dunk. president of the
Puritan Machine Company, one of the
best posted men in the automobile
industry, in speaking a few days ago
of the industry, said that conservative
figures show an. investment of nearly
two billions of dollars in motor cars
alone. Think also of the vast capital
devoted to the production Of accesso-
ries and supplies These figures and
facts would fully justify the statement
that the manufacture and operation OF
motor cars alone furnish an invest
ment of several billions Of dollars of
American capital. 1 predict that the
next few years viii see ootn the OUT
motor car industry tremendously in
creased.
.The remarkable progress achieved in
4 mechanical way with consequent
heavy reduction in cost manufacture
will make it possible in the near future
for any man or moderate means to own
his own auto. In fact, the motor car
has already passed the stage or oelng
a vehicle solely designed for pleasure.
Indeed it has become a most important
factor in the economical life of the
American people. The world holds no
parallel of such rapid giant strides as
has marked the advance OF the motor
car industry throughout the world.
Out here in the hub" of the automo-
bile industry there is a grand rush
from every section of the Union for
ears More cars" is the cry to be
heard everywhere: Everybody IS en-,
thusiastic over the outlook, and all
one has to do is to pay visit to the
various factories TO prove this fact
Last month was hummer in the in
dustry.
The sales managers Of the various
companies are being swamped with
visitors and representatives appealing
for either early shipment of cars or an
increase in allotments. They have al
most begun to be regular orators, as
one saiesmaHaSer e&presseo IL inc
other day. He has to keep his dealers
In good humor so that they won't
throw up the agency and take on an
other line, all of which requires consid-
cradle talking an da display of diplo-
macy on his part. That it is part of his
position goes without saying. L heard
of one instance a few days ago where
a dealer who came here to the factory
to complain that he was losing orders
by not getting his cars, was about to
cancel his contract. After the sales
manager got through with him he left
the office with smile that wouldn't
come off," and In the bargain had in
creased his order for shipments.
Suffering From Shortage.
There are a few factories suffering
from lack of parts. and until they are
received 1t is impossible to go ahead