The Washington herald., 1920-12-26

survey PIcSCnS NLC
automotive industry and the outlook
for 1921 has just been completed by
the Motor and Accessory Manufac-
turers' Association among the 3St
parts, unit, and equipment makers
constituting its nation wide mem
bership.
I'VE do not wish to gild the situa-
tion with false optimism. or to paint
a picture not supported by the
facts" said the associations bulle-
tin announcing the symposium.
A frank and a candid estimate OF
the future, based on thorough analy-
sis and honest personal investiga-
ton, was requested. This lends pc
culiar strength and Significance to
the survey
The members OF the association,
whose comments constitute this
symposium, are the principal manu-
facturers OF parts and accessories
for the automotive industry In
America. Most of the statements
were submitted by the principal Of
ficers or ranking executives of these
companies. They embrace. there
fore, not only the expectations of
sales managers, but the calm con-
clusions of credit and financial exc
cutives, who have gauged the fun
damental factors involved in a crit
ical manner.
Healthful Growth Predicted
Faith in the economic soundness
and bedrock strength of the auto
| motive industry. sane optimism and
confidence in the future. the logical
expectation of Normal buying next
year. particularly in the spring. and
the assurance OF u healthful and pro-
gressive growth for the automotive
Industry, following the orderly re-
adjustment now in process-these
are the dominant key-notes which
recur throughout the oVerwhelm-
ing majority Of the statements sub
mitted.
| I'VE are neither optimists MOI
pessimists, but 'peptomists. de-
clared one manufacturer in a letter
representative of the general trend
by 'peptomists' We mean the
folks who actually do what the
optimists think should be done"
Throughout all the statements run:
the universal conviction that the au-
tomotive industry has firmly es'
tablished itself as an indispensable
part Of the transportation network
Of America The utility Of botf
passenger cars and motor trucks IL
emphasized and stressed more thar
ever before, and from all indication:
this will be the aggressive watch
word Of the manufacturers in thefl
production efforts and sales cam
paigns.
AnaIy.e Adjustment Process
The recent depression in the au-
tomobile business and the conse'
lquent adjustment process are ana
llyzed by the manufacturers will
the utmost candor, and, generally
speaking, they are hailed as health
full developments for all concerned
Great emphasis is placed on the
vital lessons which the industry a:
a whole and the individual manu-
facturers have learned. and arr
learning TODAY. from these develop
ments.
Manufacturers have generally
fortified themselves in every way,
says one statement typical of thu
rest, "and will be prepared to TAX,
advantage of a revival in busines!
when it arrives and with the les
sons of their experience in the pas
six months will move cautiousl,
with sound judgment and avoiC
past errors Of omission and commits
sion."
with time to catch our breath,
says a statement in similar vein
I'VE will have an opportunity to de-
velop new machinery. install mod
ern systems, increase. efficiency anc
do other things which will result II
economies. Another result of tn,
present situation will be the stabi
lizing Of our industry so as to bring
II into line with the other great In
dustries of the country.
&C.. Nothing to Wary About.
There is nothing to worry about
"a little slowing down will Civ,
US chance to get our second wint
and then, nothing can stop us.
There is going to be plenty ot
business for those who are At to
survive and business will be on I
solid footing. The motor car ant
of this country increases and goot
roads are extended"
More vigorous sales and merchap,
dizing efforts, more intensive ad.
vcrtising. and, in general, a NOR,
aggressive emphasis upon the basit
fundamentals of sound business
methods and principles will bt
marked characteristics of the auto
motive industry during 1891. &C
cording to- the sentiments over
whelmipgly reflected In this expires
sion.
The New York and Chicago auto
mobile shows, in which the mem
bers Of the Association will exhibi
accessories. parts and equipment
occupying more space than ever be
fore. are expected to stimulate bust
ness considerably. The great swing
back tc normal buying IL not ex
pected. however. until the sprins
Is the consensus of opinion.