The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1922-01-21
AUTOINDUSTRY I.
W|LLFLOUR|SH,
!. IS PREDICTION
1922 Expected to See Normal
Growth In Business. Say
Producers. ..'".

Since the historic July /, 1918, New
Year Day has lost some of its ancient
significance. No longer Is the festive
resolution made to be broken. but
despite this shearing Of an ancient
glory. New Year Day is still season
of sentimental stock taking, Of blot.
ting out past failures, Of turning our
faces toward the east. After the trials
and tribulations Of the past year. 1t Is
inevitable that the automobile indus
try should pause for a moment to re-
view it's accomplishment in 1921 and
to look forward a little to the pros
poets and opportunities that 1872 VIII
bring, writes the editor Of MOTOR In
the January issue of that popular
monthly.
1t has been said a great many times
that 1921 was q readjustment period
for the automobile industry In this
country. It was. Deflation hit the
automobile business as II did every
other great manufacturing industry:
Many of the manufacturers had
heavy inventories, laid in at high
prices. 1t was necessary to squeeze
the rule. Yet practically all the big
companies came through the trying
period and most of them are now
back on a sound business basis. And
In spite of readjustments, Of slow
buying and deflation, do not forget
that the industry turned out, accord
ing to the best estimates that we are
able to get. 100000 motor vehicles
during the twelve months just passed..
Not quite a record. but a mighty
good years work. just the same.
The fact Is we have been spoiled by
some years of phenomenal prosperity
and abnormal initiation. Our unit of
comparison Is abnormal and we do not
see things with level vision or we
would not spend much time In mourn.
ing over a year that produced 100000
motor vehicles. ,.. .".t.
And Of the twelve months that lie
ahead of us. what shall we say?
Prophecy Is always risky, but GER
tainly every portent points to a GER
tain II gradual growth Of business and
prosperity. Nor is this suggestion Of
optimism based upon mere hope.
There are at least two solid factors
upon which we may build the expec-
tation Of increased business for the
motor vehicle industry. In 1917 there
we're built in this country 1858
motor vehicles, of which 1877, 900 wepe
trucks. Placing the life Of a motor
vehicle, over our uneven quality Of
roads. at five years and we know
that nearly 1000, 900 cars and trucks
ere destined for the scrap heap in
1922. These must be replaced. Near
" every economic expert Is agreed
in saying that the fall Of 1922 will see
the beginning Of a long upward curve
of prosperity. The harvesting Of the
1922 crops will bring the farmer once
more into the buying market on a gen
cIous basis. But II Is characteristic
OF the American people to anticipate a
Little expected prosperity and this
will make for increased buying OF bad
ly needed motor vehicles in the
spring. Is not the hope justified that
the 1922 sale Of motor vehicles will
surpass all previous records?
Add to this signs of Improvement
n conditions In the rest OF the world
the first faint indications Of q return
to sanity, the settlement Of age-old
problems will perhaps permit the be-
ginning Of revival of export business,
which must always play a vital role
IN the accumulation or a balance.
So does the American automobile
industry stand upon the threshold Of
1922 with every reason to look for
ward with hope and optimism into a
future from which the storm clouds
are definitely lifting.