Evening star., 1925-07-05
BY WILLIAM ULLMAN.

New and lower priced straight
eights, more makes equipped with
four-Wheel brakes, more liberal equip
ment along lines of efficiency acces-
sories and wider adoption of auto
matte chassis fabrication may be ex-
pected by the motorist among Summer
and Autumn offerings of new models,
according to information in automo-
tive circles.
AS usual a few manufacturers may
be said to have something up their
sleeves. but such innovations, in all
probability, will not be regarded by
the motorist as distinct needs in mo-
tordom, for the motorist Of 1925 is
fairly we'll satisfied with the power,
speed. economy and appearance of the
cars thus far offered for his approval.
The greatest strides in the 1926
models, according to present indica-
tions, will be along lines of detailed
improvements, representing an effort
on the part Of the industry to satisfy
ap insistent demand for the perfection
of minor equipment. Windows will
roll up and down more easily. emer-
gency brakes will be easier to handle,
engines will be more accessible and the
cap on the gas tank will not be for
ever getting it's threads crossed. 1t
probably will be the year of small but
IlOldOlS improvements.
Cannot Change Models.
There are several reasons for this,
the most important Of which, perhaps,
is the physical impossibility of bring
ing out radically changed models in
any quantity within the next few
months. The industry was about
month or so behind 1924 in getting un-
der way this year. and as a conse-
quence is expected to run further into
the Summer before meeting any gen
uine need for new models as a sales
| stimulant. In 1924 production reached
the peak for the year in March, with
393,272 units. This year production
for April not only shattered all pre-
vious records for the year, but for any
month of any previous year as well.
A second reason for the improbable
! ity of radical changes is the general
satisfaction of the motoring public
with the present models. Many ear
| owners are awaiting special body mod
| els of their favorite makes, which are
known to be in the offing, but as a
general rule the industry is felt to be
way ahead of the motorist. Millions
| of persons have never driven behind a
| straight-eight motor and many of
them do not know the purpose of an
| air cleaner.
A third and important reason is the
| financial consideration. Wall Street
wants some profits out Of the automo-
| bile business. Individual investors
want TO see their companies increase
production, concentrate on certain
| models Of known value and make ad-
ditional profits through increased pro-
duction. The motorist himself is wise
enough to know that radical changes,
except where essential, are costly to
everybody involved.
Still another reason for the more
| conservative advancement of the au-
| tomobile as exemplified by forthcom-
ing models is the growing tendency to
improve cars, not by completely rede-
signing them, but by adding efficiency
devices. This already has developed
an accessory business of 81 SOC, 900 900
annually. New features will be added
| as selling points. to meet the demand
for greater performance and decreased
operating costs, and as a general slim
uluS to the progress of the automobile.
Makers Want Accessories.
Many of the newer accessories are
! in greater favor with the manufactur-
ers at the present moment than with
| the public. The motorist is inclined
to be satisfied with the economy and
| performance he is now getting, but the
| manufacturer KNOWS tnaC anything
that makes his product more useful,
more comfortable. faster, smoother
and more economical is bound to
! bring him more business. And he
can make this bid without fear of err
ror as might easily be the case if he
redesigned a complete unit of the car
to obtain the same results.
/ The car owner has his car equipped
with an automatic chassis lubricating
| system mainly to prolong its life and
cut repair costs, but the manufacturer
! is likely to place greater emphasis on
: the appeal of such a system to the car