Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-01-31
NO faint ATTACHED
TO AUTO INDUSTRY
Conduct of Nations Biggest
Business Merits Public
Confidence.

The automobile industry in this
country is visioned by l. j. Reuter-
president of the Odds Motor Works, as
one which has grown to huge proper.
lions without considerable censure.
1t is unlikely that ever before in
me history of commercial America. -
says Mr.. Reuter-, has an industry
crown to the mammoth size and pro.
portion Of the automobile business
without exciting some criticism, either
lust or unjust
Today the automotive industry can
nc pointed ont as the exception. In
us nearly 80 Years growth to its pres
"nt leadership it has never been
';noWn to he the subject of the slight
Hst hint of scandal. Throughout its
career il has been held in the high
regard by the public.
Price fixing. stranEulation of com.
petition, unduly large profits, and kin
1ired assaults usually faced by rap
IDLY expanding industry have been
"bsent. Throughout the entire period
If development the public has seem
lngiy been solidly favorable to the
automobile and has given full-hearted
confidence to those engaged in its
manufacture.
Credit for this condition undoubt-
eddy is due both the autcmotive in
dustry and the public: to the manu-
facturers for the conduct of business
in a fair manner. with healthy compe-
tition, hut with due regard for others:
To the public for its broad vision in
recognizing merited success.
This condition of public confidence
is all the more complimentary WREN
the huge size and achievements Of the
9utomotive industry ore taken into
consideration. In round figures the
industry has mp 10 Jnnuary |. 1925
produced nearly 2S mo 600 motor We
hicles with a wholesale value Of almost
20 billion dollars. In accomplishing
this 1t has taken first rank among all
manufacturing industries of the
United States.
Huge Amount Invested.
Approximately one and three-quar.
ter billion dollars are invested in the
motor vehicle manufacturing business.
and the annual wage and salary bud
get is we'll above Il half billion dollars
The total number Of persons directly
and indirectly employed in the bust
ness is equal to the combined popu-
lltion of Boston, Denver New Or
leans buffalo and Pittsburgh.
While reaching these stunendous
ii=ures. great fortunes. both private
and corporate have been made. One
Of the largest private fortunes in the
motive industry. 1t is doubtful If an
equally wealthy Individual ever has
occupied a similar place in mass APP
prevail, and it is likely that one rea son
for this condition is the exceptionally
high standing the industry always
has held
This spirit of cooperation has
marked the motor vehicle manufac-
turing business from its inception.
More than a quarter of century ago,
when automobiles were considered
playthings of the idle rich, the manu-
f,actTrerS ioired together and ever
since have maintained contact for the
one and only purpose Of improving
the industry. Every automobile fac
tory is always open for inspection.
The public always has been taken
into the confidence of the manHac-
turer. In short, there have been no
secrets and, therefore, no resulting Ill
will.
The manufacturers have always
fixed prices in close relation to costs.
livery manufacturing economy has
been reflected in the retail charge.
Even during boom periods, when 1t
was impossible to manufacture enough
automobiles to SUNNY the demand.
there was no move to take advantage
Of these conditions.
And, lastly, the automOtive indus
try has been the leader in raising
wages and maintaining them at high
levels. Economists figure that auto
motive worllmen are the best paid of
any class requiring the same amount
Of skill and training.
With such 4 background there is
no question regarding the value of the
contribution of the industry toward
advancement of the Nation.