The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-12-02
RECORD. YEAR
FORECAST FOR
AUTO PLANTS
Demand for Nearly Million
Cars Piled Up, During
Ford'S LULU
BOOKS 100000 ORDERS
Detroit Factory Will Have
$4,000 Men at Work
by Christmas.
BOOKS 100000 ORDERS
BY ROBERT TALLEv


WASHINGTON, Dec. 2.-Henry
Ford's release of his new model car
has unleashed q national demand
for nearly 100000 automobiles, a
demand piled up since he threw the
nations biggest industry into semi
chaos when he Withdrew his product
from the market last June.
The year 1928 will be the biggest
In the history of automobile manu-
facture, with an estimated produce
ton of 100000 units as against
4,219,449 units in 1926, according to
competent authorities.
Production during the first ten
months of 1927 has been only
3,072,915 units as against 3,S0e,O68
during the corresponding period Of
1925.
Ford suspended manufacture of
his old cars on May %, and by the
middle of June practically all his
agencies had disposed Of their
stocks, Since then, Ford dealers and
agents have been living hand-to-
mouth existence by repairs, service,
and sales of used cars.
Thousands of Orders Booked
The Ford Company now claims, 1t
Is stated here, in informed circles,
that it has booked orders for 100000
new cars that on 375,O0O OF these
orders cash deposits have been
made.
In addition, auto men say, figures
indicate that at least 40O, 1000 persons
waiting to see what the new Ford
would be like, have held of buying
new cars this year. Sales of other
makes, though large, have shown an
increase of only $4,000, or 4 per
cent, during the first ten months Of
this year.
Prior to his shutdown last sum-
Iner, Ford had been producing about
$4,000 units a month. Loss of
seven months leaves him about
$4,000 Gin arrears"
Resumption of fuIl-time OPERA
tons at the big Ford plants near
Detroit and the numerous assem-
bling plants throughout the country
will relieve an unemployment stir
ation which has been very acute"
says Francis I. Jones, director-gen-
eral Of the United States employ
ment service.
Many to Get Jobs
Conditions In and around De-
troit have been very quiet" Jones
said, "but Ford is expected to have
$4,000 men at work there by Christ
mas day and 100000 by the middle
OF 1928. Corresponding improve
ment is likely throughout his entire
system"
Record-breaking employment Is
assured not only at the Ford plants,
but also in many other factories
which hold contracts for parts.
This promises a direct increase
IN the purchasing power of thou
sands OF workers and an indirect
increase in the power Of others en-,
gagged in getting out raw materials.
Parts and supply manufacturers,
who have been awarded contracts
for certain materials for the new
car, already are pushing produce
ton. The aluminium Company of
America viii make the new pistons.
according to reports, and It is es-
timated that its contract for 1928
Will amount to between $4,00O,OOO
and 100000
Contracts Awarded
The American Bosch Magnetic
Company will supply large part
OF the electrical equipment. A large
contract plant at Wayne, Mich, has
been working for weeks on brake
bands for the new car.
Other auto manufacturers are ex.
pected to speed up their production
rs a matter of competition.
1t also Is rumored In auto circles
here and in Detroit that rival
manufacturers plan to adopt other
competitive means as soon as Ford
really begins his drive for business.
One report says that General Mo-
tors may be on the market soon
with a six-cylinder Chevrolet and
that other manufacturers are PLAN
ming inroads into the light car bust
ness with new models.