Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-19
MOTORISTS DIGEST
BY CLAYTON GRAFT.

BY CLAYTON GRAFT.
The Department of Commerce has
Just released revised figures showing
the production of 1,356,714 pleasure au-
tomobiles during the first quarter of
1929 as compared with 900,865 during
the corresponding quarter of 1928. The
Ford Motor Co. is accountable for a
goodly portion of the increase, as 1t
manufactured approximately 100000
more cars this year than last.
The Indianapolis Speedway is the
scene of much activity these days, as
pilots tune up their mounts for the
speed test scheduled for Decoration day.
A newcomer, the straight-egiht Delage,
to be driven by Louis Chiron, is caus-
ing much concern among the other en-
tries, as it has won every race In which
it has been entered in Europe.
Traffic authorities of Chicago are
high in their praise of some Of the au-
tomobile dealers there. They piled hun
dreds of old, Anticipated or otherwise
unsafe automobiles on an island in Lake
Michigan and set them aflre. The slim
ulation of sales of used cars Of the
better kind was far beyond expecta-
tons, besides a great stride in the
right direction in Kidding the city of
so many old "kluks."
AS the "quick service specialist" has
been developed to care for the auto
owner In his many wants after the car
has been placed in service, so the eX-
tenSive engineering laboratories and
proving grounds have been developed
on a much larger scale to care for the
many exacting tests that every part,
unit and assembly of the motor car
must undergo. Competition is so keen
and the average motor car buyer so
particular that the manufacturer real
ICES he must insist on the best possible
to install in his car, within its price
class. Ten years ago a buyer was sat
isf1ed with a good car, now he wants
everything the best in its class.
The great number Of buses on the
streets Of London and Paris and the
consequent traffic jams necessitated the
changing of designs several times. For
some time a drivers cab has been
placed alongside the engine hood so
that the drivers seat has been avail
able for additional passengers. The
new-type buses will employ eight
cyclinder opposed motors, with the CYL
inders horizontal, between and below
the bus frame. The transmission and
differential have been lowered so the
floor will be level and closer to the
ground. The bus body will extend
from the extreme front of the frame
to the rear. The only obstruction is in
making room for the wheels, that Is
four wheel houses. This new arrange
ment will allow provision for seating
several more passengers than is now
possible. Traffic in this country has
not reached such a stage yet and the
customary bus with extensive hood
prevails.
In recent test in Iowa, data were
collected from 800 motorists as to the
cost Of operating their automobiles.
The average travel was found to be ap-
proximateiy IL 900 miles per year. The
small four-cylinder cars averaged about
61z cents per mile, the medium weight
SKIES about 8l2 cents per mile, while
the heavier cars cost 10 cents per mile
and. up. It was a notable fact that
cars running over fair roads cost about
cent per mile less than those used
where poor roads abound. Those used
mostly over the highest type present
day highways cost 2 cents per mile
less than over poor roads.
That ever-perplexing question, when
will the automobile saturation point be
reached?" is evidently gaining much i'm
portance with the large automobile fac
tories, to judge by recent developments.
The mass production of certain cars has
caused the factories to look into the fu-
ture, knowing that whenever the satur-
alton might be reached in this country
they will have to cultivate the overseas
market. The two largest manufactur-
ers. the Ford Motor Co. and General
Motors, already have this situation well
in hand. The Ford Motor Co. has well
established plants at 81 foreign ports
and General Motors at 81 foreign ports
with additional plants under considera-
ton. These two companies are about
to locate plants of great proportions
either in New Jersey or on the Hudson
River for export trade. Chrysler- Dodge
has established five foreign plants, Du-
rant two, Hudson Essex two, overland
two, Studebaker two, Graham-Paige
one and Hupmobile one. Plans are
also under way for financing this eX-
port business on the partial-payment
plan. Installation business in this
country Is we'll established and on SOUND
basis, but is in need of some revision
in foreign trade for greater protection
to the manufacturer. The problem OF
service is also receiving due considera-
ton, as conditions will be somewhat
different At the foreign trade con-
vention, held recently in Baltimore, the
probable export growth of the Amer,
can made motor car received the mos
consideration and discussion.
Confidence placed in the present-daS
motor car is forcibly brought to one
attention, especially at this time OF tnt
wear. Experts estimate that oVel
90 600 900 families will take to the roae
in their automobiles this Summer.
With the advent of better highway
and the increased production OF motor
cars. this method of travel has IN
creased to such an extent that IL i
estimated that the human 1relgn
travelling in motor cars Will Tar OUT
number those travelling by rail this year
The popularity of motor travel has no
! been overlooked by the railroads, a
| they now have over 1000 buses II
daily operation in the East, and add
| tional BUSES and schedules are pelnt
! added.
Timid drivers, beware! The MAN
Viaduct at Miami, Fla, is well postet
with signs reading, You must go 81
miles per hour over this viaduct."' MO
! tor cycle policemen are stationed 81
along the way to pass you ticket !
you Slow down. Also the new 5-mtl
bridge recently opened near Newpor
News, Va, has 35-mile speed require
ment.
Automobile accidents in the State o
Michigan in 1928 saw a marked decline
The state traffic code abolished al
speed limits and stipulated only tina
cars should be operated at speeds IN
surfing safety under prevailing condi
tons.
One frequently sees registration fg
,1res of r,,ntnr vehicles in the Unite