Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-16
TRADE
LOOKS FOR UPTURN
Industry Is Prepared to In
crease Operations With
Gain in Sales.
BY DAVID ]. WILKIE.
Written for the Associated Press.


DETROIT, October 16.-Although
that branch of the automobile industry
having to do with the compilation OF
comparative figures on output, ship
ments and new-car registrations con-
tinueS to record low figures, the manu-
facturers are displaying more interest
in a prospective upturn in production
than in the past performances OF the
industry
Numerous compilations have been
made to show that production and new
car registrations during recent weeks
have fallen below flve-year averages.
Extensive model changes are in process
of preparation right now, however, AMI
substantial improvement is looked for
within the next few weeks. Unusual
activity has been reported in several
tool and die shops, forecasting IN
creased operations in automobile plants.
Predictions Are Few.
Generally, automobile executives are
reluctant to make any predictions or
even discuss just what effect the new
model introductions will have on the in
dustrys immediate future. Earlier in
the year statements came rather ire
quently as to the more cheerful pros
pect for production and sales accelera-
ton. Most Of these predictions failed
of naturalization.
At the same time not a few Of the
leading manufacturers hope that with
constructive forces at work to improve
business conditions generally. the &C
tolerated production incident to the
bringing out of new models may carry
| over into the early months of next year.
! This they believe would give much
needed impetas to the industry and II
the increased production could be cou-
pied up with the seasonal improvement
that will come with the arrival of good
driving weather it might even develop
into the definite passing of the spotty
! condition Of business in the motor car
! industry
The whole picture admittedly is one
| Of hope more than expectation, but
| most automobile executives still believe
the automobile industry will lead the
way in the restoration Of normal bust
| ness conditions The industry, they
say, invariably has been first to feel the
, effects of a depression, but it likewise
almost always has been the first TO
show the beginning Of a return to
| normally.
Seeking Improvement.
Automobile manufacturers have not
stood still waiting for an upturn: they
have called upon all their resources to
| from the elimination of all wasteful
| manufacturing and merchandising prac-
| tees, there have been energetic steps
toward aggressive craftsmanship; the
| introduction of new models has been
| postponed in large measure from Mid
summer to November and December, 20
the end that employment conditions
might be bettered during the Winter
months; plants have been established in
70 do ,t,H1 ortF iafi
ened to curtail the sale there of cars
made in the United States, and steps
! also have been taken to stimulate Fan
| buying to further increase the Winter
| manufacturing activity.
Several reasons why Fall buying is
| advantageous for the motorist have been
| advanced by merchandising executives
| Urging that WORKOUT cars be turned
| in at this time one leading sales man
! ager points out that drivers now de-
| mand the maximum in motor car per-
| Torrance during the Winter months,
when WORKOUT motors can cause the
| most trouble, when old tires are most
! apt TO skid"
Referring to cars not in the worn
out class, he claims that in most cases
the motorist can get better price for
| his present car in tie Fall than in the
| Spring, when it is a year old"
| John L. Lovett. general manager Of
the Michigan Manufacturers Associa-
| ton, is one of those who believe the
policy Of the motor car industry to in
| troduce its new models in Midwinter
rather than during the Summer months
| will help materially in relieving I'M
employment conditions this Winter. He
| predicts at least moderate revival in
the industry. with an increase in fac
| tory pay rolls probably more marked
4 al A1It ~.
New York January 8 to Is.
Change in Purchasing.
THE trouble is" Lovett said, that it
| has got to be the fashion to scrimp and
| save even where there is no necessity
Rich men will drive a motor car for
three years. and think they're rather
smart in doing so. whereas formerly
| the bought new car every year. Once
| get people buying-those who can af
ford it. I mean-and prosperity soon
will begin to return"