Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-01
Special pispatch TO The star.

Special Dispatch TO Ihe star.
DETROIT, February 28.-One result
of the severe overhauling the automo-
bile trade has undergone during the
ton of new models at the end of the
year. AS a consequence, the Spring
season, which certain makers have set
aside as the time to bring forward new
lines, will see fewer introductions this
year than formerly.
The magnates who have sponsored
the movement believe that 1t will have
the effect of stabilizing not only the
sales, but also production for the in
dustry and factory employment.
Understanding Of Companies.
While the understanding among the
companies that the new jobs are to be
withheld to coincide with the national
automobile shows curing January or
slightly prior to that time is unwritten,
it, nevertheless, has the backing of q
strong National Automobile Chamber Of
Commerce group.
On the passenger car side 1t con-
sists Of Roy D. Chaplin (Hudson), Wal
ter P. Chrysler (Chrysler(, A. r. Frs
kline (Studebaker), Robert G. Graham
(Graham), Charles D. Hastings Caup-
mobile), F. j. Haynes Franklin), Alvin
McCauley (Packard, L. A. Miller
(Willys-Overland) C. w. Nash CNas1)
Alfred H. Swayne and Alfred P. Sloan,
jr. General Motors.
AS a sales force, the measure is in
tended to have the effect Of removing
uncertainty from the minds of millions
in America who buy new cars, but who
In the past have done so under the
misgiving that the new model they
sign up for may be outdated by q sud-
den announcement two or three months
later that new style has displaced
the one they own.
Confusion in the Past.
The makers believe that 1t will be to
their own advantage as well that the
trade be not disturbed by an almost
continuous Offering of new stuff
throughout the year. In the past the
market has experienced confusion from
this practice which has meant that GER
tain makes were putting on cleanup
sales at lowered prices, while others
were heralding new lines at the top
price. This also had the effect Of keep
ing the dealer end in state Of anx-
iety and has kept trading values In a
state Of wild fluctuation.
Since the official understanding was
arrived at during the first week of jan
uary, the heads of several companies
have voiced approval of the new plan
and have pledged adherence to 1t.
e. T. Strong, president of Buick, has
placed his company on record with a
statement that the present straight
eight lines are to be continued indef-
initely.
Last week L. A. Miller, head of WHY'S
Overland, reiterated his company's posi-
ton on the matter, adding that 1t is one
Of the greatest forward steps ever made
by the industry and one that will i'm
prove greatly the general economic we'll
being OF the country as whole.
@. M. Williams, Marmon chief, also
has added the name of his company to
the list. mo longer" he said, will the
man who buys a car wonder Just how
long 1t will be before his new car Is re-
placed by newer and better model Of
the same make.
HE will know when to expect the
new model and If he likes the car he Is
considering, he will not feel disappoint-
ed at an unexpected change"
Introduction Period.
AS now understood by the industry
in general, the new model introduction
period is to center in November and
December, allowing time enough for
the larger companies to get demonStra-
ton cars in the hands of dealers and
do the promotion work preparatory to
the annual shows which are to climax
the sales effort during January.