Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-13
CHANGES IN AUTO
STYLES POSTPONED
Manufacturers Reported 0p.
posed to New Models Until
Next Fall.
BY DAVID J. WILKIE,
associated Press Stan Writer,

DETROIT, Mich, March 13.-Al-
enough permanence Of design is thing
the future of the automobile industry
will not permit, leaders among the
makers of motor cars believe a periodi-
cal hiatus in the practice of constantly
changing models is to play large part
in the return to normal conditions.
The decision to make no changes In
design during the coming Summer, they
believe, will attract a considerable vol
ume Of buying orders that otherwise
would be withheld until near the end Of
the good driving season.
Former Custom.
Heretofore new models have started
coming from the assembly lines in June,
continuing until well into the Fall. 1t
apparently Is a safe conjecture that but
for the fact many of the improved cars
brought out last Summer and Fall were
beyond the blueprint stage when the
crash came most of them would have
been delayed until the upward turn be-
gan.
The industry generally does not look
for a perpendicular upward movement
of its production curve. 1t does ex-
pect, however, that the upward move
ment that began some weeks ago will
continue gradually until well into the
Fall. In abandoning plans for new
models this Summer the industry has
given the retail organizations an unob-
Structed start in the drive for the re-
covery Of normal conditions.
The retail organizations have been
steadily strengthened during recent
months, the industry realizing that the
merchandising outlets would have to
carry most Of the burden in the recov-
cry campaign.
Particularly encouraging in the gen.
eral automotive picture Is the monthly
report of the Ford Co., showing that In
February 1t produced 85,l09 units, ex-
ceeding the output of January by 49,
OPT cars and trucks and more than
doubling the December production.
Confirming early predictions, the an
nouncement said that March schedules
would be even larger.
Avoids Overlooking.
The Ford Co. is known to have lev
eled of production sharply to avoid
overlooking its retailers. Announce
ment that further expansion of pro-
duction schedules is planned for the
current month is accepted in automo-
bile circles as more definite evidence Of
the steady improvement in the indus
trys retail market.
While the February increase was &C
COulp1AollcO III Tic EOTu pldIlJS W1LI1OuL
material extension Of working hours, a
still further stepping up of production
viii, 1t Is believed, neceSsitate the plac-
ing Of more departments on a fve-day-
a-week basis instead of three days as
at present
Virtually all the low-priced line max
ers have reported increased activity and
plans for further production expansion
during the present month. This activ-
1ty has led to an upward revision Of
early estimates of March output. The
latest figures place 1t at upward of
275O00 units, exclusive Of Canadian OUT
put.
Canadian Policy.
Desiring to avoid a breaking down
Of their retail organizations in Canada,
most Of the American automobile COM
panies operating in the Dominion on a
purely export basis are continuing the
Development of plans to meet the Ca
madam governments recent decision to
cut the discount allowance on cars en-
tered for duty
Ford, General Motors. Studebaker and
q few other companies have plants In
Canada and are not affected py the or
der. Several companies without this
advantage at present are considering
the advisability Of establishing such
plants or entering into agreements with
already established companies for the
production Of thsir cars in the plants of
the latter companies