Evening star., 1932-11-17
DEALERS PREPARED
IN AUTO INDUSTRY
DrasticaIIy Low Stocks to Aid
in Placing New Models
on Market.
BY DAVID J. WILKIE.

BY the Associated Press.
DETROIT, November H. Probably
one of the most gratifying accomplish
ments of the automobile industry in a
year that has been anything but salts
factory is the reduction of dealers
stocks to point where every distribu-
tor should be ready to take on new
models without being forced to sell re-
naming 1882 models at used car prices.
While there has been some dealer
mortality during the current year, there
has been also a drive on the part Of
sales executives to build up their dis
tribution organizations, with the result
that the dealer division of the indus
try is considered in splendid position
to carry on the campaign to release
demand for the impending new cars.
Estimates of the number Of dealers
at present In the field vary, although
they exceed 10000. Their stocks Of
current models, according to figures
compiled from the record Of output
and new car registration, probably do
net exceed an average Of three cars
apiece.
Many New Models Due.
December will see the introduction
of many of the new models. The pro-
duction of these cars before the end
L,of the year will add considerably to
the otherwise poor output showing Of
the industry thus far IN 1892.
A few optimistic developments have
made their appearance along with the
unfavorable factors that have charac-
terized the industry's progress this year.
Chevrolet, which has announced a new
series of its six-cylinder type, to be
ready for presentation next month, will
distribute, probably before the end of
the year, at least $20,00o,000 worth of
the new models to dealers.
Graham Paige announces 1t has
placed orders for delivery beginning
December Of 81 100000 worth Of ma
With definite announcement Of the
new Chevrolet and new Plymouth,
lines are being drawn early for the
anticipated fight for business In the
low-priee field. The Ford Co. has made
no announcement Of plans for new
models. although 1t always has said
frequently that experimental work con-
stantly under way in its laboratories,
frequently suggests alterations that can
be made without requiring q new
model" designation.
Ford Output Restricted.
EOIQ output COLltH1uCS uLOcT Sk1hI ply
restricted schedules, with dealers gen.
orally understood to have stocks on
hand sufficient to meet retail require
ments for approximately eight weeks
barring an unexpected upturn.
Although with few exceptions the
characteristics, mechanically and other
wise Of the new models are being with
held, what information is permitted
to trickle out from the plants where
new models are In preparation indi-
Gates that not a few of the manllfac-
turers will go in for less conservative
body types In their 1888 types. This
is especially true Of some Of the middle
price types.
Chevrolet's new model is understood
to contemplate a longer wheelbase.
The new Plymouth also Is presenting
marked change in appearance, with
q sloping radiator and tenders con-
structed to conceal the chassis.
While this much Is known specifi-
cally of the two cars named, many
others of the impending new models
are expected to feature equally drastic
departures from their current types.