CURRENT DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES 200035

The paper surveys the economic and engineering aspects of the automotive industry, so that engineers can align themselves with its future development. Better performance and longer life due to improved design and materials distinguish the 1920 car from its predecessors. One of the healthiest signs in the industry is the uniform determination of practically every manufacturer to improve the quality of his product. The designer has been forced to extend himself in getting the highest possible output from the smallest possible units. This trend is very noticeable.

Conditions relating to prices, the return to peace-time production, the potential demand for cars and the present supply, and the probable improvements in cars are then reviewed, the thought then passing to a somewhat detailed discussion of detachable-head engines. Heating devices for intake manifolds are next considered, followed by a rather lengthy rehearsal of the factors involved in connection with wheels and axles and the subject of pneumatic tires for trucks. A discussion of truck-engine development is presented. A résumé of production statistics is given, the prediction of increased production being made unanimously by the executive heads of factories. The labor outlook is then treated. Standardization as an accomplishment of the Society is mentioned, the attractions of a world market are pictured and the possibilities of the motor-truck industry are enumerated.