As every new-car buyer knows, there is no thrill comparable to a fast getaway. This week automakers started a new quarter and a new year with scheduled production 85% ahead of the final quarter of 1959. Between now and March 31, the industry expects to produce 2,250,000 cars. It will be the largest first-quarter production in history, if there is no labor trouble. Automen predict that 1960 sales, including 500,000 imports, will soar above 7,000,000. American Motors'George Romney, most enthusiastic of the lot, forecasts up to 7,500,000.
Behind the industry's heady optimism lies the...