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Murray and Budd a goodly number.) In general, the new models taper from rear to front. That gives roomy back seats. By widening rear axles, manufacturers have obviated the unsightly overhung bodies of past years. Very few open cars are now made. The closed bodies are slung very low. Triplex and Duplex safety glass appear in almost every expensive car and in the windshields of cheaper makes. Chromium, non-tarnishing metal, is used almost universally in lamp rims, hub caps, door handles, bumpers and other trimmings. Body colors are subdued, more blacks appearing than for several years.
Mechanically, rubber for engine mountings is the widest innovation. The rubber insulates the engine from the rest of the chassis and reduces vibration and noise.
Appearance (to please ladies) remains the chief car-selling point. Next comes speed; then brakes, pickup, durability, price. The cheaper cars developed a new market during 1928 among people who own luxurious cars and can use an auxiliary gadabout.
Price is a difficult thing for a motor manufacturer to fix. Labor costs so-much, material so-much. Not in all cases is it possible to economize by making one's own parts. It often is cheaper to buy from a large-scale parts factory. In a list of 93 models, for example, 13 used Lycoming motors, 14 Continentals. Ford, famed for controlling all manufacturing steps from raw material to finished cars, last week had contracted to buy batteries, tires, bodies, shock absorbers from outside companies.* All manufacturers seem to give good value in 1929 cars. The table on p. 43 shows comparative prices. Often where prices are close together, they differ because one maker provides more or less fittings and accessories than another. Because every motor manufacturer produces the four-door sedan or a model very like it, the data pertains to that type of car. Prices shown below are as of Dec. 24, supplied mainly by Automotive Daily News. Many producers change their prices during the Show.
Show time is the time to survey the automobile industry.
On Dec. 31 there were in the U. S. 21,630,000 passenger cars, 3,120,000 trucks. They constituted 78% of the world's automobiles.
During 1928 motor makers obligated themselves to pay $785,000,000 taxes (estimated) on production of 4,044,000 cars (estimated), 586,000 trucks (estimated).
Wholesale value of the cars was $2,630,500,000 (estimated), of the trucks $415,320,000 (estimated).
Estimated average value of a 1928 car was wholesale $650, retail $876; of a 1928 truck wholesale $709, retail $955. The difference between wholesale and retail prices paid for freight, storage, interest, dealer's profit.
During 1928 there were but three motor mergers—Chrysler & Dodge, Studebaker & Fierce-Arrow, Hupmobile & Chandler-Cleveland (Cleveland cars have not been made for years).