Evening Star Newspaper, January 6, 1935, Page 66

THE SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C, JANUARY 6, 1935—PART FIVE. - A Statement GENERAL MOTORS ENERAL MOTORS is in the process of announcing its 1935 meotor cars. As you view the new models, you will see that progress by evolution has been continued. Nothing especially revolu- tionary or radical is being offered —simply more safety, more room, improved mechanisms, greater eye appeal — all with improved economy in operation and maintenance. These advances are the result of another year’s intensive work by the General Motors engineering staffs. To realize them in physical form has involved an expenditure of approximately $35,000,000 in new machinery, tools and plant— the price of progress well worth while. An important new safety feature is a solid steel top for closed car bodies — the “turret top.” This is a truly remark- able manufacturing achievement. It has been former practice to make automobile tops of a border of steel, with the center filled in, in various ways. The “turret top” is solid steel over the entire top area. The supporting members are integral with the top and with the main structure of the body itself. The result of this outstanding body advance is improved appearance, greater uniformity in manufacture, and greater safety. Last year General Motors pioneered in “‘knee-action” wheels, or as it was then expressed, “‘a break for the back-seat rider.” By moving the engine forward and effecting better distri- bution of weight, as illustrated in many 1934 cars, motor car rides have been improving also by evolution. Anything and everything that makes for a better ride, is desirable because of what it contributes toward a broader use of transportation by highway. But the ultimate in a better ride can only be obtained by insuring independent action of each wheel, to compensate for the different road reactions which each one continually re- ceives—or by “knee-action.” The ultimate always costs a little more, but it is well worth it. These contributions toward progress follow the introduction of Fisher no-draft ventilation in 1933, and many other inno- vations of previous years, such as synchro-mesh transmission. The value and influence of such developments are evidenced by the fact that they are now found in many designs, both at home and abroad. i General Motors strives to pioneer and does not hesitate to take the responsibility inherent in the pioneer spirit. And it believes that progress is accelerated by the inter- pretation of advanced ideas in as many different forms as are sound engineering-wise and commercially desirable. There is frequently more than one way to reach an objec- tive and the basis of engineering progress is thus broadened by stimulating the thinking of a greater number. A wider range of product choice is provided at the same time. From the standpoint of appearance, General Motors 1935 designs will further reflect the trend toward streamlining. At the same time they will express that combination of good taste and utility which it is believed will meet the general current wish for streamlining refined to beauty. The popular belief is, that there is a distinct saving in the operating cost of a motor car embodying certain aero- dynamic features. The broadest possible gain that can be expected is a somewhat higher top speed, or perhaps at top speed an inconsequential saving in fuel, all other circumstances being the same. Except for a negligible part of motor car travel the con- tribution of streamlining is definitely limited to the question of styling. As 1934 passes, I would be ungrateful if I did not record for the General Motors organization our appreciation for the support received. It has enabled us to produce nearly 1,250,000 motor vehicles in the past year. We are grateful for your confidence and thankful for the opportunity you have given us to have contributed something toward recovery in thus providing an important aggregate of employment. We hope to make a still more important contribution during 1935. We pledge every effort toward that objective. 4 PRESIDENT