The fact is that nearly all the manufacturers, especially those of popular cars, could have sold many more, had they had the facilities to make them.
In the midst of this condition some persons of narrow vision were wondering if there was a further market for cars, and were talking learnedly, as they thought, about the point of “saturation” having been reached.
In the meantime the big men in the industry were saying nothing. Instead of talking, they were laying their plans to make and sell twice as many cars in 1917 as in 1916.
Production Not Yet at Its Height.
There will come a time when the automobile industry will reach its height in production, but that time has not yet arrived, nor is it within calculable distance.
Statisticians show us that there are over 5,000,000 rich people in this country. Many of these have, and more of them will want, each several cars, each of a different type and for a different purpose.
We have about 8,000,000 farms. Many farmers already have cars, but only a few compared with the many who will have them as soon as they have become convinced of their utilitarian value aside from pleasure. The farmer is a practical person and “must be shown.” Give it time, and the automobile will prove itself to him.
Then we have several million persons who can not be classed among the rich, but who are in such reasonably comfortable circumstances that gradually they will become owners of popular priced cars.
And we must not forget the element that is “keeping up with Lizzie.” Those of this class will also pay toll to the automobile industry.
And so far only between three and four million cars, including pleasure and commercial cars, are registered in this country.