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Queensland State Archives posted a photo:

During the 1950s, Ford’s Australian sales were faltering due to the popularity of the Holden which did not have an effective competitor. Ford assembled the British Zephyr and its Consul and Zodiac derivatives. However, while these cars were moderately successful and had a good reputation, Ford could not match Holden’s price, so sales suffered.

Hence, Ford decided to commence local production of a Holden challenger. Initially, they intended to produce the Zephyr, Consul, and Zodiac, using expensive dies they would need to purchase from Ford of Britain. However, during a visit to Ford headquarters in Detroit in 1958, they were shown the new Falcon, which was being prepared for its US launch.

Immediately, the executives were attracted to the new car – it was about the same size as Holden, but it was low, long, wide and modern. Besides all this, Ford Australia felt they had more

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Queensland State Archives posted a photo:

Road Safety In Sweden

Sweden has a way of dealing with drunken drivers on whom it is planned to inflict heavier penalties. Under new legislation now before the Swedish Parliament, anyone found at the wheel of a car when his blood contains .08 per cent or more of alcohol will be gaoled, instead of fined as hitherto.

Police surgeons there have the right to take a blood test of anyone suspected of being “under the influence,” irrespective of whether he has an accident or is even driving a car. It is sufficient to be sitting at the wheel.

Other Swedish road safety measures include snap inspections of vehicles at the road-side. State inspectors have the right to stop motorists and check the brakes, steering and other safety factors in their cars. It is an offence to drive a car with defective brakes or steering gear.

Description source:
Townsville Daily Bulletin,

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Queensland State Archives posted a photo:

Talks Today For Safer Highways

The road safety lecturers’ conference beginning in Brisbane to-day will view vertical magnetic boards used in demonstrating traffic problems. Objects such as cars and figures are movable on the boards, and do not fall off.

The conference is being attended by lecturers from all Australian States except Western Australia. It is being staged by the Australian Road Safety Council, and will continue until Friday in the Police Welfare Culb lecture room, Roma Street.

Discussions will centre on safety education of children.

“Terrific toll”

The State Transport Minister (Mr. Duggan) said last night that the adult was being educated through the child in road safety. A genuine emergency existed in the country in the terrific toll of the road.

Mr. Duggan will open the conference this morning.

Description source:
The Courier-Mail, 25 August 1952

View the original image at Queensland State Archives:
Digital Image ID 16606

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