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The automobile industry broke all production records during the first quarter of this year. It turned out 1,573,000 cars and trucks--20% over 1940. Last week these production figures were translated into record-breaking sales reports: General Motors' first-quarter retail sales (608,702) were the highest ever, up 45% over 1940.

Other record breakers: Chrysler Corp. (up an estimated 40% over 1940), Studebaker (30,298, up 35%), Nash (26,195, up 100%).

Today Detroit is working hard against the day when a tight labor market and priorities will cut its output. Substitute materials are already under study. Next year zinc die castings (for radiator grilles, spotlight rims, carburetors, etc.) will give way to substitutes, plastics will come in for still greater use. Most model changes will be superficial. As if to beat the gun, Packard (whose production has lagged 34% below 1940) already has added a new model to its line, so streamlined that the long-famous Packard lines are almost unrecognizable.

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