----- Original Message ----- From: "John Forbes"
Subject: Re: DS Doing Well in Japan
In this case, the manufacturers were saddled with a massive, state-inspired, consolidation of lots of different car companies, fairly incompetent management; a bloody-minded, unionised work-force; and an inability to come to terms with the loss of protected markets. It was a recipe for disaster that led to the disappearance of many once-famous marques and the complete collapse of what had once been (I believe) the world's second biggest car industry. Making a small loss on each Mini was almost a success in these conditions.
Not being able to make a car that could be driven across town without breaking probably didn't help things much.
William Robb
