Biggest in the world – in 1950

In 1950 the UK motor industry was the second biggest in the world. After 1945 Europe was reconstructing itself after the war and Britain seemed to be in an enviable position – unlike Germany and France its industrial plant and political and economic system was largely undamaged and Britain’s car manufacturers were able to switch almost straight out of military production to making cars again. All over the world peace brought about a huge demand for new cars – which the UK was ready to fulfil. The 300,000 units that were exported per year at that time made the UK second only to the United States in motor manufacturing. But despite its size and apparent strength the sector was already sick. Like someone with an undiagnosed heart condition who thinks he is entirely healthy, while unseen and unawares the illness is developing - the British car industry already had problems. But they were not understood. Just like someone with heart disease who ignores the chest pains and breathlessness – the British car industry ignored the warning signs until too late.

IN 1955 ALL OF THESE WERE UK-OWNED MOTOR MANUFACTURERS. LOOK AT THE “AUSTIN” COAT OF ARMS. THIS USED TO BE A WORLD BRAND UP TO THE 60S. THE COMPANY STARTED IN 1905 WHEN HERBERT AUSTIN BOUGHT A DISUSED BICYCLE FACTORY IN LONGBRIDGE, BIRMINGHAM, FOR GBP 7,950. THE BRAND NAME HAS DISAPPEARED – BUT THE LONGBRIDGE SITE IS STILL IN USE BY ROVER CARS.

2008-05-19