ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the results of a detailed study of the UK automotive components industry’s competition position carried out between 1980 and 1984, a period characterised by severe performance problems. The focus is on gaining an understanding of the competitive problems at that time and of what needed to be done. The first section is based on indepth case studies of four product areas: the second deals with the situation overall. Chapter 5 will deal with the most recent position and address the question of the extent to which the necessary steps have been taken, but it is hoped that this chapter is not just a dry ex-post analysis relying on the benefit of hindsight. It is based on international comparisons at the time (supported by a more historical analysis of events), with conclusions being forward looking. It is therefore written in the present tense and the reader will be able to judge for himself whether or not the results of the analysis are borne out by subsequent developments.
