The one and only issue - just about - with car-making in Europe is the deep economic mess the Continent finds itself in.
There are a few bright spots such as Poland, The Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Austria perhaps a couple more, if as many. Even many of these countries now face tougher times with their own markets beginning to feel squeezed.
There are a few bright spots such as Poland, The Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Austria perhaps a couple more, if as many. Even many of these countries now face tougher times with their own markets beginning to feel squeezed.
Europe - the Old Continent where the motor-car was born - home to some of the best household brand-names the world has ever known is being toroughly tested from within and from without.
The Continent that boasted 4 major world car-making countries for decades: Germany, France, the UK, Italy.
The Continent that boasted 4 major world car-making countries for decades: Germany, France, the UK, Italy.
Europe's main decision-makers - a very broad class ranging from industrialists, businessmen, financiers, bankers, politicians, etc - have to act now. They have to deliver on where they wish their individual countries and the whole Continent to stand in a fast changed/changing world.
It is not good enough to candidly say Volvo is now Chinese-owned or JLR is Indian-owned or mock the French State for trying to save Peugeot providing it with a lifeline.
Or realize Italy is now but a junior player in motor-vehicle production having been relentlessly overtaken by new producers who started from scratch.
Or the UK whose volume makers of indigenous brands disappeared altogether.
All these rather seem the outward signs of manufacturing decline brought about by unchecked globalisation, ultra-free capital flows and greedy profit.
It is not good enough to candidly say Volvo is now Chinese-owned or JLR is Indian-owned or mock the French State for trying to save Peugeot providing it with a lifeline.
Or realize Italy is now but a junior player in motor-vehicle production having been relentlessly overtaken by new producers who started from scratch.
Or the UK whose volume makers of indigenous brands disappeared altogether.
All these rather seem the outward signs of manufacturing decline brought about by unchecked globalisation, ultra-free capital flows and greedy profit.
Where would US industry be if the Obama Administration had not rescued GM 4 years ago allowing management time to turn its fortunes around? Or in pure capitalist logic is it indiferent for the US economy, society and country to have a GM or not to have it?
Yes there was downsizing, factory closures, brands were lost but the huge company is up and running again. Making cars in America at a profit. In fact, if the American market rebounds further, as looks increasingly likely, it might even open new factories once more.
Europe as a whole, the Eurozone in particular, needs to reshuffle itself by kickstarting the economy with a visionary widespread growth plan.
Not fake growth based on deficits, excessive credit and excessive debt that triggered current woes. One that spurs production and consumption on balanced grounds.
It has been achieved in the past, why not revisit it again?
Not fake growth based on deficits, excessive credit and excessive debt that triggered current woes. One that spurs production and consumption on balanced grounds.
It has been achieved in the past, why not revisit it again?
It is in the very nature of a market economy to witness companies set up shop to grow and prosper while others age, wilt and shutdown. What is very worrying - ultimately untenable - is to see far too many closures, relocations, outsourcings and a willingness on the part of many to deem it as the natural course.
Unless Europe (at the highest levels) considers itself a spent force whose economy, society and political relevance in the larger world is inexorably set to decline absolutely.
I used to think up until recently it need be no more than a relative decline.
Unless Europe (at the highest levels) considers itself a spent force whose economy, society and political relevance in the larger world is inexorably set to decline absolutely.
I used to think up until recently it need be no more than a relative decline.
The 13m car market has to bounce back at some point in time.
To that end European leaderships must pay much more than lip-service to its wounded economy.
To that end European leaderships must pay much more than lip-service to its wounded economy.
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