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British Leyland And Honda's Historic Collaboration Unveiled In 'The Viking And The Samurai'
A new book, "The Viking and the Samurai," delves into the collaboration between British Leyland (BL) and Honda during the 1970s. This period was marked by industrial action, subpar products, financial difficulties, and intense competition. Amidst these challenges, BL's partnership with Honda significantly enhanced its engineering, manufacturing technology, and product quality.
Authored by John Bacchus, who negotiated and managed the collaboration for 16 years, the book provides an eyewitness account of this crucial relationship. Bacchus was deeply involved in the events from the 1970s until the sale of Rover Group to BMW in 1994. His narrative covers mergers, strikes, nationalisation, privatisation, and cultural differences.
Written in 1996 when events were still fresh in Bacchus's mind, the book's historical importance has grown over the years. The collaboration between BL and Honda led to a new generation of vehicles that transformed BL's fortunes for over a decade.
"The Viking and the Samurai" is a 160-page softback book featuring around 100 photographs, including unpublished prototype images. Priced at £15 (excluding post and packaging), it is available for purchase online from the Rover 200 & 400 Owners Club’s webshop. All profits from sales will be donated to Dementia Research UK.
| Book Title | The Viking and the Samurai |
|---|---|
| Author | John Bacchus |
| Price | £15 (excluding post and packaging) |
| ISBN | 978-1-3999-8614-4 |
The Author: John Bacchus
Now aged 87, John Bacchus retired as Director of Honda Collaboration at Rover Group in 1995 after a 25-year tenure. He previously worked for Ford and Chrysler before joining BLMC in 1969. Known for his continuous service at a senior level amidst a company notorious for management upheaval, Bacchus played a pivotal role in making the complex collaboration successful.
The Publisher: Rover 200 & 400 Owners Club
The Rover 200 & 400 Owners Club supports enthusiasts of these models and encourages their preservation for future generations. This is its first book publication following the release of "The Real R3 Story" booklet in 2020. The club is active on various social media platforms and participates in numerous car events annually.
Dementia Research UK
Dementia Research UK is a grant-making charity funding research projects across the UK. It provides grants to national research bodies at universities and hospitals and regional centres offering support to those affected by dementia. More details about its contributions can be found on its website.
The book "The Viking and the Samurai" offers a detailed account of a significant chapter in British automotive history. It sheds light on how British Leyland's partnership with Honda helped navigate through challenging times, ultimately leading to improved products and market success.
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