What's in a name?
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THE "What is British?" row is escalating. Leyland's claim that Volvo is not entitled to call itself a British company has been partially accepted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Volvo's British status is still under suspension and may remain so until June 16 and probably beyond.
It is important to understand that the status is conferred or withheld by the SMMT in accordance with its own rules. These rules were framed in the days before foreign manufacturers were a force in Great Britain.
The SMMT has admitted that it is working in "an unclear situation." It may be that its rules now need updating and clarification.
Volvo is anxious to be known as a British company — for commercial reasons. Leyland is just as anxious to protect that section of its market which follows a "Buy British" policy.
We cannot predict how the SMMT will resolve this "unclear situation." What we can be certain of is that there are a number of other manufacturers awaiting the outcome with more than academic interest. However, the matter is, we believe, of no more than academic interest to those who matter — their customers.
What emerges from this seemingly futile and trivial matter is that being a British manufacturer once again means something.