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Leyland's moment of silence
Page 7
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SPECULATION was rife in Frankfurt last week when British Leyland's closure plans were disclosed. European manufacturers have consistently said that a ,strong British Leyland is essential for the well-being of the industry.
This view was shared by the other British manufacturers. Bernard Vernier-Palliez, president and director-general of Renault, asked if the BL closures were bad for Europe, said that Leyland's task was unenviably difficult.
"The effort and plans to save the company are meritorious," he said. "The British have shown us that they have an incredible ability to recover from the most difficult situations, and I am sure our British friends will once again recover."
An audience which had applauded the most innocuous comments earlier was strangely silent following the Renault president's comment.
M. Vernier-Palliez has experienced in small measure Sir Michael Edwardes' problems. During the Berliet-Saviem merger, when ranges were being rationalised, 5,000 jobs were cut.
The French commercial vehicle market in 1979 has dropped back to the 1967 level and 40 per cent of the vehicles were imported. Germany imports 10 per cent and Italy 11 percent.
He said that he could not be as optimistic over the commercial vehicle market prospects as he -was over Renault's car market potential. "However. I believe 1980 will show a significant change," he said.