Post by Zoltan on Jan 25, 2011 14:08:24 GMT -5
We really need somebody to research the early pre-OPEC phase of the Japanese automobile penetration of the USA, as regards slipping under the US DOT/EPA regs on safety and emissions.
Enough time has passed now that an examination of the waivers, exemptions, production volume exceptions which gave Japan Inc a leg up on the DumbEstic Big 3 (4, if you remember AMC) should be documented. There has always been talk of an un-level playing field. It ought to be quantified, and with hindsight, a real story lies there to be told in full detail.
Oh yes, the unlevel playing field IN Japan with the keiretsu system and the import tariffs and quotas on North American cars is quite another story.
But the unlevel playing field HERE in North America which advantaged Japanese car companies as regards vehicle standards (which other car companies had to meet, but not them), is quite another matter, and far less documented.
Enough time has passed now that an examination of the waivers, exemptions, production volume exceptions which gave Japan Inc a leg up on the DumbEstic Big 3 (4, if you remember AMC) should be documented. There has always been talk of an un-level playing field. It ought to be quantified, and with hindsight, a real story lies there to be told in full detail.
Oh yes, the unlevel playing field IN Japan with the keiretsu system and the import tariffs and quotas on North American cars is quite another story.
But the unlevel playing field HERE in North America which advantaged Japanese car companies as regards vehicle standards (which other car companies had to meet, but not them), is quite another matter, and far less documented.
