The text is a transcript of a TV show called Clarkson's Car Years, where the host Jeremy Clarkson explores the history and decline of the British car industry. He talks about the various factors that contributed to the downfall of British Leyland, such as poor management, design flaws, industrial disputes, and foreign competition. He also compares some of the cars that were produced by the company, such as the Triumph Stag, the Morris Marina, and the Austin Allegro. He concludes by blaming everyone involved for the demise of the British car industry.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. In 1950, all British-owned car makers were registered with the Society of Motor Manufacturers.
2. By the 21st century, the biggest British-owned car maker was London Taxis International.
3. American companies own Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover.
4. German companies own Rolls Royce and Bentley.
5. Lotus is run by Malaysians.
6. The Triumph Stag had Italian styling and was introduced in 1970.
7. The Triumph Stag had a T-bar arrangement for safety in case of rollovers.
8. British Leyland was created in 1968 and was the world's fifth-largest car firm.
9. British Leyland offered a wide range of car choices to customers.
10. Triumph did not use Rover's V8 engine but created their own by welding two Dolomite engines, which had cooling issues.
11. The Stag was withdrawn from the American market in 1973 and discontinued in 1977.
12. British Leyland had internal competition among its various car models.
13. The Austin Allegro had a square steering wheel, and the Morris Marina was designed with no new inventions.
14. The Allegro was supposed to be technically advanced, while the Marina was not.
15. BMC made a loss on every Mini sold and never updated it regularly.
16. In 1979, the government considered selling British Leyland, starting with Unipart, then Leyland trucks and buses.
17. Jaguar was sold to Ford, and Rover and Land Rover were sold to British Aerospace with a no-sale agreement for five years.
18. Rover was eventually sold to BMW.
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