The 1980's

BL changed it name during the 1980's to the Rover Group. Ford had started to separate its production plants in Europe - West Germany, Spain and Belgium. Whilst General Motors started importing Opels and badging them Vauxhalls. During the 1970's we had seen a strengthening of demand for brands in the UK such as Datsun (Nissan), Volkswagen and Renault, now in the eighties other foreign manufacturers were increasing their market share including Citroen, Peugeot,Volvo and Fiat. Honda created a partnership with the Rover Group and Nissan set up the first Japanese factory in Sunderland.