BL Cars
1978 Formed as the car-making subsidiary of BL[1], (previously Leyland Cars). It consisted of 3 divisions[2]:
- Austin Morris for volume car operations
- Jaguar Rover Triumph for specialist cars
- BL Components for spares, SU-Butec, foundries, body operations
It was the result of a comprehensive restructuring programme intended to rescue BL from almost-certain oblivion. At that time BL Cars had 34 factories[3]
The MG operation was moved from Austin Morris to Jaguar Rover Triumph, which was thought to be a better fit[4]
A tie up had been made with Honda producing versions of the Ballade as the Triumph Acclaim which later became the Rover 213/216
1980 Launched the Austin Mini-Metro. This later developed into the Rover 100 until it ceased production in 1997
Tie up with Honda and launched versions of the Ballade as the Triumph Acclaim and then as the Rover 213/216
1981 A new car was agreed with Honda[5], which would be powered by an 1800cc engine, putting it above the Accord in Honda's range
1981 The volume car business was rechristened as the Austin Rover Group and focused primarily on the Austin and Rover marques
1982 When Michael Edwardes left BL,Ray Horrocks was appointed chief executive of BL Cars[6]
1982 BL Light Medium Cars Division mentioned.[7]