Japanese Investment and British Trade Unionism: Thatcher and Nissan Revisited in the Wake of Brexit

The book explores the negotiation between the Thatcher administration and Nissan for the latter's first green-field plant in Europe, highlighting the importance of EC/EU membership and tariff-free access to the single market. However, the launch of Sunderland led to improved Anglo-Japanese relations, but at the cost of Nissan's slump and fall, and trade unions failing to keep counterchecks on management. Brexit and the fall of Carlos Ghosn have further strained Anglo-Japanese relations, which need redefinition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 195 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book delves into a detailed examination of the protracted negotiations between the Thatcher administration and Nissan for the establishment of the latter's inaugural greenfield plant in Europe. From the outset, the plant held significant importance as a symbol of Britain's European Community (EC)/European Union (EU) membership and tariff-free access to the single market. To entice Japanese investment and prevent its potential relocation to the continent, substantial aid, including component supplies, was provided. The successful launch of Sunderland in 1986 marked a significant improvement in Anglo-Japanese relations, effectively ending the Japan-EC/EU trade conflict. However, this achievement came at a cost, as Nissan experienced a decline and trade unions in both countries failed to effectively maintain checks on management.

The impact of Brexit and the downfall of Carlos Ghosn on Anglo-Japanese relations has been profound, resulting in a state of drift that necessitates a reevaluation of these partnerships. The book explores the complex dynamics and shifting alliances that have shaped the relationship between Britain and Japan over the years, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It sheds light on the historical context, economic considerations, and political factors that have influenced the evolution of Anglo-Japanese relations, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state and future prospects of this important bilateral relationship.

Weight: 295g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811590603
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020