The internal Combustion engine was made by Carl Benz (German), the revolution in the automobile industry came with the Ford Model T. These cars were made in large numbers thus ensuring many people could afford them: Thus the start of the modern auto age.
The American dominance of the Auto industry continued for many decades. The Germans concentrated on precision engineering; developing brands that were so detailed they became an engineering marvel (most Heads of States ride in Mercedes Benz). The British were responsible for cars meant for speed because of their winding back country roads (jaguars and Astons) but the Italians took it upon themselves to perfect this act. Today they make some of the best super cars in the world. The French have never really been good at anything (the only thing they made that ever made sense was the 504, and that’s hugely debatable if you’re not Nigerian).
It wasn’t until after the 2nd world war that the Japanese started making cars. Their country was so torn apart that right from the start, the emphasis could only be to make light, efficient cars. This paid off after almost 60 years when Toyota surpassed GM to become the number 1 car manufacturer in the World!!!
The Germans had as far back as the 60’s made performance models of base brands (AMG of Mercedes). Japanese however joined the league of extra ordinary cars in the 90’s with launch of the Lexus. Nissan’s infinity following. Honda’s Acura and Mitsubishi’s Ralliart having come in the late 80’s but failed to make the kind of impact that Lexus made with the LS 400.
Let me give you a clearer picture of the Japanese presence, 4 out of every 5 visitors who read this blog and own cars will own a Japanese car!!! On your way home today, look around you; I’m sure the vehicle to your left, right, front and back at some point will all be Japanese.
The Japanese found an efficient way to make mass produced, hugely reliable cars that were so miserly on fuel when other car manufacturers made guzzlers thinking fuel like beer was always going to be cheap.
For everyone who has driven a German equivalent of a Japanese car (say a camry against a Passat, or a 316 BMER against a full optioned corolla) I’m sure you’d give it to the Germans everytime. But how come these Japanese cars are everywhere? I’ll tell you why; because they’re cheap and reliable. A modern Japanese car can guarantee you three things
1. It will start in the morinig
2. It will take you out
3. It will bring you back
( it doesn’t always guarantee any form of driving excitement though)
In a world as crazy as the one we live in, what more can you demand from your car on a regular basis? This is ofcourse if you’re not a Petrol head that doesn’t care about how much Horse Power his car has or its weight, or how well its planted while cornering at hair raising speeds.
Nope, the vast majority of the populace don’t care about all that, and until they do which I don’t foresee in the near future, the Japs still have the winning formula.
Way to go Japs!!!!