ASIAN INTERESTS

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32636, 18 June 1971, Page 7

ASIAN INTERESTS

General Motors is now trying to buy a 35 per cent interest in Japan's Isuzu. Motors, Ford is bidding for a 35 per cent interest in the Toyo Kogyo (Mazda vehicles) company, and Chrysler is bidding for a share in the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the Associated Press reports from Detroit. In each case the purchases must be approved by the Japanese Government.

United States motor companies are all interested in expanding their interests in Asia, and Henry Ford 11 has said that Asia could become one of the largest world markets for automotive products. The Ford company already has six affiliated companies in South-East Asia, and plans to double this number by 1980. Among Ford plans are schemes for a cheap “modem Model T” to replace

bullock transport and other traditional vehicles in un-der-developed countries. The United States . car manufacturers are reported to have welcomed the eas-~

ing of the embargo on direct United States trade with Communist China, and a Chrysler spokesman said: “We are interested in doing business in any market where we are permitted by U.S. law and policy to do so.” Renault tops market

. Renault was the best-sell-ing foreign car in Britain during February, sales totalling 3728 compared with 2954 for Volkswagen, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders had reported. Foreign cars took 17 per cent of the British marxet that month.