Background Information

While some have predicted the demise of the classic British car industry in America, there are clear indicators that the industry is not only doing fine, but has many opportunities to thrive and even expand. The industry has grown from small importers in the post-war period to large distribution networks in the 1960s and 1970s. With the demise of many British brands in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the industry shrank and began a shift from factory-supported parts and repair businesses to independent businesses. This first step in the evolution from factories to independents has matured to a point where the next step naturally follows: An organized, interdependent effort by independent businesses in the British car trade to ensure the long-term viability of the industry. This effort has lead to the formation of the British Motor Trade Association.

Many of the businesses involved in the British motor trade are small, employing less than ten people. Because of these small sizes, these businesses have trouble finding the time or other resources to devote to the research, training and marketing that would help them expand or improve their business. Many have perfected several aspects of their business to provide top-quality products or services, only to find they have little time or no good venue to show potential customers their capabilities. For many years, these businesses have struggled in spite of their successes because they have not had a good network of resources to draw upon.

The British Motor Trade Association plans to be that network. It was formed to draw the three aspects of the business - the "Trade Triangle" - together to cooperatively promote and improve the British car ownership experience and therefor improve business. This Trade Triangle is composed of:

• Suppliers: Parts manufacturers and rebuilders. Parts wholesalers and retailers. These form the foundation of products that businesses need to support their work. In addition to their retail customers, they need shops to purchase products from them and help them develop new products or improve existing products. They need magazines and events to advertise and promote their products.
• Shops: Repair shops. Restoration shops. Dealers. These repair and restoration shops keep the cars running and in desirable condition. Dealers bring new people into the hobby. They need good parts manufacturers and rebuilders and they also need magazines and events to advertise and promote their products and services.
• Media: Magazines (club and professional) and Event Organizers (club and professional). Probably the most underutilized area of the triangle, these businesses and clubs provide venues to bring excitement, education, and innovation to this hobby. With support from suppliers in the way of technical information, new product announcements, advertising, sponsorships and other cross-promotions, the media can help springboard good ideas into successful products and services.

The British Motor Trade Associate has a simple and clear two part mission:

• To promote the British car as a safe, reliable, and enjoyable vehicle worthy of enjoyment and investment.
• To promote business to business collaboration that improves knowledge, quality, expands business, and explores emerging markets.