As one of the first sectors affected by the current phase of crisis in capital accumulation, the automobile industry has had much to learn and now has much to teach. A recognition of the great diversity of forms of adaptation introduced to face the uncertainties of the market, lead to the formation of GERPISA and its international programme of research on the emergence of new industrial models. This book, a product of that research, is a valuable and timely insight into the innovations and adjustments of some of the major vehicular manufacturers and through them into the future of industry as a whole.

JEAN-PIERRE DURAND is Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Centre de Recerches Pierre Naville at the University of Paris - Evry. He is the co-author of After Fordism (1997), with Robert Boyer and is a member of the International Steering Committee of GERPISA. PAUL STEWART is a Research Fellow in Sociology of Work and Employment at the University of Wales, Cardiff. He is co-author of The Nissan Enigma (1992), with Phil Garrahan. He is published widely in the areas of Sociology of Work and the Labour Process and is a member of the International Steering Committee of GERPISA. JUAN JOSE CASTILLO is Professor of Sociology of Work at the University Complutense Madrid. He is co-director and editor of the Journal of Sciologia del Trabajo. He is President of the Research Committee 30 Sociology of Work, International Sociological Association. He has written widely in the areas of the Sociology of Work and Employment. He is a member of the International Steering Committee of GERPISA.