As Japanese companies in almost all sectors carry out large-scale restructuring, the auto industry can offer them a number of case studies that reflect varying measures of success.
Nissan Motor Co., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. have all been engaged in their own programs to cut costs by shutting down plants and eliminating thousands of jobs.
All three, having been left in the dust by Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., turned to foreign rivals for help. Their desperate efforts are now beginning to pay off.