From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Standardisation of a Lucas lamp for the Bentley car, and the strategic risks of creating a supplier monopoly.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 166\5\ img010 | |
| Date | 4th April 1934 | |
| W/S 86076. To Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} from ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to mr. c. to BY c. to Hn.{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ROY{Sir Henry Royce}6/NCLO.4.34 Lucas Combined Stop and Tail Lamp Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}6/KW6.4.34 I see from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wstl/MA29.3.34 it is suggested we standardise this Lamp on the Bentley car. We are in communication with the firm as to when they can commence delivery, price, etc., etc., on receipt of which information we will advise you further. Meantime, personally I would suggest our policy in concentrating all such supplies in one firm is wrong, and it would have been better policy on our part to collaborate with the Butler Company and endeavour to make arrangements with them to give a lamp more in accordance with our requirements. The Lucas Company are building up a big monopoly in such details - I must admit hitherto they have treated us most fairly - but the time may come when we shall rue the day we put all our eggs in one basket. ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||