In true American fashion the company tried to relocate the HQ to the states, to the uproar of the 46,000 british employees and the relentless media. Ultimately the shareholders voted against the move - perhaps directors can learn from this, that underlying all companies are people not automatons.
In 1999 the company was sold to TRW, another American company, who started splitting up LucasVarity's different divisions and selling them off.
So, where did the famous Lucas companies end up, then?
Division | Current Owner | Year Sold |
Lucas Aerospace | Goodrich Corporation | 2002 |
Light Vehicle Braking System | TRW Automotive | 2002 |
Heavy Vehicle Braking System | ArvinMeritor | 1999 |
Lucas Diesel Systems | Delphi | 2000 |
VarityPerkins (Diesel Engines) | Perkins Engines Company Limited(subsidiary to Caterpillar, Inc.) | 1998 |
Electronic & Electrical Systems | TRW Automotive & others | 2002 & Various |
Lucas Aftermarket Operations | TRW, Delphi, Elta Lighting & ArvinMeritor | 1996 to 2006 |