Albion name goes in BLMC rationalization

British Leyland is dropping Albion, one of the best known names in the commercial vehicle industry as part of the continuing rationalization of its truck and bus division. All Albion trucks will in future be marketed as Leylands. The change has been timed to coincide with a facelift for Albion's three models, the Clydesdale, Chieftain, and Receiver, covering the medium capacity, premium truck market from 3.5 to 24 tons gross vehicle weight.

Changes include a new cab, frame and cross-members, and, on the six-wheeler, a new bogie. All three trucks now.share many components with existing trucks built at Leyland; There is still a long way to go before the British group can match the degree of rationalization already achieved by Mercedes, its biggest European rival. BLMC still has too many scattered factories and too many engines.