Laurence Pomeroy - Daimler

Daimler

The British Daimler company and AEC (famous makers of London buses) began a joint venture in 1926 called Associated Daimler and Pomeroy was invited to join by Percy Martin of Daimler to be chief engineer with responsibility for the new venture's commercial vehicles. Pomeroy returned to England in October 1926, the joint venture ended in 1929 and his only contribution was a coach chassis with extensive use of aluminium alloy, made as the Daimler CF6. Pomeroy moved to the main Daimler operation as general manager in 1928 becoming managing director in 1929. He was responsible for the design of the second, small Double-Six 30/40 of 1930 and a 3½-litre six that same year.This new six was rated at 25 hp for tax, 81.5 x 114mm, 3568 cc., and had a monobloc aluminium cylinder block, detachable head and (now balanced) sleeve valves. Dual pumps within the sump provided a novel internal lubrication system.

All the quality car businesses experienced financial difficulties in the late 1920s. Daimler's situation seemed particularly serious. Sales fell sharply in 1927-1928, a period of losses ensued and no dividends were paid between 1929 and 1936. The sleeve valve engine was now well out of date, Daimler's production methods had become old-fashioned, they had an extravagantly large range of products. Their bankers noted the dwindling sales volume, the poor performance for price and the need for installation of up to date machine tool equipment. Stratton-Instone's new dominance of distribution was removed and new outlets arranged. The interests in Singer and the Daimler Hire business were sold and Lanchester bought. The in-house bodywork department was closed and by the spring of 1931 car production ceased, only commercial vehicle production and aero engine work kept Daimler in business.

Pomeroy introduced redesigned poppet valve engines with the Daimler Fifteen in September 1932, developed new models of Daimlers, recommended what became the September 1932 introduction of the small BSA and Lanchester Tens with poppet valve engines to help Daimler survive the depression and according to Percy Martin these things rescued the business from total collapse in 1932.

1934's new Straight-Eights were a personal triumph for Pomeroy.

A difference of opinion with new chairman Geoffrey Burton (without motor industry experience), who believed that Daimler should concentrate solely on large cars caused Laurence Pomeroy to resign in 1936.