Wolseley Motor Company - World War I

World War I

Entering wartime as Britain's largest car manufacturer Wolseley initially contracted to provide cars for staff officers and ambulances. Government soon indicated their plant might be better used for supplies more urgently needed. Postwar the chairman, Sir Vincent Caillard, was able to report Wolseley had provided, quantities are approximate:

• 3,600 motorcars and lorries including the equivalent in spare parts
• 4,900 aeronautical engines including the equivalent in spare parts
• 760 aeroplanes
• 600 sets aeroplane spare wings and tailplanes
• 6,000 airscrews of various types
• Director firing gear for 27 battleships, 56 cruisers and 160 flotilla leaders and destroyers
• 1,200 naval gun mountings and sights
• 10 transmission mechanisms for rigid airships
• 2,650,000 18-pounder shells
• 300,000 Stokes's bombs

In 1918, Wolseley began a joint venture in Tokyo, with Ishikawajiama Ship Building and Engineering. The first Japanese-built Wolseley car rolled off the line in 1922. After World War II the Japan venture is reorganized, renaming itself Isuzu Motors in 1949.