In 1986, when US-Japan semiconductor trade friction was at its height, Akio Morita phoned Bob Galvin, chairman of Motorola to suggest a talk.
Industry glitterati from both countries met up in LA. The US position was that they only had 10% of the Japanese market whereas they had 60% of the European market which suggested that they were being restricted in their access to the Japanese market.
After initial comments had been exchanged Morita asked: “What would make you happy?”
The Anericans had a confab and decided to ask for a 39% market share.
“To our surprise and delight the Japanese countered with an offer to allow American semiconductor companies 20% of their domestic market,” recounts Charlie Sporck CEO of National Semiconductor in his book SPIN-OFF, adding “the meeting ended with a Japanese promise and handshakes all round.”
Source: electronicsweekly
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