Final answer:
In the 1970s and 1980s, Japanese factories focused on small, fuel-efficient cars like those made by Honda and Toyota, while German cars and aircraft were produced by companies such as BMW. After WWII, both countries recovered quickly and their automobile industries began to compete internationally, leading to changes in the American automotive industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Cars Made by German and Japanese Factories
In the 1970s and 1980s, German and Japanese car manufacturers gained significant ground in the global automotive market. Japanese factories, such as those operated by Honda and Toyota, excelled in producing small, fuel-efficient cars. These vehicles were particularly attractive due to their reliability, affordability, and low fuel consumption, especially after the oil crisis which saw a surge in gasoline prices. German factories, on the other hand, were also producing automobiles but also became known for the production of aircraft during the war effort. After retrofitting from wartime production, major German auto manufacturers like BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes Benz continued to produce cars, while also building new factories in the southern United States to be closer to international parts and customers.
During World War II, German and Japanese industries were predominantly focused on the war effort. Germany's economy produced a significant number of aircraft, growing from 8,300 in 1939 to a peak of 39,800 by 1944, as part of their war strategy, which was similarly replicated by the British. Conversely, Japan, once focusing on battleship and cruiser production, shifted towards aircraft manufacturing to defend against air attacks. After the war, both Germany and Japan experienced rapid economic recoveries and became leading automobile producers, challenging U.S. dominance in the industry and contributing to a retooling of American automobile manufacturing in the 1980s.