And even though, in Europe, Volkswagen and Audi are building fine, high-mileage small cars that get 70 mpg, they aren't selling well enough.

FORBES: Bigger, Faster And, Yeah, They Burn More Gas

Instead of building from scratch, Mr Owen made a series of small, high-quality (and pricey) acquisitions.

ECONOMIST: NatWest: Punch-drunk | The