IT IS easy to despair at the fate of this region's manufacturing industry, but not all is doom at gloom.
Take Solihull-based Land Rover and the way it has broken into the Russian market.
The company's sales drive began only six years ago, but already there are 23 official Land Rover dealers and by the end of the year that figure is likely to rise to 33.
Between January and August Land Rover had sold more than 7,000 vehicles – a 92 per cent rise on the previous year.
Make no mistake: this is a success story that should make us proud and confident.
The potential is huge – Russia is a vast country with eight time zones and an increasing number of affluent people.
Land Rover's sales and marketing team deserve praise for recognising an opportunity and seizing it.
Worldwide the company's progress is impressive, with sales this year expected to top 200,000 for the first time.
With the company up for sale, the future is, of course, uncertain.
But whoever purchases Land Rover should be aware they are getting a company with a bright future as well as a distinguished past.
Cherish it. Grow it.