The Bombardier Story : Planes, Trains, and Snowmobiles

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not great, business history
Review: Strengths of The Bombardier Story:
* Comprehensive, but non-controversial, chronology of company from J.A. Bombardier's Quebec garage to an international conglomerate
* Complete review of the company's entry into snowmobiles, trains, and aerospace
* Straight-forward analysis of strengths and weaknesses of the company looking forward to the market challenges of future years

Weaknesses:
* Even though the author writes early in the book that he will explain some of the company's innovative management methods, these parts come up short. The explanations of the Bombardier Management System and the employee-centric culture do not give the reader a lot of information that could easily transfer to their own businesses
* While I know little of the company's history beyond this book, I do believe that some of the less flattering portions of the company's history are played down or left out. This would include the company's investment in, then quiet exit from, the 100+-seat commercial jet business.

Recommended for those interested specifically in Bombardier's history or as a secondary reference for those interested in the business of recreational machines, trains, or civil aircraft.