Dave, just a couple of points to pick up on statements you've made. Cat's share in MCF is very small these days, and so it is not an issue that fits into the bigger picture of their core businesses.
Nissan and MHI tie up is all but dead. Relationships were strained even in the early days because of the way in which both operate. So while there was joint development of the 1-3.5 ton models in 2004 there has been nothing else past engine and fuel systems since and even then it is all on Nissan.
Nissan bring little to the table, unlike MHI who still design and manufacture engines, transmissions, hydraulic valves, drive axles and electronics.
You mention automotive crossover, but I can assure you that is rather limited, and the only real technologies shared are engines, and even then many are industrial versions rather than straight carry over. The more I think about it the more your statement makes even less sense, because just is not the crossover as you suggest and so economically it is not how you suggest.

Also your theory about Briggs and the MCFE Almere factory is rather amusing and so far off target. A contributing factor maybe, but certainly not the picture you paint it to be, and there are a lot more factors involved in it.