My attempt
Unlike the rigid assembly line pioneered by Henry Ford in the early 20th century and so crucial to the development of modern consumer society, since the late 1980s business specialists Martin Kenney and Richard Florida have been advocating a turn toward flexible production lines.
A.
Unlike the rigid assembly line pioneered by Henry Ford in the early 20th century and the comparison is between the rigid assemble line and the flexible production line but what comes after the comma (since the late 1980s) is not comparable to the rigid assembly line.
B. Although the rigid assembly line pioneered by Henry Ford in the early 20th century was
C.
Even with the rigid assembly line pioneered by Henry Ford in the early 20th century being use of the word being and the use of even with is wrong
D.
Unlike the early 20th century, when Henry Ford pioneered the rigid assembly line that was the comparison should be between the rigid assemble line and the flexible production line
E.
Unlike Henry Ford, pioneer of the rigid assembly line, which in the early 20th century was the comparison should be between the rigid assemble line and the flexible production line
My answer: B