American wheels, Chinese roads : the story of General Motors in China

How your business can tap into foreign markets In Export Now, two superbly qualified authors explain the secrets to taking your company global. Offering a real-world strategy that any sized business can use to go global, this book serves as a trustworthy handbook for identifying, evaluating, and profiting from global business opportunities. How could one company—General Motors—meet disaster on one continent and achieve explosive growth on another at the very same time?

While General Motors was hurtling towards bankruptcy in 2009, GM’s subsidiary in China was setting new sales and profit records. This book reveals how extraordinary people, remarkable decisions and surprising breaks made triumph in China possible for General Motors. It also shows just how vulnerable that winning track record remains.

No small part of GM’s success in China springs from its management of shifting business and political relationships. In China, the government makes the rules for—and competes in—the auto industry. GM’s business partner, the City of Shanghai, is both an ally and a competitor. How does such an unnatural relationship work on a day-to-day basis? Where will it go on the future?

General Motors also engages in constant battles with other global and Chinese car makers for the hearts of demanding Chinese consumers. Dunne gives us rare glimpses into the mindsets and behavior of this new moneyed set, the worlds newest class of wealthy consumers.

China is already the number one car market in the world. During the next ten years, China will export millions of cars and trucks globally, including to the United States. American Wheels, Chinese Roads presents readers with fascinating illustrations of what to expect when Chinese cars, companies, and business people arrive on our shores.

How could one company—General Motors—meet disaster on one continent and achieve explosive growth on another at the very same time?

While General Motors was hurtling towards bankruptcy in 2009, GM's subsidiary in China was setting new sales and profit records. This book reveals how extraordinary people, remarkable decisions and surprising breaks made triumph in China possible for General Motors. It also shows just how vulnerable that winning track record remains.

No small part of GM's success in China springs from its management of shifting business and political relationships. In China, the government makes the rules for—and competes in—the auto industry. GM's business partner, the City of Shanghai, is both an ally and a competitor. How does such an unnatural relationship work on a day-to-day basis? Where will it go on the future? General Motors also engages in constant battles with other global and Chinese car makers for the hearts of demanding Chinese consumers. Dunne gives us rare glimpses into the mindsets and behavior of this new moneyed set, the worlds newest class of wealthy consumers.

China is already the number one car market in the world. During the next ten years, China will export millions of cars and trucks globally, including to the United States. American Wheels, Chinese Roads presents readers with fascinating illustrations of what to expect when Chinese cars, companies, and business people arrive on our shores.

American Wheels Chinese Roads: The Story of General Motors in China......Page 7 Contents......Page 11 Acknowledgments......Page 13 Introduction......Page 15 Part One: Rules of the Chinese Road......Page 19 1: Scaling New Heights......Page 21 2: Many Detroits......Page 27 3: Getting a Foothold—In Quicksand......Page 31 4: The Back Door......Page 37 5: The Hook......Page 45 6: A Reality Show......Page 55 Part Two: Pole Position, Yellow Flags......Page 65 7: The Kit Price......Page 67 8: Putting Shanghai First......Page 79 9: Signing the Deal......Page 87 10: Two Sons......Page 95 Part Three: Negotiating the Obstacle Course......Page 105 11: The Launch......Page 107 12: Fiefdoms......Page 119 13: Paper Cups......Page 129 14: The Chery Surprise......Page 139 15: Porsches and Sweet Potatoes......Page 151 16: Getting Their Arms Around China......Page 161 Part Four: Quick Acceleration, Then a Tight Corner......Page 169 17: The Best and Worst of Times......Page 171 18: Miniature Vehicles......Page 181 19: A Chill Wind......Page 189 20: The Favor......Page 193 Part Five: The End of the Beginning......Page 203 21: A Memory Palace......Page 205 22: The Great Tide......Page 209 23: Electric Cars and Elevators......Page 219 Conclusion: The End of the Beginning......Page 227 Index......Page 233 Learn how your business can tap into foreign markets In Export Now, two international business experts reveal the secrets to taking your company global. Offering a real-life strategy that businesses of any size can use to expand their reach around the world, this book is the ultimate guide to identifying, evaluating, and profiting from global opportunities. Essential reading for any company looking to expand abroad, the book explains the five essentials of international growth. All businesses know they need to get into new markets, but the lack of familiarity, the cultural and language gaps, and the differences in business practices can be intimidating—this book solves these problems, giving you everything you need to grow. The ultimate handbook for any business looking to go global Explains the five essentials of international expansion Written by two experts with years of experience building global businesses around the world Guiding you through the how to's of going global, Export Now is your one-stop resource for expanding your business overseas. How could one company General Motors meet disaster on one continent and achieve explosive growth on another at the very same time? While General Motors was hurtling towards bankruptcy in 2009, GM s subsidiary in China was setting new sales and profit records. The authors explain the secrets to taking your company global. Offering a real-world strategy that any sized business can use to go global, this book serves as a handbook for identifying, evaluating, and profiting from global business opportunities.