Abstract This paper takes a look at the automobile parts conflict that China has with the World Trade Organization (WTO). The author explains each party's standing - China wanting to prevent tax evasion by companies who import whole cars as spare parts to avoid higher tax evasions and to protect their auto industry, and the WTO's viewpoint that China has violated WTO regulations by treating car parts as whole automobiles. The paper also mentions that the WTO is being pressured by the United States, Canada and the EU to force China into dropping their inflated tariff on automobile parts as this poses a threat to the automobile industry of the Western nations.
From the Paper "China's entry into the WTO on November 11, 2001, was pinnacle in the validation of the organization's presence as the universal mediator of international trade because it marked the entrance of the world's most populous nation. It opened the world market to China and Chinese consumers to the world, but also subjected the communist nation to comply with regulations decided predominantly by a panel of students to the laissez faire principle. This contradiction of China's trade policy before and after entry into the WTO has led to a major conflict between China and WTO in regards of a tariff being placed on automobile parts being imported into its borders. The existing problem-at-hand is that China is battling to secure their domestic automobile industry by retaining a high tariff on parts imported, while the WTO is receiving pressure from the EU, United States, and Canada, to force China into dropping their inflated tariff on such goods under the pretense that it violates WTO regulations."
Abstract This study of the Canadian automobile industry reveals how this industry reflects, in many ways, the complex contradictions of economic development of Canada. While the automobile industry is one of Canada's major industries in terms of revenues and employees, it is not only geographically concentrated in Ontario (and, to a lesser extent, Quebec), but it is also almost entirely dependent upon and external market: the United States. The paper goes on to discuss how much like the Canadian economy as a whole, the Canadian automobile industry developed in a state of dynamic tension with the economic and political forces shaping the economic giant to the south. "
Abstract This work is a detailed analysis of the automobile financing schemes for Chrysler. It lists all the various controlled and uncontrolled variables as well as explains the demands for automobile financing. Among those are prices and special deals, money spent on advertising, average income of consumers, consumer taste and the expectation of services at Chrysler Financial.
From the Paper "With the slowing of the economy, Chrysler is forced to give incentives such as special interest rates, factory rebates, and free equipment group upgrades to maintain sales levels that stay competitive. During the time of economic slowdown, there is less money flowing in and out of consumer's hands, which means fewer business transactions taking place. This has an impact of all aspects of the economy, including car sales. In order to entice people to purchase cars during periods such as these, it is necessary to offer lowered rates and added incentives to interest the would-be buyer. This buyer power gives the consumer a financial advantage, thus leading to more demand for vehicles."
Abstract This paper considers how automobiles indicate the class of someone in society, and concludes that automobiles are not always a good gauge of social class.
From the Paper "For most Americans automobiles are the second most costly expense of their lives, with housing being the first. Many factors go into the purchase of a car-the style, price, fuel efficiency features, as well as the perception of how others will view the person who owns a particular vehicle. Automobile manufacturers invest considerable sums trying to establish certain images for particular cars and their efforts can be handsomely rewarded. Although all automobiles serve the same purpose-to transport people and goods from one place..."
Abstract This paper adds to an existing paper on changes in management for the automobile industry. It notes the beginnings of the industry with the creation of the assembly line by Henry Ford and some of the management theories that have had an impact since. It discusses concepts from the scientific management of Frederick W. Taylor to the latest ideas on management and how they have been applied to the production of automobiles.
From the Paper "Change in the Automotive Industry resulting from Increasing Organizational Understanding There are many industries that have undergone major change. One of these is the automotive industry, the change started to occur when Ford took on the ideas of Frederick Winslow Taylor and developed a production line that was able to produce cars at a much faster and cost effective manner than the previous system where cars were worked ion by the same people from start to finish. His production line was based on scientific management theories, also known as Taylorism. Frederick Taylor was a perfectionist who hated waste of any sort. Taylor argued that even though tasks had been broken down into component parts workers still retained discretion on how to perform tasks. This discretion he argued gave the workers power and that workers with this discretion would under work and using the control that they gained to their own advantage (Huczyniski et al, 1996)."
Abstract This paper discusses the problem of automobile emissions and asserts that they are the biggest pollution problem as they are responsible for greenhouse warming and cause many diseases in humans such as heart disease and respiratory problems
From the Paper "The fact that almost everyone in North America drives a car which is gasoline-based is an example of how people are ignorant to this problem. Although methods to halt the automobile pollution problem should have already been implemented, the world still has time to switch from fossil fuel engines to cleaner sources of energy."
Abstract This paper discusses and evaluates the benefits of economies of scale (companies with huge production and supply capacity) in the global automobile industry. According to Alfred Marshall, there are two factors influencing the economies of scale, the internal and the external. This paper examines these two different factors.
From the Paper "It's clear that a company that provides economies of scale reduce the average cost per unit through increased production because of fixed costs, which are splitted up between increased number of goods. But it does not mean that all costs are decreasing likethe average. When average costs are falling the marginal cost must be below the average cost curve; when average costs are rising, the marginal cost must be above the average cost curve.
It's nessery to admit that the achieving of economies of scale in production can represent a deviation away from the assumption of perfectly competitive markets. In perfect competitive markets, it is assumed that production takes place with constant returns to scale. This means that the unit-cost of production remains constant even the scale of production increases. If that assumption is changed, it can open up the possibility of increasing profits and smart relations among entities."
Abstract This paper explains that the reputation of luxury and powerful performance of European automobiles has been built on automobiles, such as BMW and Mercedes; whereas, the reputation of reliability and satisfaction of the Japanese automobiles has been built on automobiles such as Toyota, Nissan, and Honda. The author points out that, in the American market, the European automobiles have been unfavorably compared to the Japanese automobiles in terms of quantity, but the buyers of European automobiles are generally more loyal to their usual brand of vehicle. The paper relates that the Honda, which is a top seller in the United States, is not a luxury automobile of the ranks of BMW, Jaguar, or Lexus, but it is a well-made, reliable vehicle.
From the Paper "BMW automobiles have been in existence for 75 years. The history of BMW auto manufacturing is varied, with many different types of vehicles offered through the years. The first BMW automobile manufactured was in Berlin in 1929. It featured an all steel body and was developed under the Austin Seven license. The next models were developed in 1932 and 1933, respectively. The BMW 303, sold in 1933, had the trademark kidney front grille, which is still in use today. The first luxury BMW saloon was the 335, which was the last BMW automobile to be manufactured prior to WWII."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth look at the history of the automobile. The author discusses the early era, and inventors such as Elwood Haynes and Henry Ford. The paper also discusses the Stanley Steamer, the Duryea Motor Company, and Ransom Olds. The paper includes other inventions related to the horseless carriage, and how cars have changed American society.
From the paper:
"The automobile is said to have been a menace and a blessing, it has been worshiped and reviled, celebrated and scorned. The automobile is an invention that has had tremendous impact on society. The automobile has taken diverse segments of the American population; farmers, small town residents and urban dwellers and given them access to the same opportunities and experiences. Automobiles have given us motels, shopping malls, drive-through, vacations, commuting, and of course, suburbia. The concept of the automobile is one of the most profound and important chapters in the development of American society."
Abstract This paper makes an indepth analysis of the South Korean economy, its history, demographics and its exhuberant economy. Specifically, the writer looks at its automobile sector and the various regulations that have benefitted this sector.
I.1.A) South Korea : Current state of affairs
I.1.A.a) Location
I.1.A.b) People of South Korea
I.1.A.c) South Korean Government structure
I.2.B.) South Korean demographic characteristics
I.3.C) Social Practices and norms that currently exist within South Korea
I.4.D) Government reforms undertaken and its current spread on domestic and international business and entrepreneurial
spirit
I.5.E) Current regulations and its overall reach and impact on South Korea's general business practices
II South Korea's domestic business environment in context of the Automobile sector
II.1.A) South Korea and the automobile sector, an introduction
Characteristics of Market
II.2.B) Current government outlook and policy and its impacton the Automobile sector
II.3.C) Overview of regulatory and deregulatory practices undertaken by South Korean Government
II.4.D) Current state of the automobile sector and current developments
Automobile Ownership
Export
Imports
Domestic Sales & Exports
II.5.E) Sector competitiveness in relation to local and international firms
III) Bibliography/References
From the Paper "South Korea has been an important connotation for modern history and the adverse impact of the Cold War. Korean history as such is over four thousand years old however even after treacherous Japanese and Chinese rule over Korea over the course of its history it did have several decades of democracy only to be marred by other invasions. Immediately after the Second World War, America and U.S.S.R. decided arbitrarily to occupy and divide North and South Korea across the 38th Parallel and it was mutually agreed upon that over the next couple of decades the region would be reunited into one Korea. However the spill-over effects of the Cold War, rather Capitalism versus Communism created what can be termed as ?"Cold" Korea "War"? which has led to extensive wars between the North and the South and even after five decades of division both the North and the South have only vastly grown in differences, cultures and economic development. While the North has remained impoverished and dependent on Chinese handouts and maintains one of the largest militaries in the world, USA brought South Korea under its wing and has created one of the world's largest economies. It is a sharp contrast to the North with very little similarity except a violent history that was marred by foreign rule. South Korea today is a vibrant economy and although it has faced its share of problems with dictatorial regimes over the last couple of decade's democracy has been widespread and successful and has led to strong economic growth and recovery."
Abstract The purpose of this research proposal is to provide the justification for a research study into consumer buying patterns in the automobile industry. Specifically, the researcher is concerned with assessing recent trends in the automobile industry to decide what if any factors have contributed to consumers' recent preferences for foreign vs. domestic automobiles. Further, the intent of this research is to provide a frame of reference for U.S. domestic automobile manufacturers looking to boost their sales and re-establish their reputation in the automobile industry.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
Background/Context to the Problem
Problem Statement
Research Questions/Hypothesis and Sub Questions
Significance of the Study
Research Design and Methodology
Organization of the Study
Chapter 1 - Introduction and Preliminary Review of the Literature
Chapter 2 - Meta Analysis of Studies On Automobile Industry From 1990 through the Present
Chapter 3 - Theories of Consumer Buying Trends
Chapter 4 - Methodology
Chapter 5 - Results
Chapter 6 - Discussion
Chapter 7 - Conclusions
Results/Conclusions
References
From the Paper "General Motors recently announced a restructuring plan that will continue through the year 2008, questioning the long-term health of the domestic auto-manufacturing industry (PG Publishing, 2006). While the overall number of jobs available in the auto industry has remained relatively stable during the last decade, severe cuts have been made among domestic manufacturers as hiring has increased among foreign manufacturers (PG Publishing, 2006)."
Tags: General, Motors, domestic, manufacture, Ford
An in-depth study examining the transition in automobile manufacturing from a mass production approach to a lean manufacturing approach, due to the effects of globalization.
Abstract The context of the problem investigated in this study is the contemporary automobile manufacturing approach where the competitive environment is increasingly global in character. Each automobile manufacturing operation in a single country is, in effect, in direct competition with counterpart operations in every other country wherever automobile manufacturing occurs. The problem is examined in the context of an automobile assembly plant of the TBC Company. The on-rush of economic globalization persuaded all American automobile manufacturers that a completely new approach to manufacturing was required in place of the hodge-podge of mass production and Japanese khan bhan techniques that had developed. The result of this conclusion was the development of lean manufacturing. The problem investigated in this study involves the transition in manufacturing from a mass production approach to a lean manufacturing approach. The main characteristics of the problem addressed are (1) materials management, (2) engineering changes, (3) machine, equipment and facility readiness, (4) labor flexibility, (5) outsourcing, and (6) cycle-time management.
Table of Contents:
Problem Context and Characteristics
Literature Review, Best Practices and Focal Organization Characteristics
Research Design
Gap Analysis
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "The greater choice of suppliers in international markets makes it possible to reduce costs and improve the quality of procured materials. In relation to production, the generation of economies of scale can be realized either through (1) the concentration of all production activities or through (2) the construction of a number of plants according to the needs of specialization. Production in decentralized plants can facilitate the attainment of several objectives, including (1) lower costs, (2) learning curve economies, (3) the establishment of a company in foreign markets, (4) the introduction of new products, and (5) technical leadership (Gulati, 1995)."
Abstract This study investigated the contemporary automobile manufacturing industry wherein the competitive environment increasingly is global in character. Each automobile manufacturing operation in a single country is, in effect, in direct competition with counterpart operations in every other country where automobile manufacturing occurs. The setting of the problem investigated through the context of this study is an automobile assembly plant of the TBC Company. This assembly plant is one of many manufacturing facilities operated by the TBC Company. The problem investigated in this paper involved the transition in manufacturing from a mass production approach to a lean manufacturing approach. The characteristics of the problem included materials management, labor flexibility and cycle-time management.
From the Paper "Agreements and coalitions with other companies in the value chain can create economies of scale and learning economies, which in turn allow access to technology, the reduction of risks, and an improved competitive environment. A higher degree of vertical integration involves fewer risks when it is realized through agreements and coalitions than when such integration is attained through acquisitions or the expenditure of internal resources. Through coalitions a company is repositioned more quickly than through internal development. The time which is necessary to create the minimum threshold of experience within a firm is greater than the time which is required if a coalition is formed (Gulati, 1995)."
Abstract This paper contends that the foreign market has surpassed quality over the U.S. automobile industry. The paper discusses the foreign automobile market, highlighting relevant statistics of the leaders in the field. A company profile of General Motors is presented in an effort to illustrate the present status of the American automobile industry.
Outline
Introduction
The Japanese Production Development and Supplier System
The Lean Production System
Specific American Company within the Automobile Industry
General Motors
New Initiatives
From the Paper "The automobile industry is one of the biggest manufacturing industries of the 20th century and puts a severe impact on the economy of the nation. In Japan, a largest auto manufacturer of the world, the expression 10% industry is frequently used which indicates that the auto industry is involved in 10% of the total employment. As automobiles comprises of a broad range of materials and components, the automobile manufacturer is not capable of managing every manufacturing processes on its own. As it is seen that the impact of this industry is far reaching, and due to its extensive effect, the industry has been positioned as a strategic industry in a lot of nations. (Characteristics of the Auto Industry at the end of 21st century)"
Abstract The paper explains how the automobile changed the world by bringing people closer together and allowing the population to spread outside the cities. The writer brings examples of various major automobile manufacturers, focusing on the American manufacturers. The paper explains that initially, automobile companies were scattered around America but by 1905, Detroit had taken the lead, never to relinquish it. In conclusion, the writer states that in one hundred years we have gone from the Model A, which won the race at Gross Pointe with an average speed of 43.5 miles an hour, to NASCAR where the average speed can reach well over two hundred miles an hour. The writer posits that automobiles have made the world a better place in which to live.
From the Paper "However, the company was short lived. Ford wanted to improve the vehicle, but the stockholders balked and the company dispersed in 1900. Ford turned his attention to racing. In 1901, Ford built a twenty-six horse power engine. He entered the vehicle in a ten-mile sweepstakes race at Gross Pointe race track outside of Detroit. The race featured "several of the nation's outstanding drivers, including Alexander Winton" (Lewis, David Lanier, Ford 1903-1984 Beekman House: New York, 1983, P 10). Winton was the defending champion. Ford won the race with an average speed of 43.5 miles an hour. The victory was covered nationwide by the press, and several of the former stockholders of the old Detroit Automobile Company were in attendance. The stockholders saw the commercial advantaged of the new vehicle and The Henry Ford Company was formed. However, once again Ford and the stockholders didn't see eye to eye and Ford "left after only three months, taking with him a $900 settlement and the uncompleted drawings of a new racing car" (Lewis, David Lanier, Ford 1903-1984 Beekman House: New York, 1983, P 10). Ford continued to build a name building racing cars, and in 1903 with the help of ten investors he formed the Ford Motor Company. The company received little fanfare. "Ford was but one of 15 Michigan companies and one of 88 firms in the nation introducing automobiles in 1903, and neither the amount of its capitalization nor its prospects for future success were particularly noteworthy" (Lewis, David Lanier, Ford 1903-1984 Beekman House: New York, 1983, P 10). Ford's first production car was the Model A built in 1903. Ford's dream was to build a car that was inexpensive so everyone could afford one. He wished to build a car that cost only $500. Ford's prowess on the race track continued to increase the fame of the company."
