International Case: the Road Ahead for Shanghai Volkswagen

Shanghai Volkswagen is a joint venture between the German Volkswagen AG and a consortium of Chinese partners. The 25-year agreement signed by the partners in the middle of 1980s provided for 50 per cent VW AG equity. By 2001, this venture was the most successful automobile venture in China. Other attempts made by the US AMC Jeep Corporation and other carmakers failed. Other companies were attracted by the large population of 1.2 billion people (certainly only a very small percentage would be the customers), VW built successful venture over the years. By 2001, it had a market share of over 50 per cent due to introducing “hot” models and assuring reliable service. But a great deal of effort was necessary to build up this market. The early years were not without difficulties. For example, VW had to develop suppliers for quality components, train the work force, work under constraints imposed by the government, and had to share its latest technology. The Santana model, that proved successful in Brazil, was the primary vehicle that suited the Chinese market. By 1995, the improved Santana 2000 was introduced. The ultimate aim of the Chinese, however, is to design, and eventually develop their cars by themselves. The factory, not far away from Shanghai, has one of the most modern engine plants. Chinese engineers and managers were sent to the factory in Wolfsburg, Germany for training. Moreover, Chinese managers and technicians attended German universities to gain engineering expertise. One of the major difficulties was the lack of quality components. Therefore, VW also introduced an incentive system that paid their suppliers handsomely for quality car products. At the same time, the company worked hard to build relationships not only with the suppliers, but also with the community. The Chinese government, on the other hand, provided tax incentives and protected care market for VW during the early years. For example, from 1993 to 1996 the government did not permit