Internationalization of General Motors

This paper examines the expansion of General Motors overseas in its various phases, as well as triggers for internationalization and the problems faced during the process. The paper also considers what benefits have been achieved through international growth, and how the company can be classified with regards to Bartlett and Ghosal’s 4 typologies. Finally, the paper discusses the concept of a “world car,” meeting the demands of customers across the globe.

General Motors, International; Internationalization; Globalization; Multinational; Growth Strategy; Volkswagen; Bartlett; Ghosal

1. Internationalization of GM

1.1 Early History

In the early 1900’s, the first companies that would
|
|1997: Cohabitation crisis in Europe and repatriation |
|of GM International to Detroit. |
|1998: Increased stakes in ISUZU (49%) SUZUKI |
|(10%) and SAAB (100%). |
|1998: Reunification of global operations; |
|integration of four regional entities including the |
|main functions that are to be