Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Automotive industry evolution

Chapter 3. Particularities of the European automotive industry

Chapter 4. Trends in cross-border alliances and M&As for the European automotive sector

Chapter 5. Intercultural issues in global alliances and M&As for the European automotive industry

Chapter 6. Conclusion

Chapter 7. References

Index

Reviews

“Dr. Liviu Warter and Dr. Iulian Warter provide the reader with original and penetrating insights into the globalization of the automotive industry. This book examines the intercultural issues that managers encounter during foreign direct investments, mergers & acquisitions, or global alliances, with a special emphasis on Eastern and Central Europe.” – Hershey H. Friedman, PhD, Professor of Business, Department of Business Management, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, USA

“As one of the world‘s largest manufacturing industries, the automotive industry has the capability to influence the labor, trade and capital markets and also governments’ macroeconomic and industrial aims. Contrary to notorious myth, the automotive industry is not shrinking due to economic crisis. The automotive industry is crucial for Europe’s prosperity; it has an important multiplier effect in the economy. Most of intercultural issues arise when companies from different cultures get involved into a M&A process. Hence studying the alliance between two automotive firms is the best way to focus on intercultural issues. Indeed, it is during the integration process that the cultural issues play a crucial role when it comes to the success of M&A. For quite a long time culture has been considered as a disturbing factor for consolidation in the automotive industry, however, it also offers a lot of potential. Different experiences, methods and knowledge come together and can, if managed rightly, create a decisive competitive advantage. This book will be helpful for managers, strategic and intercultural management scholars and business owners interested in the automotive field. Improving the alignment or congruence between strategy and cultural contexts yields tangible business benefits. This book  can  help  the senior and middle management  to identify  the intercultural  problems  that  may  confront  with when doing business in foreign countries with a special focus on automotive industry in Central and Eastern European countries.” – Huib Wursten, Drs., Cultural Expert with 30 Years of International Experience, Netherlands and Author of the Book, The Seven Mental Images of National Culture

“This book provides an original approach on intercultural issues, particularly in global auto industry. The foreign direct investments (FDI) reasons are the result of globalization, of the need of growth and of achieving synergies. This monograph emphasizes the relationship between culture and FDI performance in the global auto industry. This monograph offers an extensive insight of the globalization in auto industry inasmuch as FDI are a complex domain demanding an interdisciplinary approach. This book is seeking to deepen the apprehension of the global automotive industry and in particular of the Central and Eastern European auto industry. This monograph reveals that cultural synergy can be produced by similarities in organizations but at once by differences. FDI and global alliances professionals may benefit from a deeper understanding of cultural values that shape the integration process and implicitly the performance. The conclusions will help forewarn scholars and practitioners of the need to thoroughly understand the cultural issues influencing the global automotive industry. This monograph will be useful for academic researchers, postgraduate students, for MBA/Executive Education and for practitioners.” – Paulo Finuras, PhD, Associate Professor of Organisational Behavior, ISG – Lisbon Business & Economics School, Portugal

“The automotive industry belongs to the most important sectors of the world economy, and its key role is observed mostly in the developed countries, giving millions of jobs, both directly in the manufacturing companies and indirectly, in the companies that are in the value chains of car manufacturers. Those value chains are represented by the firms from different countries and even continents, which in turn raises a very important problem of intercultural aspects of the cooperation between these entities. And this phenomenon is the topic of the monograph entitled “Intercultural Issues in the Global Auto Industry” written by Liviu Warter and Iulian Warter. This monograph analyses a wide spectrum of aspects associated with global auto industry, starting with its beginnings, through its evolution in the whole world, and ending with the existing trends. A main attention was paid to the intercultural issues which, given the nature of the said sector, are of crucial importance. One should underline that it presents a good scientific level, coupled with latest and rich world literature. Its authors are experienced experts in the field, therefore the monograph is characterized by a substantial application value and should be designed for a wide group of recipients, including scholars, managers, and students.” – Włodzimierz Sroka, PhD, Associate Professor of Strategic Management, WSB University, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland