Friday, December 12, 2008

Report on Shanghai GM by Barbara Thompson and Phillip Moore

Company Overview
Shanghi GM was established in 1997 through a 50-50 joint venture with General Motors Corporation and Shanghi Automotive. This venture was a 1.5 billion dollar investment between the two companies. The total facility employs 6,000 and maintains six operating facilitates and an administrative building. There are two distinct plants, each maintaining three buildings. Each plant is responsible for producing three vehicle models. The North Plant produces the Park Avenue, LaCrosse and the HRV (a hybrid vehicle).

The company participates in global purchasing but vast amounts of steel are purchased from a government owned entity named Bao.

Manufacturing Facilities
Production facilities are designed for flexibility enabling easy alterations to the production line to adjust for various product orders. Of the three buildings within both plants only one is fully automated, it is predominately used for vehicle warehousing of both unpainted and painted vehicles. The Body shop is partially automated and employees 150 individuals for welding and operation of equipment.


Models
Shanghi GM has developed tailored vehicle models germane to the Chinese market and separate from offerings in the US. For instance, in the US the Regal is no-longer produced and the Excelle has not reached the domestic market. Vehicle offerings appear to be luxurious and environmentally friendly given their usage of the “ecotech” engine for the Buick Regal model a historic “gas guzzler” in the States.

No comments:

Post a Comment