Internationalization of General MotorsThis article examines the overseas expansion of General Motors in its various phases, as well as the triggers for internationalization and the problems encountered during the process. The paper also examines the benefits gained through international growth and how the business can be classified against Bartlett and Ghosal's 4 typologies. Finally, the article discusses the concept of a "global car", meeting the demands of customers around the world. General Motors, International; Internationalization; Globalization; Multinational; Growth strategy; Volkswagen; Bartlett; Ghosal1. Internationalization of GM1.1 Early HistoryIn the early 1900s, the first companies that would form the company as we know it today began to emerge. The first of these was the Olds Motor Vehicle Company (later Olds Motor Works, maker of the Oldsmobile) in 1897, followed by Cadillac Automobile Company in 1902 and Buick Motor Company in 1903. Under the leadership of William Durant, the September 16, 1908 marked the birth of the General Motors Company, initially integrating the Buick Motor Company. GM then purchased Olds Motor Works in November 1908, a 50% interest in Oakland Motor Car Co (later Pontiac Motors) in January 1909, and Cadillac in July 1909. During its early years of operation, GM also acquired a number of spare parts. and accessory makers, such as Champion Ignition Company (predecessor of AC Spark Plug) and Fisher Body Company, and also attempted to purchase Ford Motor Co. but were denied a $9.5 million loan from their bankers (GM.com Corporate History). In 1911 however, due to unpaid debts that the company had acquired, bankers stepped in and rem... middle of paper ...... Canadian Cities » The Planning and Development Network [en online]Available from: http://www.planetizen.com/node/132[cited May 7, 2007]GM.com, 2007. 2006 Annual Report [online]http://www.gm.com/ company/investor_information/docs/fin_data/gm06ar /index.html [cited May 7, 2007]GM.com, 2007. Corporate History [online]http://www.gm.com/company/corp_info/history/[cited May 7, 2007]Wikipedia, no date. Automobile [online]Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile[cited May 7, 2007]Wikipedia, nd. General Motors [online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_Corporation [cited May 7, 2007] Vassallo, J., Fagan, F., 2005. “Nature or Nurture: Why Do Roads Carry More Freight Share in the United States then in Europe » John F Kennedy School of Government; Harvard University: Massachusetts[referenced May 7 2007]