1,000 Days in Shanghai
The Volkswagen Story - The First Chinese-German Car Factory
July 2008
240 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Posth arrived in China with a vision. He navigated a steep learning
curve, achieved his goals and now shares an insightful, first-hand
account of an intriguing journey that included bumps and
highlights. 1,000 Days in Shanghai is a breathtaking manual
for anyone contemplating a business career in the increasingly
vibrant arena of today's China. It is also a personal account, done
with great sensitivity, revealing between the lines a deep respect
for the spirit that propels China's social and industrial
revolution today.
--Hans Michael Jebsen, Chairman, Jebsen and Co., Ltd.
To really understand China's economic development, one needs to
look at the history of individual projects. This applies in
particular to those who are considering a venture on site. This
book by Martin Posth is a unique document on the subject: evidence
of profound knowledge, didactically sound, with comprehensible
conclusions--simply readable!
--Prof. Heinrich v. Pierer, Former Chairman of the Supervisory
Board, Siemens AG, Former Chairman of the German Asian-Pacific
Business Commission, Co-Chairman of the German-Chinese Dialog
Forum
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to work in or via
China. The personal experiences of a pioneering manager can also
help management to see the transformation of China in a new light.
Anybody wanting to be successful in China should heed the practical
lessons that Martin Posth draws.
--Prof. Dr. Eberhard Sandschneider, Otto-Wolff-Director,
Research Institute, Executive Officer, German Council on Foreign
Relations (DGAP)
In establishing the Volkswagen works in Shanghai at the
beginning of Deng Xiaoping's reform era, Martin Posth made a breach
in the wall behind which the People's Republic of China had dug its
trenches up until then. His experiences are useful for anyone
wanting to work the Chinese market with any degree of success. The
fascinating reading that his report makes, and heeding his lessons,
can help any entrepreneur to avoid costly mistakes.
--Dr. Theo Sommer, DIE ZEIT, Editor-at-Large
For the Chinese, this book by Martin Posth is a historic
document on the Open Door Policy for foreign investors. It is a
must-read.
--Prof. Xu Kuangdi, Mayor of Shanghai 1995-2001; Chairman,
China Federation of Industrial Economics (CFIE); Co-Chairman of the
German-Chinese Dialog Forum
Preface.
Abbreviations.
Chapter 1. China's Dream of Detroit - Wolfsburg's Gateway to Asia.
Chapter 2. Culture Shock - Chaotic Beginnings in Anting.
Chapter 3. Talent-The Secret of Our Success.
Chapter 4. Cash Shortages and Risky Financial Maneuvers.
Chapter 5. "Big Project" Poker.
Chapter 6. Two Partners, One Dream: The Most Modern Automobile Factory in China.
Chapter 7. The Open Secret of the Learning Factory.
Chapter 8. The Joint Venture and Its Parents.
Chapter 9. The Santana: Trendsetter for Motoring.
Chapter 10. The Long March to Localization.
Chapter 11. In The Dragon's Den: Politics in Deal-Making.
Epilogue: At the End of 1,000 Days.
Endnotes.
Index.
board of Volkswagen AG and Audi AG.
In the mid-1980s, he built up Shanghai Volkswagen together with
a team of pioneers. In the 1990s, he oversaw the Asia-Pacific
business of the Volkswagen Group out of the regional headquarters
in Hong Kong.
In June 1997, Posth was awarded the title of "Honorary
Citizen of Shanghai."
Today, Posth serves as a member of the board of directors of
various leading international companies and committees in Europe
and Asia.