Task Your task is to carry out a critical analysis and evaluation of the strategies adopted by world-class car manufacturers. With the information provided and other materials researched. You will be expected to select and apply appropriate theories, techniques and models studied during the module whilst having regard to the practical aspects of strategy development. Your assignment should be presented in a business report format and should be within the range 3,500 & #177; 10% words (excluding executive summary, references and relevant appendices). The report should include a title page and executive summary and be fully and consistently referenced, using Harvard Referencing style. You must also submit a floppy disk or CD containing an electronic version of the report. This should be clearly labelled with your name, your course and the name of the case study. It is recommended that you research information additional to the case study to support your arguments. This may be obtained from a diverse range of sources and you are encouraged to research the issues in whichever way you deem appropriate. The Modern Global Automotive Industry Today, the modern Global Automotive Industry encompasses about six principal manufacturers, namely, General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, and DaimlerChrylser, all of which operate in a global competitive marketplace. According to Hiroaka (2001, p. 1) globalization of the automotive industry was greatly accelerated during the late 1990''s due to the construction of important overseas facilities and establishment of mergers between giant multinational automakers. In the Global Automotive Industry, opportunities and risks are everywhere — in emerging and mature markets alike. But while possibilities are plentiful, profitable growth is becoming more difficult to achieve and challenges — from the supply chain to the retail environment — can up-end even the best laid plans. Amidst this landscape, automotive organisations must conduct their business, while at the same time adapting to new regulations, reducing costs, managing capacity and inventory, and controlling healthcare and compensation costs (www.pwc.com/extweb/industry). Question One: Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, and DaimlerChrylser are among the top 10 giant multinational automobile manufacturers. Using examples from any TWO multinational automakers of your choice critically examine the main arguments for and against ‘globalization’ and explain how the factors driving globalisation have impacted on Strategic Alliances, Mergers and Acquisitions in the automotive industry. Your answer should be based on critical ‘industry’ and ‘competitor’ analyses using appropriate analytical techniques. [30 % marks] Question Two: Global market dynamics is an important factor which accounts for the increasing global competition amongst global car manufacturers and positioning within foreign markets. Critically evaluate the global market dynamics since the year 2000 and discuss how General Motors OR Ford continues to invest into production facilities in order to reduce production costs. Include examples from emerging markets of your choice. [30 % marks] Question Three: Discuss the ability of Chysler’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Nardelli and of Cerberus Capital the new owners of Chysler to quickly improve Chysler’s products and car buyers’ perception of them by the year 2010. You are expected to make reference to (1) the recent article by Bernard Simon in the Financial Times of Monday 15 October 2007 titled “Chysler cuts a dash with speed and decisiveness” and (2) your own understanding of the approach to strategy development at Chysler before the change in ownership and chief executive. [30 % marks] Note: 10% marks is allocated for presentation