Change vehicle assembly as part of the betting Beijing modern "change strokes" 2
The assembly of vehicles into components is a key strategy for Beijing Hyundai as it seeks to adapt and evolve. At the same time, South Korea, despite its growing automotive presence, faces intense competition from European, American, and Japanese manufacturers, who have long-established traditions in the industry. Recently, the vice president of sales at Beijing Hyundai in South Korea was spotted at the launch event of a new car by Guangzhou Honda, raising questions about strategic moves and potential shifts in market focus.
For Hyundai, the Chinese market is critical, but it's also highly competitive. With technology and product lines nearing saturation, the company must leverage its strengths carefully. If not, smaller or less established brands could challenge its position. Some analysts even predict that within the next ten years, China’s auto industry may surpass South Korea in terms of innovation and production scale.
To stay ahead, Hyundai plans to either increase investment or limit the transfer of component development technologies. Currently, Korean-owned parts companies already make up half of the total, and this number may rise further. Key areas like engine and transmission manufacturing are heavily localized, and South Korea will likely invest more in these sectors next year.
Meanwhile, global modular assembly plants are expected to expand, with Hyundai investing in such facilities. For BAIC, the initial stage of cooperation with Hyundai has not fully transitioned to complete learning and integration. The success of Beijing Hyundai holds significant importance for both China and South Korea. Hyundai aims to achieve its goal of becoming the world's fifth-largest automaker by 2010, leveraging China's vast consumer market. BAIC, on the other hand, seeks to revitalize its domestic industry through advanced technology and management practices from Hyundai.
However, challenges remain. While Hyundai promises to help BAIC build future capabilities, it also maintains its technological edge. BAIC recognizes that the joint venture is still in its early stages and remains cautious about the South Korean side's intentions. One major issue is talent. Korean employees dominate key departments like R&D and sales, highlighting a gap in senior expertise in China. This imbalance could hinder localization efforts and weaken the joint venture’s ability to compete effectively in the long run.
Xu Heyi, a key figure in the project, emphasized the need for talent development. Despite China's overall talent pool, there is a shortage in technical, managerial, and skilled labor areas. The gap between Chinese and Korean staff in terms of professionalism and work ethic is also significant. "The main goal of our joint venture is to bring in advanced technology and management, but without top talent, many promises remain empty," Xu noted.
In 2004, Beijing Hyundai planned to continue training university graduates and expand its Advanced Technical Training School in Shunyi. Collaborations with Peking University and Tsinghua University were also in the works. However, talent shortages are only part of the problem. Market understanding is equally crucial. Although both countries share cultural similarities, Korean staff often lack deep knowledge of the Chinese market, making it harder for BAIC to compete effectively.
Improving the distribution network is another top priority. As China pushes for greater control over sales, Hyundai and BAIC must adjust their strategies. Xu acknowledged that relying solely on the market for technology can be risky if that technology isn’t fully utilized. "China should use its market understanding to play a more active role in the joint venture," he said.
Looking ahead, changes in industrial policy and the push for brand autonomy will shape the future of the partnership. The National Development and Reform Commission is set to release a new policy that will restrict parts-by-parts assembly and encourage more rational investment. In response, Beijing Hyundai plans to establish a technical R&D center, boost internal development, and accelerate the upgrading of components.
If BAIC moves forward with these plans, it could force Hyundai to clarify its stance on technology transfer and cooperative development. In the long run, this could lead to a shift in power dynamics, with China gaining more influence in the market. For Hyundai, navigating these changes will be crucial to maintaining its position in one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets.
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