EXECUTIVE FORUM General Motors’ Alliances and Strategy in Asia

Corporate Luncheon

Speaker
John F. Smith, Jr., Chairman, General Motors Corp.

Presider
Deryck C. Maughan, Vice Chairman, Citigroup Inc.

General Motors Corp. Chairman John F. Smith Jr. discusses the company’s strategy in Asia, the fastest-growing market in the global auto industry. While all players are vying for a bigger piece of the action, he details how GM has made itself one of the most aggressive competitors in the game. Mr. Smith talks about how GM has strengthened its Japanese alliances with Suzuki and Isuzu, and entered into a new partnership with Fuji Heavy Industries, maker of Subaru-brand vehicles. He details how the carmaker has established a new relationship with Honda, and opened plants in Thailand and China while revamping its product portfolio plan for key markets in the region. Finally, he explores how GM’s e-business unit, “e-GM,” has followed a similar strategy of forming alliances to gain unique strengths and establish itself as a major player with a broad array of B2C and B2B initiatives ranging from consumer web portals to a global supplier exchange.

Tickets for lunch and lecture: $55, Japan Society members $45.