S The purpose of this study was to examine the joint venture strategy for American automobile manufacturers to employ in conjunction with Japanese automobile manufacturers. A summary of the findings of the research performed for this study, and the conclusions drawn from these findings are presented in this chapter.
The research finds were both positive and negative. It was found that:
1. Differences in the approach to decision making con stitute a major barrier to successful joint venture operations between American and Japanese companies. 2. The successful implementation of a broad based joint venture program between American and Japanese automobile manufacturers would prove beneficial to the American balance of payments position. 3. When American Japanese automobile manufacturing joint venture operations are conducted in the United States, they would provide a hedge against further market share loss to 50
Japanese manufacturers, and where they involve operations in Japan, they could provide greater access to the Japanese market for American manufactured automobiles. 4. Consensus building decision making may cause sig nificant friction between American and Japanese partners in joint venture operations.
5. The special project team approach is des
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