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
Martin Posth is a former member of the executive management 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.
Table of Contents
Foreword.
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.
250 pages, Paperback