Best Small Cos. Though GM doesn't top many lists these days, it scores well in the game of partnering. The lumbering giant's relationships with such Japanese carmakers as Suzuki and Isuzu have served as learning experiences. To benefit from its partner's knowledge, GM assigns an alliance executive to the relationship.
Employees receive cultural training.
Originally, GM's investments in these Japanese carmakers were simply intended to fill holes in GM's product lines. With Suzuki, GM is developing the YGM-1, the first GM vehicle designed for the Asian market, a GM weak spot. GM has also partnered with Toyota to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology. In China GM has a 50-50 joint venture with Shanghai Automobile to sell Buick Regals, now common on Chinese city streets. GM is a founding partner of Covisint, a B2B alliance with Ford Motor and DaimlerChrysler for procurement purposes.