Abstract
This thesis discussed how the division of labour system was formed in China, and what their structural features are. The manufacturing system in China is showing a trend, similar to Japan, toward establishing a vertical division of labour system in each district. Its manufacturing potential, technological level and productivity are not up to comparison with Japan, however, still badly handicapped as a late comer. Because the level of economic development and economic structure are different, it is difficult to simply compare the Chinese financial setup are different, it is difficult to simply compare the Chinese automobile industry with that of developed capitalistic nations. But the following points may be pointed out.
Establishment of a reliable parts-supply system is the most important step for the development of the automobile industry in the future. Because, while at the automobile manufacturer's level specialization through adjustment of models etc. and division of labour has been progressing (though slowly) there has been made practically no progress at the parts maker's level as yet. And the progress is also slow in commonization and standardization. This is a bottle-neck for early establishment of mass-production of parts. At the same time, there are problems in ability to do design and development work, as well as, in the level of quality control. This has been causing individual automobile manufacturer throughout the nation (most of them with an annual production of several 100 units) to manufacture parts through inefficient variegated small lot production. These factors inhibit development of the Chinese automobile industry.
In the current situation of the Chinese automobile industry has a major difficulty due to the immaturity of the auto-parts industry which forms the base of the automobile industry. In sharp contrast, the Japanese auto-parts industry is already fully mature, and has been successfully working out overseas strategies as well as technological strategy. It is now searching for a strategy to rejuvenate the automobile industry. Its overseas strategy is primarily aimed at China and Southeast Asian countries with their large potential demand. It is even trying to work out an international division of labour system, and positive licensing or technology transfer to these nations.
