In search of a Chinese internationalization theory

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to exhibit the influencing factors on and the process of internationalization with regard to Chinese automobile companies. Design/methodology/approach – The author adopts an explorative approach to investigate the 12 major Chinese automobile manufacturers in terms of sales for the year 2010. Concentrating on the automobile industry in China, the author provides context and comparability. Findings – The findings show that the internationalization of Chinese automobile companies cannot be explained by one theoretical model only and challenge previous internationalization research. Nevertheless, in retrospect, some patterns can be seen. Until the year 2000, technology was absorbed through domestic joint ventures with Western manufacturers. Up to 2010, internationalization involving exports may be viewed as having been a “test” phase, becoming a strategic goal defined by the Chinese government. Different internationalization attributes are aggregated into a comprehensive ranking of the case‐study companies. The ranking is analyzed with regard to managerial and company influences, as well as to incentivizing factors that potentially generate internationalization. As an incentivizing factor, the governmental environment plays a crucial role, having designated the automobile industry as one of China's pillar industries. Originality/value – The paper gives new insights into internationalization processes on an industry level. In particular the Chinese strategic approach to internationalization is exhibited and discussed for the automobile industry.