Automobile Centric Organizations Research Paper

Automobile Centric Organizations - Research Paper Example This paper will look at Daimler AG Corporation and the BMW group; two automobile centric organizations that operate in competition with each other, in complete detail with insight into the background of the company and its sectors and recent activities. Then, a full scale financial analysis by means of financial ratios will be conducted in order to analyze the most recent operating performance of both groups in contrast with each other. 'Daimler AG (formerly Daimler-Benz AG, DaimlerChrysler AG) is a German car Corporation (not to be confused with the British Daimler Motor Company) and the world's thirteenth largest car manufacturer as well as the largest truck manufacturer in the world. In addition to automobiles, Daimler manufactures trucks and provides financial services through its Daimler Financial Services arm.The company also owns major stakes in aerospace group EADS, high-technology and parent company of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes racing team McLaren Group, and Japanese tru ck maker Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. Daimler produces cars and trucks under the brands of Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Smart, Freightliner and many others.' (Daimler AG, 2009)'Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (info) (BMW), (English: Bavarian Motor Works) is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company. Founded in 1916, it is known for its performance and luxury vehicles. It owns and produces the MINI brand, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.' (BMW Group, 2009) In order to understand the complete picture that are depicted by the numerical financial ratios, it is critical to understand the key economic and business indicators that are essential for the operation of any organization in the business world: including the two under observation here. Key economic and business drivers Increasing demand trends International and local demand for cars is a main driver of the company's business and financial performance. Both organizations' diverse set of products and offerings is designed to provide more consistent results in both strong and weak economic environments. The company accomplishes this by not only having a mix of offerings with long-term cash and income streams, as well as cyclical transaction-based sales, but also by continually developing competitive products. In addition, both organizations continues to transform itself to take advantage of shifting demand trends, focusing on client- and industry-specific opportunities, and business performance. (Lev et al, 1979) Internal Business Transformation and International Integration Initiatives As indicated by their latest financial reports, control of costs and efficiency of management are the prime considerations for both these organizations at the current point in time and are committed towards the seamless transformation to an internationally integrated enterprise. The companies continue to drive greater productivity, flexibility and cost savings by transforming and globally integrating their own business processes and functions. This integration has improved their capacity to innovate by providing greater clarity of key priorities around shared goals and objectives and led to a sharper focus for the company on learning, development and knowledge sharing. (Lev et al, 1979) Investing in Growth Opportunities Both companies continue to significantly invest in growth opportunities as a way to drive revenue growth and market share gains. Daimler AG has announced that new capacities are to be created in Kecskemt, Hungary for the future expansion of the model range of premium compact cars. The first cars are to be assembled there in 2012 at this said facility. In addition, Daimler also became a key shareholder in Tognum in April, 2008. Daimler AG takes a 22.3% equity interest in Tognum AG. This acquisition is intended to secure long-term supply