The author defines globalization as a sharp acceleration of internationalization and globalization processes - inherent to capitalism from its very origin in 15th and 16th century - and highlights the effects of the third information and telecommunications-centered technological revolution, which have been prevailing as of 1970's. He specially focuses on multinational companies as globalization privileged agents, as well as their relationship to Nation-States and changes in the Nation-States behaviour. Changes in manufacturing and services industries relative positions in contemporaneous society deserve equal attention. This study focuses on the globalization concrete process in the empirical scope of automobile industry, looks at issues related to Fordism and so-called Japanese flexible production model, then deepens into the labor relationship issues. Concerning that, the analysis points out the structural unemployment and looks over its possible primary causes. The author presents a detailed and updated automobile industry panel in Brazil, enriched with a statistical annex, and stresses automaker/motor piece maker relations and company/worker relations. The counterpoint to automobile industry in Argentina and Mexico allows for comparisons and considerations about future prospects.
