Automotive Industry Trends and Prospects for Investment in Developing Countries

摘要

Many developing countries (DCs) that aim to develop rapidly through industrialization have regarded the automotive industry as the best way to achieve this objective. Given the importance of the industry and the continuing interest therein by many developing countries, the study reviews recent major changes in the industry worldwide and their impact on prospects for automotive investments in DCs. The automotive industry has become truly international with respect to production, marketing, technology transfer and widespread intercompany collaboration. Production and management methods have been revolutionized through computer-aided design, automation and assembly line flexibility, and just-in-time inventory methods. There has been a profound change in the relationship between vehicle and component manufacturers. The latter have assumed greater responsibility for design and production of component systems, while striving to improve quality standards and lower costs. During the next decade, keener competition among major producers and the effort to reduce costs will present opportunities for developing countries mainly in component manufacturing. However, the ever-increasing sophistication of management, production, and delivery systems will require manufacturers in developing countries to maintain high quality and reliable delivery if they are to be competitive in the international market. Production of heavy commercial vehicles may also be suitable for some developing countries.