Roland Berger boasts the latest automotive industry know-how gained from consulting projects for car and car-part manufacturers conducted by its offices in Japan, the US and Europe and from a variety of top five- to 10-year trend forecast studies it has conducted.

This issue features excerpts on timely topics based on our accumulated experiences and knowledge.

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Roland Berger "Navigator" back number list (Excel, 27 KB)

【NavigatorVol.22】Japanese Parts Suppliers: The Road to Cultivating OEM Customers in China

In this report, we examine the awareness of local OEMs regarding the current market issues in China, their views of Japanese parts makers and other areas, while pondering the horizon for approaches by parts suppliers from Japan in forging inroads and partnerships with the local OEMs.　 (PDF, 294 KB)

【NavigatorVol.21】 The Key to Successful Development of the High-End Car Market in Newly Emerging Nations

In this report, we focus on the emerging nations, primarily those in Asia, in an attempt to define the true state of automobile customers in these markets, and in doing so draw conclusions relevant to the process of building up business brands in these environments. (PDF, 264 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 20 How Popularization of Electric Vehicles will Impact the Automotive Industry

In this report, we use specific examples and other pertinent information to analyze and weigh the impact of the popularization of electric vehicles on the automotive industry, viewing this critical issue from the particular perspectives of car manufacturers, suppliers and dealers.not available in English (PDF, 962 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 19 Current Status of China’s Automobile Dealer Industry and Key Points for Investment Judgments

The swift growth of China’s automobile dealer industry is attracting keen attention from domestic and overseas investors alike. Roland Berger mobilizes the results of in-house dealer studies, along with its extensive knowledge of the Chinese automobile industry to date, to summarize the key points in making judgments on participating or investing in the China auto dealer field.not available in English (PDF, 875 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 18 Strengthening of Auto Part European Business Operations Mobilizing Central and Eastern European Production Bases

This report examines the current status of the automobile parts industry in Central and Eastern Europe, a region holding the key to business expansion throughout Europe, using examples of Japanese suppliers active in this part of the world.not available in English (PDF, 1120 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 17 Will low-cost cars take the world by storm? - Placing the spotlight on Chinese automakers -

Probing the current status and issues for Chinese automakers, now earning keen global attention for their expanding market and solid growth low-cost cars, the challenges faced by existing global manufacturers and other trends surrounding the low-cost car genre.not available in English (PDF, 541 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 16 Targeting growth profitable for automakers

Focusing on automobile partsmakers, detailed analysis and deliberation of successful manufacturer strategies.not available in English (PDF, 506 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 15 The Recall Issue and Manufacturers' Effort to Prevent Recurrences

In this article,we discuss the recall issue,which has been attracting renewed attention since 2000. specifically,we consider the current situation and the measures being taken by various manufactures to prevent recurrences.not available in English (PDF, 527 KB)

"Navigator " Vol. 14 The Growing Indian Automotive Industry: Changes in the Market and Competition

The global automotive industry is paying increasing attention to India. This issue of "Navigator" describes the growing Indian automotive industry, changes in segmentation, the rise in direct investment by foreign manufacturers and suppliers, and India's growing competitiveness as a major exporter of automotive parts.not available in English (PDF, 890 KB)

"Navigator " Vol. 13 Strengthening Electronics Development Capacity

In this issue, we examine automobile manufacturer efforts to strengthen their electronics capability, an increasingly important move in light of advancing car computerization, and the resulting changes in the relationships between automobile and parts manufacturers.not available in English (PDF, 479 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 12 The Premium Car Market Enters a New Phase

This issue provides a perspective on the future of the Japanese premium car market, heretofore the exclusive province of imported vehicles, as Lexus dealerships stand poised to open.not available in English (PDF, 480 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 11 The Current and Future Situation of the Expanding European Market

With the entrance of 10 more countries into the EU, Europe has become the world's largest automobile market. In this issue, we discuss the current and future situation of the manufacturing bases in new member countries, where the market may be small in scale, but annual growth rates stand at 9%.not available in English (PDF, 540 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 10 Trends in the Chinese Aftermarket

In this issue, we shed light on the current situation in the Chinese aftermarket, including trends in the restructuring of the distribution system, based on the findings of a Roland Berger survey.not available in English (PDF, 545 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 9 The Same-Location Sale of New and Used Cars by Manufacturer-Associated Dealers

This issue examines problems confronting car manufacturers and dealers, using the example of used car sales. We the introduce efforts of manufacturer-associated dealerships that are particularly difficult for specialized dealers to imitate, discussing in detail the effectiveness of the same-location sale of new and used vehicles.not available in English (PDF, 568 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 8 The Future of Automobile Parts Manufacturers

Based on a global survey conducted by Roland Berger last year, this issue provides an overview of eight changes in the automobile industry and sheds light on their impact on automotive parts manufacturers. It also considers the problems that these manufacturers will face in the next decade and the direction of solutions that will enable them not only to survive, but achieve renewed growth and prosperity.not available in English (PDF, 3421 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 7 Growth Strategy in Environmental Technology: Leveraging Hybrid Technology

Most companies are not only passive regarding environmental issues, but even busy cutting costs related to their environmental policies. However, companies with superior environmental technology are able to demand a premium price of consumers. In this issue, we consider how to link environmental technology to growth strategy.not available in English (PDF, 1189 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 6 The Impact of e-Business on the Automotive Industry: Revolution or Illusion?

In this issue, we revisit the question of how to leverage e-business in the automotive industry now that the Internet bubble has burst and the e-business craze dissipated, we discuss its meaning and impact, with a focus on customer relationships.not available in English (PDF, 790 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 5 Mega Trends in the Chinese Automotive Industry Following China's WTO Debut

In this issue, we discuss mega trends in China's automotive industry following the country's WTO debut. We also raise issues facing foreign OEMs and suppliers.not available in English (PDF, 457 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 4 The Road to the Possibilities and Growth of Telematics

This issue analyzes the profitability of telematics services today and raises issues related to telematics. It also discusses a new business model and its possibilities.not available in English (PDF, 309 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 3 How to Read the Automotive Industry on Wall Street

This issue presents the analysis of a Wall Street analyst and discusses the investment strategies of automobile manufacturers.not available in English (PDF, 148 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 2 Scenario for the Popularization of Fuel Cell Cars

This issue discusses scenarios for the commercialization of fuel-cell-powered vehicles and the dynamics of the industry from a new angle, including a managerial viewpoint. (PDF, 124 KB)

"Navigator" Vol. 1 The Impact of B2B on the Automotive Industry

This issue features a comprehensive prognosis of the impact of B2B on the automotive industry not only in terms of cost cutting, but also changes in future industry structure.not available in English (PDF, 247 KB)