The Automobile Parts Industry ~ Seven Major Trends on the Immediate Horizon
Nikkei BP Automotive Technology
The Automotive Competence Center
The state of turmoil in the world economy has steadily intensified since the emergence of the subprime mortgage crisis in the United States from the summer of 2007. As the conditions on the marketplace worsen, some observers are even voicing fears about the possible second coming of the global panic of 1929. While the troubles were originally focused on the financial world, from mid-2008 the impact has also grown increasingly severe on the real economy, with the automobile industry certainly no exception to the rule.
Within this harsh business environment, the questions naturally arise of what targets automobile parts manufacturers should have their sights set on, and how they can best steer their operations through these turbulent waters. One thing for certain is that the importance of partsmakers within the auto industry will continue to grow over the years to come. In more specific terms, greater creativity will be required from these suppliers in the quest to produce exceptionally low-cost motor vehicles. The parts companies in this field are also the primary sources of the core components for building eco-friendly powertrains. Likewise, demands will undoubtedly be leveled at parts and materials manufacturers for redoubled innovations in weight reduction technologies. As the business scene undergoes these and other changes, automobile partsmakers will expand their roles and presence in the industry, while simultaneously coming to face unprecedented demands for further progress from complete vehicle manufacturers, users and the society at large.
This publication defines in extensive detail seven major trends within the upheaval that currently grips the auto industry. These categories include “Evolution of the Powertrain in the Imminent Low-Carbon Society,” “Emergence of the Ultra-Low-Priced Car,” ”Demands for Management Innovation,” “The Increasing Significance of Overseas Development,” “Responding to the Materials Revolution” and other pressing themes.
