Trends and drivers of change in the European automotive industry: (I) mapping the current situation

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This paper provides an overview of the European automotive industry and its importance to the European economy. The paper examines the whole automotive system including car and truck/bus manufacture, the up-stream supply matrix and the downstream distribution and retail sector. The authors examine the main, and well-documented, manufacturing, technological and geographical trends in the industry and relate these to the fundamental drivers of competition, costs, legislation and consumer choice. The article is one of a series of two that, together, present a comprehensive picture of the European motor vehicle industry and its strengths and weaknesses compared to those in the other main global automotive producing areas. The articles consider the possible future trajectories and the likely effects on total employment, working conditions and contracts, the geography of production and the EU trade balance on vehicles. Copyright © 2005 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.