The changing geography of the automotive industry in an era of car electrification: a critical assessment

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In an era of car electrification, new players are emerging along the supply chain, peripheral countries are playing a more important role, and the position of integrator of incumbent car makers is being called into question. The aim of this paper is to take a critical look at the real transformations taking place in the global automotive industry. It scrutinises the renegotiation of the role of incumbent car makers in different parts of the world. It highlights three main trends. First, there are major and disruptive changes following the deployment of Chinese battery and EV makers. Second, the geography of the automobile industry has not been profoundly altered, and EVs accentuate the productive relocation to integrated peripheral nations. Third, Japan’s position as an all-electric alternative highlights the path dependency historically built around policies targeting GHG emissions, hybrid technologies, and product policies designed by car and component makers. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.