Title: Where differentiating automobile manufacturers go wrong: strategic challenges posed by increased outsourcing

Authors: Heike Proff

Addresses: University of Duisburg-Essen, Bismarckstr. 90, 47057 Duisburg, Germany

Abstract: Car manufacturers outsource production of individual components to large module suppliers, saving on costs in the short term. In the medium term, however, they sacrifice competencies. The competitive strategy they choose – either cost leadership or differentiation – determines how this conflict is resolved. This article examines the shift in competencies to module suppliers, and the likely reactions of end product manufacturers, particularly those pursuing a differentiation strategy. The article derives potential strategic actions going forward based on transaction cost theory and core competency theory, and conducts a content analysis to examine them empirically.

Keywords: automobile industry; automotive manufacturers; outsourcing; core competencies; competitive strategy; content analysis; cost leadership; differentiation; transaction costs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2011.038119

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2011 Vol.11 No.1, pp.16 - 35

Published online: 13 Mar 2015 *

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