Title: Modular production and technological up-grading in the automotive industry: a case study

Authors: Arturo A. Lara, Gerardo Trujano, Alejandro Garcia-Garnica

Addresses: Departamento de Produccion Economica, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col. Villa Quietud, Coyoacan, C.P. 04960, Mexico, D.F., Mexico. ' Departamento de Produccion Economica, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col. Villa Quietud, Coyoacan, C.P. 04960, Mexico, D.F., Mexico. ' Departamento de Produccion Economica, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col. Villa Quietud, Coyoacan, C.P. 04960, Mexico, D.F., Mexico

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to describe and analyse the case of a supplier in the automotive industry specialising in the production of seats and which has grown to the extent of being able to supply the whole interior system. This analysis focuses on the production plant network of the Lear Corporation in Mexico, and its aim is to describe and analyse the technological up-grading process, as well as the strategy of intra-company coordination and cooperation (in the North US market) developed by Lear within the framework of modular production.

Keywords: automobile industry; Mexico; modular production; technological up-grading; automotive suppliers; technology; Lear Corporation; modular manufacturing; intra-firm coordination; intra-firm cooperation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2005.007183

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2005 Vol.5 No.2, pp.199 - 215

Published online: 03 Jun 2005 *

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