Evolution of product development in Japanese automobile firms
by M. Muffatto
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 17, No. 4, 1996

Abstract: In Japanese firms, new product development is currently undergoing a period of transition. Firms are seeking new elements of competitivity after the recovery of the performance of product development in American and European firms. In particular, the product development model, based upon a product variety strategy, which was adopted by Japanese firms during the pre-1990 period of continuous growth, is changing. The crisis of the model highlights some negative aspects of both the strategy and organization of product development and, simultaneously, underlines the need for a shift towards a lean design perspective. In order to develop the lean design perspective, the origins and the performance of a strategy based on product variety need is analysed. Product variety is also studied in relation to the dimensions of market, production and product planning and the evolution of the product variety strategy is analysed. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of the automobile product structure in relation to product planning activities. So the platform concept is taken into account both from a technical and an organizational point of view. The strategic and organizational implications from a multiproject management perspective are also analysed.

Online publication date: Wed, 28-May-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com