Title: Advancing circularity in the auto industry: a review of circular business models from a Global South perspective

Authors: Matheus Jesus da Ressurreição; Adriana Marotti de Mello; Juliano Pelegrina; João Valsecchi Ribeiro Souza; Roberto Marx

Addresses: School of Economics, Business, Accounting and Actuarial Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, 908 – CEP 05508-010 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo/SP, Brazil ' School of Economics, Business, Accounting and Actuarial Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, 908 – CEP 05508-010 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo/SP, Brazil ' School of Economics, Business, Accounting and Actuarial Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, 908 – CEP 05508-010 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo/SP, Brazil ' School of Economics, Business, Accounting and Actuarial Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, 908 – CEP 05508-010 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo/SP, Brazil ' Production Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, 1380 – CEP 05508-010 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo/SP, Brazil

Abstract: To advance the comprehension of circular business models and guide effective strategies for adopting circularity across the automotive industry, this article undertakes a systematic literature review aimed at identifying prevailing conceptual frameworks and analytical perspectives related to these models. The selected peer reviewed publications provide the theoretical basis to explore how circular economy principles have been articulated and operationalised within automotive contexts. To empirically illustrate these theoretical insights, illustrative case studies are examined drawing on the theoretical constructs identified in the literature. The paper analyses five illustrative cases of Brazilian firms operating in the automotive industry, with the objective of characterising how circular business models are implemented in the Global South in practice and identifying the main circular strategies adopted by each company.

Keywords: auto industry; sustainable mobility; circular business model; circular economy; Global South.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.154711

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2026 Vol.26 No.1, pp.18 - 38

Received: 14 Dec 2025
Accepted: 23 Dec 2025
Published online: 10 Jul 2026 *

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