International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management (3 papers in press)

Special Issue on: GERPISA 2025 The Central Role of China in the Global Automotive Industry

• Open Access

  Electric vehicle adoption in Chinas post-subsidy era: a mixed-methods study of non-fiscal incentives ( Free Full-text Access )

  by Haomin Fu 
  Abstract: As governments transition from providing fiscal subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs), this study evaluates the effectiveness of non-fiscal incentives in Chinas post-subsidy era. We utilised an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, combining a difference-in-differences-in-differences (DDD) analysis of 45 cities (2013 to 2022) with comparative case studies. The quantitative results indicate that road priority and charging infrastructure significantly boost EV sales, with road priority being more effective, particularly in cities with restrictions on conventional vehicles. Qualitative findings reveal that policy success depends on the credible implementation and systemic redesign of the urban mobility ecosystem. Taken together, these findings suggest that a strategic shift from direct financial aid to systemic regulatory and infrastructural design is critical for fostering sustainable EV adoption.
  Keywords: electric vehicle; non-fiscal incentive; road priority; charging infrastructure; policy evaluation; China; post-subsidy era; mixed-methods research; DDD method.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10075821
   
  

Regular Issues

• Impact of e-Kanban and ERP integration on lean production: lessons from the Indonesian automotive supply chain  
  by Christian Ricky, Kuniaki Tanaka, Manabu Sawaguchi, Nobuaki Minato 
  Abstract: This study examines the roles of e-Kanban, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and lean production practices (LP) in enhancing supply chain collaboration (SCC) and operational performance in Indonesian automotive supply chains. Employing a mixed-method approach, we integrate a case study of a focal company with a survey conducted among 152 tier-1 suppliers. The relationships between these systems and practices were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results indicate implementing e-Kanban alone does not inherently improve lean operations; however, user satisfaction with these systems significantly boosts the effectiveness of LP. The integration of e-Kanban and ERP systems, particularly when aligned with just-in-time principles, improves key operational metrics such as cost efficiency, product quality, lead time, productivity, and flexibility, which positively influence SCC and overall performance. This study also provides practical insights for practitioners and highlights the need for further exploration of ERP and LP integration in diverse supply chain contexts.
  Keywords: e-Kanban; enterprise resource planning; ERP; lean production; just-in-time; JIT; Indonesia; supply chain collaboration; operational performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10072489
   
  
• The balance between product diversification and component commonisation at General Motors  
  by Michiru Uyama 
  Abstract: This study explores General Motors (GM) product diversification and component commonisation from the 1997 to 2020 model years, focusing on their balance. We define product diversity as specification count, component commonality as specifications per platform, product change frequency as minor changes, and component continuity as platform application years. GM pursued diversification and commonisation, notably in the large sport utility vehicle (SUV)pickup truck (PU) segment. This aligns with prior research highlighting the dual emphasis on differentiation and cost leadership. To offer diverse products from a single platform, GM established a wide margin for the large SUVPU platform. However, its platform application years are not longer than those of other platforms, suggesting that GMs modularisation inadequately adapted to temporal changes. Furthermore, stagnant overall sales in the late 2010s drove the significant commonisation of the large SUV-PU platform, reflecting a resource-based enhancement to promote it.
  Keywords: product diversification; component commonisation; General Motors; GM; vehicle platform margin; number of specifications; large SUV-PU; dwarf monocoque vehicles; ladder-frame vehicles; model change.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10075820