International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Recent investments in the Spanish battery value chain: lessons for the European automotive industry  
  by Jesús F. Lampón, Miguel A. Crespo-Velando, María Del Mar Rodríguez-Domínguez, Hugo Pérez-Moure 
  Abstract: Focusing on two key elements (activities and actors), a countrys electric vehicle battery (EVB) value chain is studied. This analysis is based on a theoretical model that deconstructs the value chain into upstream, midstream, downstream, and second life activities, and classifies actors into foreign and domestic firms. Through a focus group technique, the recent investments in the Spanish EVB value chain are analysed. The results highlight that these investments are mainly focused on battery integration and battery cell production activities. However, there is no investment in mineral exploitation and battery cell components production, and few in battery recycling activities. Automobile manufacturers and battery cell producers, mostly foreign-owned multinationals, are the key actors in this Spanish EVB value chain. This implies that decisions regarding investments are not taken by domestic firms. Implications for public policies can be derived from these results.
  Keywords: electric vehicles batteries; EVB; global value chain; GVC; automotive industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10078509
   
  
• Towards a fully electric vehicle production by 2035: economic implications for Italys automotive sector through an input-output approach  
  by Edoardo Alberti, Leonardo Piccini, Tommaso Ferraresi, Renato Paniccià 
  Abstract: This study assesses the economic and employment impacts of the complete electrification of the automotive industry in Italy, in the context of the European fit for 55 packages. We employed European input-output tables and used an inter-country input-output model to develop counterfactual scenarios that include the relocation of inputs supply chains for the Italian automotive production, a fully electric vehicle production, projections and change in demand due to a lower degree of market penetration and a reduction in the growth rate of vehicle registrations. Results show that electrification stimulates growth in electronics and vehicle assembly and reduces demand for metalworking, rubber and plastic supplies and some tertiary services. There is a significant risk of erosion of the national supply chain and loss of domestic content to European hubs and Asian suppliers if local capabilities are not developed. Industrial and demand policies are strongly needed to mitigate these impacts.
  Keywords: automotive electrification; electric vehicle adoption; energy transition; input-output analysis; fit for 55 packages; Italian electric vehicle market; Italy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10078561
   
  
• Technology upgrading and growth in a globalised economy: a comparative analysis of the role of GVCparticipation in the automotive industry of China, Central Eastern Europe and Western Europe  
  by Pengfei Chang 
  Abstract: Industry growth and technology upgrading in an increasingly globalised economy create new opportunities for emerging economies, but the upgrading effects of global value chain (GVC) participation remain uneven across development paths. This study develops a multidimensional measure of technology upgrading and examines the automotive industries of China, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and Western Europe (WE) over 20002020. Using panel fixed-effects models with lagged GVC participation variables, the analysis explores how backward and forward participation are associated with short- and medium-run upgrading outcomes. The results reveal clear regional heterogeneity. China upgrades mainly through GVC forward participation, whereas CEEs upgrading is concentrated in backward participation. By contrast, WE shows only limited upgrading gains, concentrated in forward participation. The research underscores the importance of using direct and observable variables over traditional measures to understand the mechanisms of technology upgrading at the industry level.
  Keywords: global value chain; GVC; technology upgrading; composite indicator; automotive industry; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10078936
   
  
• Falling from the core: Italys supply chain amidst the automotive transition  
  by Bruno Perez Almansi, Francesco Zirpoli 
  Abstract: This article analyses Italys transition from a core to a semi-peripheral position within the automotive global value chain (GVC). The study combines descriptive statistics drawn from both published and original datasets to examine how these transformations have affected Italian automotive firms. The findings confirm the downgrading of Italys automotive industry to a semi-peripheral status. However, this trajectory is not homogeneous across the value chain, as the two main subsectors vehicle assembly and auto parts supply display divergent dynamics. The Italian automotive supply chain has shown strong resilience and a growing degree of independence from Fiat-FCA-Stellantis, Italys sole mass car manufacturer. This evolution is reflected in rising employment, expanding exports, and increasing internationalisation, alongside a comparatively low level of foreign control. These features highlight the distinctive character of Italys transition within the global value chain.
  Keywords: Italy; automotive industry; supply chain; global value chain; GVC; Stellantis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10080409
   
  
• Navigating the global value chain shift to electric vehicles: lessons from the Thailand and South African automotive industries  
  by Justin Barnes, Anthony Black, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Kriengkrai Techakanont 
  Abstract: Second tier automotive producer countries such as South Africa and Thailand are confronting major disruptions in the global configuration of the automotive global value chain, namely the growing ascendance of China and the accelerating shift to electric vehicles. The Thailand automotive industry demonstrates sustained competitive advantage relative to the South African automotive industry. This advantage arises from access to a larger domestic and regional market, greater economies of scale, a lower cost operating environment, and more impactful industrial policies. These ensure that Thailand has a more export competitive automotive industry. Consequently, Thailand appears to be more successfully navigating the shift to electric mobility. The Thai Government has introduced EV purchasing incentives and has attracted Chinese EV investments. South Africa has done neither. While both economies remain vulnerable to the global EV shift, Thailand appears better positioned to navigate the EV transition than South Africa.
  Keywords: Thailand; South Africa; China; automotive; global value chain; GVC; competitiveness; electric vehicles; industrial policy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10080685