International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management (8 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• The Development of Subscription Car Service in Brazil  
  by MARCIO FRONTELI, EDSON PALADINI 
  Abstract: Car subscription services in Brazil are offered both by vehicle manufacturers and independent rental companies. This study aims to structure the car subscription business model provided by vehicle manufacturers in Brazil using an exploratory-qualitative approach. The research involved participation from subscription program managers and car rental industry experts. The obtained results encompass the characterization of the car subscription service and market in Brazil. Additionally, driving factors and barriers for the development of this business model were identified. Subsequently, the results were analyzed and integrated into a new framework for the business model. These findings contribute to expanding the understanding of business models based on digital servitization and provide insights for further research. The conclusions emphasize that the car subscription service in Brazil is on an upward trajectory; however, it still requires updates and adaptations to fully meet the demands of the consumer market.
  Keywords: Digital Servitization; Automotive Sector; Business model; Car Subscription.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10069306
   
  
• Empirical Analysis, Mapping and Prioritization of Supply Chain Risk  
  by Aditya Gautam, Asif Akhtar, Mrinalini Shah, Usha Gautam 
  Abstract: Supply chain risk management has become a crucial topic of interest for both academics and professionals, owing to the ever-changing and complex nature of the contemporary business environment. The challenges posed to sustainability have forced businesses to rethink their strategies, and it is imperative to prioritize supply chain risks to ensure their long-term success. This article aims to study the Indian automobile supply chain empirically and explores the various supply chain risks from the articles published between 2010 and 2024 and subsequent brainstorming sessions with 25 industry practitioners. After discussion and feedback from industry experts, an online survey was distributed to the industry professionals. A total of 100 responses were collected. Finally, the feedback from expert panels and survey results are used to calculate the risk priority number (RPN) to prioritize each risk using the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) approach. Based on RPN value, the risks are classified into 3 classes: high, medium, and low.
  Keywords: automobile industry; empirical analysis; FMEA; India; supply chain risk; survey; brainstorming.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10069307
   
  
• Are We Ready Yet? Assessing Indonesia's Readiness for Transformative EV Battery End-of-Life Management  
  by Arif Anugraha, Hargo Utomo 
  Abstract: Indonesia has big ambitions to become a major player in the EV ecosystem, including EV batteries, but currently lacks a comprehensive system for managing its End-of-Life phase. This research explores how end-of-life management for EV batteries can be effectively implemented in Indonesia by examining the country's regulatory, economic, and social readiness. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted and analysed through content analysis based on pre-coded data. The readiness level is assessed by benchmarking Indonesia's EV battery ecosystem development against global best practices. The findings of this research indicate that several regulations need to be adjusted to place greater emphasis on End-of-Life management for EV batteries. The secondary market for used EV batteries is also key to maximising their economic value. Additionally, raising public awareness about the importance of energy transition is essential to boosting demand for EV batteries.
  Keywords: end-of-life management; electric vehicle battery; circular economy; sustainability; readiness level.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10070301
   
  

Special Issue on: GERPISA 2024 Convergence and divergence of trajectories of changes in the automotive industry

• Leveraging the CASE Paradigm for Inclusive and Sustainable Public Transport: An Economic Evaluation of Autonomous and On-demand Services  
  by Fabio Antonialli, Sylvie Mira-Bonnardel 
  Abstract: This study evaluates the integration of Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric (CASE) vehicles in public transport, focusing on enhancing inclusivity, reducing environmental impacts, and promoting economic sustainability. It aims to address peri-urban mobility challenges by offering adaptable, on-demand transport solutions that improve connectivity and accessibility for underserved populations. Key contributions include demonstrating how CASE vehicles can enhance social inclusion by providing flexible, reliable transport options, particularly in areas with limited traditional public transport; highlighting the potential of CASE vehicles to significantly lower carbon emissions and pollution, aligning with global sustainability goals; and evaluating the economic viability of autonomous transport solutions, showing how they can reduce operational costs and improve financial efficiency. The findings suggest that CASE paradigms can transform public transport networks into sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable systems, addressing the pressing mobility needs of modern urban landscapes.
  Keywords: CASE vehicles; Public Transport; Peri-urban Mobility; Sustainable Transportation; Economic Evaluation; Inclusivity.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10069304
   
  
• Revisiting Foreign Input Exposure in the Auto Industry: Czechia Meets China  
  by Michal Hrubý, Stanislav Šaroch 
  Abstract: What is the input exposure of the automotive industry to foreign countries, including China? This paper revisits the traditional question from international economics with an updated input-output dataset spanning 1995-2020 and a new taxonomy for foreign production exposure. We summarise stylised facts on the development of the EU automotive supply and value chains, adding knowledge on trade in inputs. We find that the Czech auto industry’s total input exposure to China through gross trade flows in 2020 is 1.59 times higher than the directly observed exposure and reaches a 5.6% exposure level. The value-added input exposure also achieves a steadily growing trend in the observed period and the same significant acceleration within the last two observed years. Moreover, we show how Czech battery imports affect the trade balance with China and discuss the outlook for the Czech automotive industry with an almost non-existent domestic battery industry and its policy implications.
  Keywords: global value chains; input-output analysis; foreign exposure; input exposure; automotive industry; electromobility; battery electric vehicles; industrial policy; Czechia; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10069305
   
  
• The Changing Geography of the Automotive Industry in an Era of Car Electrification: A Critical Assessment  
  by Stéphane Heim, Jaeho Lee, Kosuke Kakitani 
  Abstract: In an era of car electrification, new players are emerging along the supply chain, peripheral countries are playing a more important role, and the position of integrator of incumbent car makers is being called into question. The aim of this paper is to take a critical look at the real transformations taking place in the global automotive industry. It scrutinizes the renegotiation of the role of incumbent car makers in different parts of the world. It highlights three main trends. First, there are major and disruptive changes following the deployment of Chinese battery and EV makers. Second, the geography of the automobile industry has not been profoundly altered, and EVs accentuate the productive relocation to integrated peripheral nations. Third, Japan’s position as an all-electric alternative highlights the path dependency historically built around policies targeting GHG emissions, hybrid technologies, and product policies designed by car and component makers.
  Keywords: EV; geography of automobile production; LIB supply chain; path dependency; battery chemistries; industrial policies; product strategies; productive internationalization.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10069616
   
  

Special Issue on: Variations of Digitalisation within the Global Automotive Industry

• Digital transformation within the Brazilian automotive industry  
  by Jorge Muniz Jr., Timothy P. Munyon, Anderson S. Costa, Vagner B. Ribeiro 
  Abstract: This paper aims to assess digital readiness in the Brazilian automotive industry. The findings are based on the perspective of Brazilian managers involved in digital transformation implementation. A survey was applied (five-point Likert scale) for 118 respondents from main Brazilian automotive companies who implement or use digital technologies. Although respondents indicate that their organisation has an inspiring vision of how digital technologies create a future of shared value and an understanding of how the competitive landscape changes due to digital trends, they indicate that their organisations need to improve their implementation plans for using digital technologies to achieve business objectives and also experience difficulty leveraging these technologies to improve strategic performance.
  Keywords: digital transformation; automotive; Industry 4.0; readiness; Brazil.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10070774
   
  
• Variegated digitalisation? Comparing digital trajectories in two I4.0 manufactures in Northern Italy.  
  by Sara Caria, Francesco Garibaldo, Matteo Rinaldini 
  Abstract: This paper explores empirically the digital trajectories implemented by two German owned manufacture plants in Northern Italy Both firms, global leaders sports cars and high-tech room air conditioners, respectively, are inspired by lean principles and the I4 0 paradigm, but characterized by different industrial relations, business models, type of product and broader industrial environment Results suggest that, while a predominance of digital shadow can be found in both cases, the reasons leading to that outcome differ sensibly: in one case participation of unions to decision making processes seems to be a key element; in the other, the degree of automatization is constrained by production volumes and product type These findings make the case for a “varieties of digitalisation” argument, where digital trajectories are not determined by the technological potential of innovations, but can be seen as the outcome of different dynamic and polymorphic “variegated” process, involving different sets of rationales.
  Keywords: digital twin; digital shadow; Industry 4.0; industrial relations; varieties of digitalisation; automotive; manufacturing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2025.10070300