Time for a Model Change: Re-engineering the Global Automotive Industry

Graeme P. Maxton · John Wormald

Nov 2004 · Cambridge University Press

About this ebook

The automotive industry ranks among the most significant business phenomena of the 20th century and remains vitally important today, accounting for almost 11% of the GDP of North America, Europe and Japan and one in nine jobs. In economic and social terms alike, its products have had a fundamental impact on modern society - for better and worse. Yet the industry has found it hard to adjust to recent challenges and is no longer much valued by the capital markets. It is riven with internal contradictions that inhibit reform, and faces a stark choice between years of strife or radical change. This book is a wake-up call for those who work in the automotive business. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that exist for managers, legislators, financial institutions and potential industry entrants. Most of all, it gives us all cause to reflect on the value of our mobility, today and tomorrow.

About the author

Graeme P. Maxton is Programme Director, Economist Conferences, Contributing Editor, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and a Director of autoPOLIS Strategy Consultants. He contributes regularly to a variety of Economist Newspaper Group publications and is author of the EIU's World Car Forecasts, The Emerging Markets of Asia-Pacific and Asia-Pacific: after the Crisis. He is also co-author (with John Wormald) of the best-selling Driving Over a Cliff? Business Lessons from the World's Car Industry, 1994.

John Wormald is a Director of autoPOLIS Strategy Consultants and works throughout the automotive industry. He regularly contributes to the business and automotive press and is the co-author (with Graeme P. Maxton) of the best-selling Driving Over a Cliff? Business Lessons from the World's Car Industry, 1994.