Calls for papers

 

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management

 

Special Issue on: "Automotive Marketing and Distribution in Europe: Trends and Challenges"

Guest Editor: Prof. Leonardo Buzzavo, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy

The re-organisation of automotive manufacturing and component supply has resulted in considerable improvements in performance over the last decade. These changes however are not yet complemented in the downward stages of the chain: the distribution end still represents an area with many efficiency and effectiveness bottlenecks, where the degree of potential achieved upstream (costs and flexibility) cannot be fully delivered downwards. The stagnation in demand and structural oversupply, the effect of information and communication technologies, and the implications of regulatory changes (such as competition legislation) all represent pressures towards the re-organisation of the distribution chain that, contrary to stages upstream, make it harder to identify best practice and implement consistent solutions.

Research and literature has traditionally focused much on automotive manufacturing and component supply, at the expense of an adequate attention to the retailing end, where many players including automakers, franchised dealers, and independent companies operate within a complex scenario.

Subject Coverage
Papers to be included in this special issue should be focused on, one or more of the following subjects (the list is indicative rather than exhaustive):

• What traits in automotive demand are influencing the strategies of the different players?
• How are information and communication technologies impacting this picture?
• How is the reorganisation in automotive distribution unfolding?
• What are the significant differences across different states/regions in the retailing end?
• Are there other players besides automakers and dealers playing a relevant role?
• What best practices are being identified, and what are the related opportunities and threats?
• Are measures of performance available to better understand the re-organisation process in place?

Notes for Prospective Authors

Submitted papers should not have been previously published nor be currently under consideration for publication elsewhere

All papers are refereed through a peer review process. A guide for authors, sample copies and other relevant information for submitting papers are available on the Author Guidelines page

Important Dates

Deadline for (extended) abstract submission : 31 March, 2007

Response by Guest Editor : 30 April, 2007

Deadline for full paper submission : 31 July, 2007