Title: Modularisation in the auto industry: interlinked multiple hierarchies of product, production and supplier systems

Authors: Akira Takeishi, Takahiro Fujimoto

Addresses: Institute of Innovation Research, Hitotsubashi University, 2-1 Naka, Kunitachi, Tokyo 186-8603, Japan. Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan

Abstract: This paper analyses modularisation in the world|s auto industry. Modularisation in the industry has involved architectural changes in product, production, and supplier systems, with each region (Japan, Europe and the USA) emphasising different purposes and aspects. As an attempt to understand such multi-faceted, complex processes coherently, this paper proposes a conceptual framework that sees development and production activities as interlinked, multiple hierarchies of products, processes, and inter-firm boundaries. With this framework, drawing on case studies and questionnaire survey data, the paper examines the ongoing processes of modularisation in the industry. It is argued that tensions exist among the three hierarchies, and such tensions may lead to further changes in product, production and supplier-system architectures in the auto industry, in a dynamic and path-dependent manner.

Keywords: automotive industry; modularisation; product architecture; production system; supplier system; hierarchies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2001.000047

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2001 Vol.1 No.4, pp.379-396

Published online: 02 Jul 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article