Title: The role of national champions in the evolving footprint of vehicle production in Europe - 1990-2013

Authors: Corey Brincks; Thomas Klier; James M. Rubenstein

Addresses: Department of Geography, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA ' Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 S LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604, USA ' Department of Geography, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA

Abstract: By the mid-80s, industry leaders and policy makers in Europe were very concerned about the looming threat from Asian vehicle producers. Yet, 30 years later, the share of European vehicle production represented by producers headquartered in Europe remains large. This paper discusses the continued success of European-based producers in the context of the changing footprint of vehicle production in Europe. How did the national champions adjust to the introduction of the common market and the enlargement of Europe? What differences and similarities can be identified in their regional investment strategies?

Keywords: automobile industry; Europe; national champions; vehicle production; economic geography; automotive manufacturing; regional investment strategies; European Union; EU; Fiat Chrysler Automobiles; PSA Peugeot Citroen; Groupe Renault; Volkswagen Group.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2016.079218

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2016 Vol.16 No.2, pp.130 - 146

Received: 22 Sep 2015
Accepted: 07 Jan 2016
Published online: 23 Sep 2016 *

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