International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management (6 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• How are manufacturers adjusting to declining demand for internal combustion engine vehicles? Changes to the footprint of engine production and sourcing patterns  
  by Thomas H. Klier, James M. Rubenstein 
  Abstract: This paper examines how vehicle manufacturers are adjusting to a world of shrinking volumes of internal combustion engines (ICE). We find evidence of a significant reduction in the variety of engines offered in ICE vehicles between 2016 and 2023. When we compare the footprint and sourcing patterns of engines for vehicles assembled in North America, we find no material change between 2016 and 2023 in the number of engine plants or vehicle assembly plants producing ICE vehicles. However, carmakers are using their reduced engine offerings to simplify the spatial connections between their engine plants and their assembly plants.
  Keywords: engine souring; industry geography; declining ICE production.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10076670
   
  
• Advancing circularity in the auto industry: a review of circular business models from a Global South perspective  
  by Matheus Jesus Da Ressureição, Adriana Marotti De Mello, Juliano Pelegrina, João Valsecchi Ribeiro Souza, Roberto Marx 
  Abstract: To advance the comprehension of circular business models and guide effective strategies for adopting circularity across the automotive industry, this article undertakes a systematic literature review aimed at identifying prevailing conceptual frameworks and analytical perspectives related to these models. The selected peer reviewed publications provide the theoretical basis to explore how circular economy principles have been articulated and operationalised within automotive contexts. To empirically illustrate these theoretical insights, illustrative case studies are examined drawing on the theoretical constructs identified in the literature. The paper analyses five illustrative cases of Brazilian firms operating in the automotive industry, with the objective of characterising how circular business models are implemented in the Global South in practice and identifying the main circular strategies adopted by each company.
  Keywords: auto industry; sustainable mobility; circular business model; circular economy; Global South.
  
  
• Transitions in tension: interpreting and adapting the twin transition in a peripheral Toyota plant  
  by Adriana Martínez Martínez, Jorge Carrillo 
  Abstract: This article analyses how the twin transition, understood as the convergence of digitalisation and sustainability, is articulated and implemented at Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Guanajuato (TMMGT), a subsidiary located in Mexico. Based on 23 in-depth interviews conducted between 2021 and 2025, it adopts a qualitative case study approach with thematic analysis. Findings show that the twin transition unfolds in a fragmented and uneven manner, shaped by institutional constraints, local capabilities, and global innovation asymmetries. While the plant has advanced in automation, machine learning, and collaboration with universities, strategic decisions on electrification and disruptive technologies remain external. The study identifies seven thematic axes illustrating how innovation, co-creation with suppliers, and gender diversity are addressed within a context of limited autonomy. It concludes that the twin transition in peripheral subsidiaries is a political and organisational process, where global strategies are locally interpreted and adapted, contributing novel empirical evidence.
  Keywords: twin transition; automotive industry; digitalisation; sustainability; Toyota; Mexico.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10077581
   
  
• How trade policy uncertainty shapes inventory management: a global panel analysis of automotive firms  
  by Attila Zoltán Nagy, Vivien Csapi 
  Abstract: This study examines how trade policy uncertainty (TPU) affects inventory behaviour in the global automotive sector. While the effects of aggregate economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on firm inventories are well documented, the trade-specific dimension remains underexplored. Using quarterly data from 272 publicly listed automotive firms (2014-2024), we estimate first-difference panel models to assess the impact of TPU and EPU on changes in inventory-to-assets ratios. We find that increases in TPU are positively associated with inventory-to-assets adjustments at the global level, consistent with precautionary stockpiling under trade-related uncertainty. This effect is significant among US firms but not among Chinese firms. In contrast, EPU is negatively associated with inventory-to-assets changes across all samples, suggesting inventory contraction under broader policy uncertainty. These findings highlight the distinct operational implications of trade-related versus aggregate policy uncertainty in globally integrated industries.
  Keywords: trade policy uncertainty; TPU; inventory management; automotive industry; firm behaviour; international trade; precautionary inventory; international trade risk; global supply chains.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10078151
   
  
• Recent investments in the Spanish battery value chain: lessons for the European automotive industry  
  by Jesús F. Lampón, Miguel A. Crespo-Velando, María Del Mar Rodríguez-Domínguez, Hugo Pérez-Moure 
  Abstract: Focusing on two key elements (activities and actors), a countrys electric vehicle battery (EVB) value chain is studied. This analysis is based on a theoretical model that deconstructs the value chain into upstream, midstream, downstream, and second life activities, and classifies actors into foreign and domestic firms. Through a focus group technique, the recent investments in the Spanish EVB value chain are analysed. The results highlight that these investments are mainly focused on battery integration and battery cell production activities. However, there is no investment in mineral exploitation and battery cell components production, and few in battery recycling activities. Automobile manufacturers and battery cell producers, mostly foreign-owned multinationals, are the key actors in this Spanish EVB value chain. This implies that decisions regarding investments are not taken by domestic firms. Implications for public policies can be derived from these results.
  Keywords: electric vehicles batteries; EVB; global value chain; GVC; automotive industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10078509
   
  
• Towards a fully electric vehicle production by 2035: economic implications for Italys automotive sector through an input-output approach  
  by Edoardo Alberti, Leonardo Piccini, Tommaso Ferraresi, Renato Paniccià 
  Abstract: This study assesses the economic and employment impacts of the complete electrification of the automotive industry in Italy, in the context of the European fit for 55 packages. We employed European input-output tables and used an inter-country input-output model to develop counterfactual scenarios that include the relocation of inputs supply chains for the Italian automotive production, a fully electric vehicle production, projections and change in demand due to a lower degree of market penetration and a reduction in the growth rate of vehicle registrations. Results show that electrification stimulates growth in electronics and vehicle assembly and reduces demand for metalworking, rubber and plastic supplies and some tertiary services. There is a significant risk of erosion of the national supply chain and loss of domestic content to European hubs and Asian suppliers if local capabilities are not developed. Industrial and demand policies are strongly needed to mitigate these impacts.
  Keywords: automotive electrification; electric vehicle adoption; energy transition; input-output analysis; fit for 55 packages; Italian electric vehicle market; Italy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2026.10078561