A preliminary study on the changes in the Italian automotive supply chain for the introduction of electric vehicles
Abstract: A survey has been
carried out among Italian car makers, suppliers, and customers to identify the
potential changes that the traditional Italian automotive supply chain would
need for the introduction of electric vehicles. In addition, this study
investigates the degree of importance that enterprises attribute to the
electric vehicle market and their perceptions about the development of this
market, also evaluating which types of electric vehicles and body styles are
receiving the most relevant investment.
Design/methodology/approach: An empirical investigation has been carried
out to examine the above-mentioned aspects. Data have been collected through an
on-line survey and analysed by a descriptive statistical analysis, confirmatory
factors analysis, and cluster analyses.
Findings: Market penetration of electric vehicles is mainly influenced by
technological choices of car makers and battery manufacturers and by the
ability to organize and manage the integrated actions of stakeholders, also
including component suppliers, and manufacturers of vehicle management systems.
Stakeholders have to exploit economies of scale, to make use and expand
long-time competencies in electric engineering with automotive know-how, and to
build up cooperation with experts in the new value chain to facilitate the
required transfer of know-how. Alliances and joint ventures can provide
manufacturers access to the know-how, technology, and production capacity of
battery suppliers. Outsourcing, especially as regards research and development,
will occur even more frequently in the near future. An agile supply chain
should be adopted to manage a fluctuating market demand.
Originality/value: This preliminary study contributes to provide an
outlook of some of the most important changes that traditional Italian
automotive supply chain would need to promote the introduction of electric
vehicles and their critical components with an emphasis on production aspects.
Keywords: Electromobility,
supply chain, survey, business strategy, cluster analysis, confirmatory factor
analysis
Author: Matteo Rossini,
Filippo Ciarapica, Dominik Matt, Pasquale Russo Spena
Journal Code: jptindustrigg160010
