INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION IN THE WORLD AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Worldwide market changes in the auto industry in the 1960's are discussed in terms of the characteristics of the well-established manufacturing centers in the U.S. and in Western Europe and of the emerging Japanese industry. At that time, market requirements were the main forces determining international competition, although changes were taking place that would have much more significance in the 1970's. Government policy is discussed as an emerging factor in the auto industry in the 1970's. Specifically examined are the role of the government as legislator in the U.S., as owner in Western Europe, as promoter in Japan, and as initiator in developing countries. The various government policies in different countries have a profound impact on international competition, and they encourage the leading automobile manufacturers to develop strategies which maximize the opportunities and minimize the threats of government action in various markets. It is questioned whether the U.S. government will be able to continue as legislator without resorting to some form of protection for its auto industry, and whether other governments will implement environmental, safety, and fuel economy measures similar to those in the U.S. It is concluded that no single government can act independently without serious international consequences for domestic economic development and employment.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Also published in HS-028 918, "Government, Technology, and the Future of the Automobile," New York, 1980 p 259-69. Presented at Harvard Business School Symposium on Government, Technology, and the Automotive Future, Boston, 19-20 October 1978.
• Corporate Authors:

  McGraw-Hill, Incorporated

  330 West 42nd Street
  New York, NY  United States  10036
• Authors:
  • Pearce, M C
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Pagination: 11 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobile industry; Competition; Cooperation; International; International compacts; Markets; Policy
• Old TRIS Terms: Government policies
• Subject Areas: Policy; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00393044
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-028 934
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 1985 12:00AM