Who Really Made Your Car? Restructuring and Geographic Change in the Auto Industry - Softcover

Thomas Klier And James Rubenstein

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0880993332 ISBN 13: 9780880993333

Publisher: W.E. Upjohn Institute, 2008

Synopsis

This book provides a comprehensive look at an industry that is responsible for up to 70 percent of the value added in the manufacture of motor vehicles and whose employees outnumber final assembly workers by nearly four to one: auto parts suppliers. Klier and Rubenstein present the key characteristics of the vast network of parts suppliers and describe the changing geographics of U.S. motor vehicle production at the local, regional, national, and international levels. This helps illustrate the challenges in store for motor vehicle parts production in the United States and especially in the Midwest.

About this title

About the Author

Thomas Klier is a senior economist in the economic research department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

James Rubenstein is professor of geography at Miami University, Ohio.

Review

"A magisterial, encyclopedic review of who really makes the 15,000 parts and components in your motor vehicle. More importantly, the authors examine the trends in technology, markets, and companies that will determine where future auto parts will be made and who will get the jobs in America's largest manufacturing industry: auto parts manufacturing. No one has ever done this better in terms of information, insight, and clear, entertaining prose." -- Sean P. McAlinden, Vice President Research & Chief

"Klier and Rubenstein have captured the massive restructuring of one of the largest industries on earth as historical production models and past labor practices have had to surrender to a new era. The authors take this complex and challenging upheaval, detail its impact, and outline the responses to it by business. Fascinating reading for any student of business! -- Timothy D. Leuliette, Chairman & CEO, Leuliette Partners

"Over the years, many books have been written about the auto industry, but far too little has been written about the impact of those firms who provide most of the value added--the supply base. Thomas Klier and James Rubenstein have addressed that shortfall with this book. Quite simply, this book is the most comprehensive study on the auto parts industry that I've ever read. It belongs in the library of anyone who works in or writes about the industry." -- Dennis C. Cuneo, Executive Advisor and General Counsel, Toyota Boshoku America

"The authors have provided an extensive analysis of the complex U.S. automotive industry and how it has evolved from a highly concentrated industry located primarily in the Midwest to a highly decentralized global industry. Their analysis of the impact of these changes on the supplier community and what it takes to be a successful supplier in this period of major transformation is thought provoking and a must read." -- Neil De Koker, President and CEO, OESA

"Who Really Made Your Car? is a stroll through time that effectively discusses the significant evolution of the North American industry. This book is required reading for those interested in and impacted by the enormous changes under way in the auto industry." --David E. Cole, Chairman, Center for Automotive Research

Edition details

• Publisher: W.E. Upjohn Institute
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0880993332
• ISBN 13: 9780880993333
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 419