Supply Chain Management in Indian Automotive Industry : Complexities, Challenges and Way Ahead

Abstract

The Indian automotive industry, comprising vehicle and component manufacturers, has grown steadily since the economic liberalization of the early 1990’s. The arrival of major global auto companies has galvanised the domestic sector into adopting Supply Chain best practices. This has enhanced competitiveness leading to a quantum growth in exports. However, the Indian automotive industry has to operate in an unique environment further posing challenges to the already complex automobile supply chain. Therefore, a need is felt to continually study supply chain practices in this sector from a contemporary, practitioner’s viewpoint in order to identify key factors of differentiation which would ultimately provide competitive advantage. This paper seeks to understand the present status, complexities and challenges facing the Indian automobile sector. It examines trends such as visibility and innovation, collaboration and supply networks and evolving leadership roles impacting supply chain effectiveness. Strategies for overcoming challenges are presented as also a framework for further study and analysis.