Digital and Green Transitions and Automotive Industry Reconfiguration: Evidence from Japan and China

Abstract

Digital and green transformations are causing a reconfiguration of the automotive industry. Exploring the factors that cause this is the first aim of this article. This is achieved by examining the evolving automotive industry in East Asia from three different perspectives, each of which offers insights into the implications of this reconfiguration for the states, industries, and companies involved. Having reviewed the debate on the role of institutions and factors affecting the global value chain (GVC) reconfiguration, a descriptive analysis of trends in the Japanese and Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) industries and the related dynamics of the traditional automotive value chain is conducted. An in-depth analysis of Toyota and Honda shows how partnerships with Chinese information and communications technology and NEV firms contribute to the greening and hence reconfiguration of their industry. This analysis provides insight into how the state’s “external” role in the process of GVC formation is being challenged by economic security vulnerabilities related to the emerging NEV industry, thereby inviting further discussion on new dimensions of state–business co-operation.

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