Potential Problems of Advanced Product Development Strategies in the World Automobile Industry

Abstract

This paper exemplifies recent practices in product development in the world automobile industry and reveals potential predicaments in modern strategies. For these purposes, product development practices in the 1980s have been evaluated and modern approaches are illustrated. It becomes obvious that the recent practices are beneficial, but contain potential problems such as brand homogeneity, constraints on aftermarket and shift of industry power. These shortcomings may jeopardise the latest attainments in product development strategy of world automobile manufacturers in the long-term.