Current and future challenges in the independent automotive repair industry

: a case study

Abstract

The mega trends that will strongly influence the society over the next decades have also arrived in the automotive industry. New technologies and mobility concepts such as autonomous driving, shared driving concepts and the electrification of cars are affecting companies in the downstream stages of OEMs. This dissertation examines possible outcomes of these macroeconomic events and shines light on the structural problems the independent repair industry is facing. The market is dominated by fierce price competition and increasingly small potential for differentiation. The challenge of creating and maintaining a competitive advantage in today’s independent repair industry is illustrated based on a company that poses as an example. Paradoxically, the solution to many of the problems faced by independent garages lies in a partnership with other major players in the automotive industry.The format of this paper follows a pedagogical approach, as its aim is to encourage students to look more closely at the discipline of strategic management through a case study. The application of several strategic frameworks and tools allows for insights into the company’s external and internal situation. Students are confronted with a real-life scenario and are supposed to identify necessary measures to seize and defend incoming opportunities and threats. The case is complemented with a teaching note that includes a proposal for the implementation in the lecture and a sample solution. The case addresses students and anyone interested in learning about the dynamics of Germany's independent repair shop industry.

Date of Award	3 Jul 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ricardo Reis (Supervisor)