Trade And Industrial Policy Analysis With Specific Reference To Automotive Industry Programmes: Lessons For Developing Countries

Abstract

Over the last two decades the global auto industry has undergone important structural transformations and policy reforms posing complex challenges for low-volume automobile producing countries. More specifically, during the 1990s, rapid growth in sales and production were experienced in the global auto market, which has interestingly, been largely attributable to strong growth registered in emerging markets instead of the Triad regions. This paper provides a sectoral perspective analysing trade and industrial policies of selected emerging auto countries and concludes with recommendations for future automotive policy particularly for South Africa and other developing countries that are important to developing internationally competitive and sustainable automotive sectors.