Assessment of Indian and Chinese Auto-Component Manufacturer's Landscape

Auto-component industries in India and China anticipate significant growth in the next three to five years to reach US$24 billion and US$116 billion respectively by 2010. OEMs in developed markets are turning to low cost countries (LCC) to source components at reduced costs. Plus the demand for automobiles in their own domestic markets is increasing. Because of this strong potential, the Indian and Chinese auto-component industries are attracting global attention.

Indian and Chinese auto-component landscape

With India and China poised to play an even larger part in the global auto industry, some critical questions arise:

  • Do they have the capabilities to capitalize on the opportunities?
  • Do the suppliers have the requisite capabilities in product design, manufacturing, quality and delivery?
  • Are suppliers only capable of supplying components, or can they graduate to assemblies and modules?
  • What are the competitive advantages of companies in these two countries in the auto-component space?
To answer these questions and others, A.T. Kearney assessed the auto-component landscape in India and China. With a macro analysis of the industry as a foundation, the team focused on a micro analysis of the brakes segment. At a detailed level, the research compares suppliers’ cost structures, quality, and product development capabilities.

Our research indicates that component suppliers for both countries have the potential to emerge as global suppliers. From a cost perspective, both India and China have a distinct advantage over their western counterparts. And within these two countries, on comparable brake products, Chinese suppliers are nearly 10% less expensive that Indian companies.

Both countries' top domestic players are on par with the best in the world and have the capabilities to supply to global OEMs today. However, the component industry in both countries is highly fragmented, and many suppliers need to improve their quality standards.

Additionally, the supply base in both countries lacks full product design and development capabilities. Most suppliers are "part-to-print" manufacturers and depend heavily on their foreign partners for product development. Investment in R&D is imperative for them to compete globally and emerge as important bases for off-shore design and engineering (D&E).

To learn more, download the full report.