Work

A strategic analysis of the Chinese automotive industry: Leveraging scale and resource security for a sustainable future

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Chinese automobile industry is undergoing structural transformation driven by technological disruption, decarbonisation pressures, and geopolitical and social factors. Although China leads global vehicle production and mineral processing, it faces multiple challenges linked to sustainability, labour practices, technological dependence, and declining foreign investment. This research unpacks these issues using an integrated multi-criteria strategic management method, with insights from industry experts, enabling a balanced approach and generating 25 strategies addressing market scale, supply-chain integration, technological autonomy, mineral security, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations, and global competition. The findings lead to the development of an evidence-based roadmap to inform decision-making for policymakers and leaders through an increasingly complex operating environment. Hence, this study contributes by integrating multi-criteria strategic tools with expert insights to produce an evidence-based roadmap for strengthening the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the Chinese automotive industry.

Source: Sustainable Futures

DOI: 10.1016/j.sftr.2026.101917

Authors: Aditya Gautam, Helen Rogers, Mukesh Kumar

Institutions: Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences Nuremberg, University of Technology Nuremberg, University of Cambridge

Language: English

Topic: Strategic Planning and Analysis

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,340