Relationships between the core and the periphery of the European automotive system

This paper is focused on the relationships between manufacturers and first-tier suppliers, which are considered to form the "core" of the automotive system, and the other players involved in the automotive system, which constitute its periphery, i.e. the part further up such as parts suppliers and sub-contractors of equal rank or above the second-tier, independent research and design firms and suppliers of business support services (including financial services); the part further down, in particular distribution, motor trade and repair, recycling, and finally the customers.