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2025 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

10. Industrial Trajectories in the Brazilian and Indian Auto Sectors

Authors : Praveen Jha, Hansjörg Herr, Bruno De Conti, Christina Teipen, Helena Gräf

Published in: Global Shifts in the Automotive Sector

Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland

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Abstract

The chapter explores the intricate dynamics of the automotive sectors in Brazil and India, focusing on their integration into global value chains and the impact of technological advancements, particularly the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). It underscores the role of government policies in shaping industrial trajectories, with a particular emphasis on the creation of new comparative advantages through comprehensive industrial strategies. The analysis reveals that while both countries have experienced economic growth and technological transfers, the integration into global value chains has not been sufficient for significant catching-up with high-income countries. The chapter delves into the contrasting experiences of Brazil and India, highlighting the influence of historical economic policies, the presence of domestic lead companies, and the varying degrees of trade union power. It also examines the responses of these sectors to the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential for functional and social upgrading in the context of vehicle electrification. The comparative study of Brazil and India offers valuable insights into the complexities of industrial development in emerging market economies, shedding light on the interplay between global value chains, technological change, and national industrial policies.

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Footnotes
1
GDP per capita in purchasing power parities and constant 2017 US dollars, which means that the figures are adjusted for price level changes and reflect real living standards.
 
2
Our case studies are based on interviews with a number of stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, representatives of workers and workers in this industry. The authors thank the German Research Foundation (DFG, project number 468243969, ‘Varieties of COVID-19 Reactions and Changing Modes of Globalization in the Global South’) for funding this research. Additionally, we thank the researchers collaborating in the project, especially Anne Martin and Thomas Rasmussen.
 
3
The unorganised sector consists of companies with less than 10 workers and unincorporated private enterprises owned by individuals or households engaged in the sale and production of goods and services operated on a proprietary or partnership basis. In contrast, the ‘organised’ (or ‘formal’) sector consists of enterprises with 10 workers; employment terms are fixed and regular and the employees get assured work and social security.
 
4
In addition, the ‘Proalcool’ was implemented in the 1970s to reduce the country’s dependency on oil.
 
5
Chinese companies also entered the Brazilian market during the 2010-20s (e.g. Chery and BYD).
 
6
The scheme was launched for a period of 3 years in 2019, but in light of Covid-19 was extended to 2024.
 
7
Followed by MG motors at 10%
 
8
Metal unions are historically very strong in Brazil, particularly in the metropolitan region of São Paulo (Dos Santos et al., 2022).
 
9
Market-share for cars and light commercial vehicles, Brazil (% in units). Data from MAConsulting and Fenabrave.
 
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Metadata
Title
Industrial Trajectories in the Brazilian and Indian Auto Sectors
Authors
Praveen Jha
Hansjörg Herr
Bruno De Conti
Christina Teipen
Helena Gräf
Copyright Year
2025
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-80641-4_10