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Relocation, offshoring and labour market repercussions: The case of the German automobile industry in Central Europe

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  • Nunnenkamp, Peter

Abstract

The paper raises the proposition that Central Europe?s integration into the international division of labour has added significantly to competitive pressure in the German automobile industry. Based on production and trade data, we trace two dimensions of competitive pressure: relocation of assembly operations and offshoring of automotive parts production. The knowledge-capital model of multinational enterprises provides the analytical basis for the discussion of labour market repercussions. Vertical foreign direct investment in Central Europe may have helped the relatively favourable employment and earnings record of the German automobile industry, compared to other manufacturing industries. Yet recent industrial disputes can be attributed, though not exclusively, to the emergence of Central Europe as an attractive location for assembly operations and autoparts production. Employment and wages diverged considerably within the German automobile industry. Relative to skilled workers, the labour market situation of less skilled workers deteriorated significantly.

Suggested Citation

  • Nunnenkamp, Peter, 2006. "Relocation, offshoring and labour market repercussions: The case of the German automobile industry in Central Europe," Open Access Publications from Kiel Institute for the World Economy 3910, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifwkie:3910
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    File URL: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/3910/1/Nu-ARGE_AutomobileIndustry.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Holger Görg & Henning Mühlen & Peter Nunnenkamp, 2010. "Firm Heterogeneity, Industry Characteristics and Types of FDI: The Case of German FDI in the Czech Republic," Aussenwirtschaft, University of St. Gallen, School of Economics and Political Science, Swiss Institute for International Economics and Applied Economics Research, vol. 65(3), pages 273-295, September.
    2. Marta Fana & Davide Villani, 2021. "The Automotive Supply Chain in Europe: An Input-Output Analysis of Value Added and Employment Composition," JRC Working Papers on Labour, Education and Technology 2021-01, Joint Research Centre.
    3. Fana, Marta & Villani, Davide, 2022. "Decomposing the Automotive Supply Chain: Employment, Value Added and Occupational Structure," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 407-419.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    vertical FDI; trade in intermediates; relative wages; employment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L62 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Automobiles; Other Transportation Equipment; Related Parts and Equipment
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade

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