A proposed centralised distribution model for the South African automotive component industry

Purpose: This article explores the possibility of developing a distribution model, similar to the model developed and implemented by the South African pharmaceutical industry, which could be implemented by automotive component manufacturers for supply to independent retailers. Problem Investig...

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Main Author: Micheline J. Naude
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2009-12-01
Series:Acta Commercii
Online Access:https://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/102
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author Micheline J. Naude
author_facet Micheline J. Naude
author_sort Micheline J. Naude
collection DOAJ
description Purpose: This article explores the possibility of developing a distribution model, similar to the model developed and implemented by the South African pharmaceutical industry, which could be implemented by automotive component manufacturers for supply to independent retailers. Problem Investigated: The South African automotive components distribution chain is extensive with a number of players of varying sizes, from the larger spares distribution groups to a number of independent retailers. Distributing to the smaller independent retailers is costly for the automotive component manufacturers. Methodology: This study is based on a preliminary study of an explorative nature. Interviews were conducted with a senior staff member from a leading automotive component manufacturer in KwaZulu Natal and nine participants at a senior management level at five of their main customers (aftermarket retailers). Findings: The findings from the empirical study suggest that the aftermarket component industry is mature with the role players well established. The distribution chain to the independent retailer is expensive in terms of transaction and distribution costs for the automotive component manufacturer. A proposed centralised distribution model for supply to independent retailers has been developed which should reduce distribution costs for the automotive component manufacturer in terms of (1) the lowest possible freight rate; (2) timely and controlled delivery; and (3) reduced congestion at the customer's receiving dock. Originality: This research is original in that it explores the possibility of implementing a centralised distribution model for independent retailers in the automotive component industry. Furthermore, there is a dearth of published research on the South African automotive component industry particularly addressing distribution issues. Conclusion: The distribution model as suggested is a practical one and should deliver added value to automotive component manufacturers in that it could reduce distribution costs and also may improve customer service.
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spelling doaj.art-0b2ebbc719c84526818db5edbc1fff4e2022-12-21T23:04:09ZengAOSISActa Commercii2413-19031684-19992009-12-019110211810.4102/ac.v9i1.102102A proposed centralised distribution model for the South African automotive component industryMicheline J. Naude0University of KwaZulu-NatalPurpose: This article explores the possibility of developing a distribution model, similar to the model developed and implemented by the South African pharmaceutical industry, which could be implemented by automotive component manufacturers for supply to independent retailers. Problem Investigated: The South African automotive components distribution chain is extensive with a number of players of varying sizes, from the larger spares distribution groups to a number of independent retailers. Distributing to the smaller independent retailers is costly for the automotive component manufacturers. Methodology: This study is based on a preliminary study of an explorative nature. Interviews were conducted with a senior staff member from a leading automotive component manufacturer in KwaZulu Natal and nine participants at a senior management level at five of their main customers (aftermarket retailers). Findings: The findings from the empirical study suggest that the aftermarket component industry is mature with the role players well established. The distribution chain to the independent retailer is expensive in terms of transaction and distribution costs for the automotive component manufacturer. A proposed centralised distribution model for supply to independent retailers has been developed which should reduce distribution costs for the automotive component manufacturer in terms of (1) the lowest possible freight rate; (2) timely and controlled delivery; and (3) reduced congestion at the customer's receiving dock. Originality: This research is original in that it explores the possibility of implementing a centralised distribution model for independent retailers in the automotive component industry. Furthermore, there is a dearth of published research on the South African automotive component industry particularly addressing distribution issues. Conclusion: The distribution model as suggested is a practical one and should deliver added value to automotive component manufacturers in that it could reduce distribution costs and also may improve customer service.https://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/102
spellingShingle Micheline J. Naude
A proposed centralised distribution model for the South African automotive component industry
Acta Commercii
title A proposed centralised distribution model for the South African automotive component industry
title_full A proposed centralised distribution model for the South African automotive component industry
title_fullStr A proposed centralised distribution model for the South African automotive component industry
title_full_unstemmed A proposed centralised distribution model for the South African automotive component industry
title_short A proposed centralised distribution model for the South African automotive component industry
title_sort proposed centralised distribution model for the south african automotive component industry
url https://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/102
work_keys_str_mv AT michelinejnaude aproposedcentraliseddistributionmodelforthesouthafricanautomotivecomponentindustry
AT michelinejnaude proposedcentraliseddistributionmodelforthesouthafricanautomotivecomponentindustry