Abstract:

The purpose of the paper is to compare the current effectiveness and the perspectives of the supply chain within two car plants from different countries of the automotive industry and outline specific key performance indicators (KPIs) actually used to support a complex strategic decision-making process. The paper conducts a comparative case study upon the George Besse plant in Northern France (Renault) and the Automobile Dacia plant in Romania and emphasize the important role each KPIs plays in sourcing each plant’s global overall good competitiveness within the French Group.

The comparative analysis is supported by a performance analysis tool which processes empirical data gathered throughout the author’s conducted research internships at the two manufacturing plants. Findings reveal that an effective supply chain management, real time communication and meeting established deadlines, as well an overall reliable performance alignment process are the root for lasting business partnerships in the automotive industry.