Investigating the Potential of Circular Business Models for Automotive Manufacturers in the Future Mobility Market - A Case Study of Volvo Cars Corporation
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Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master Thesis
Master Thesis
Program
Quality and operations management (MPQOM), MSc
Publicerad
2017
Författare
Sjöberg, Hanna
Erici, Fabian
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
The mobility industry is going through significant changes as the three trends automation, electrification and shared economy is rapidly advancing. These three together are expected to have a big impact on how we consume and utilise mobility in the future. Exactly how, and how fast the changes will be, is still debated but that major changes are happening is agreed upon by most researchers and experts. At the same time the concept of circular economy is gaining attention as environmental concerns are rising. Circular economy aims to decrease the amount of virgin materials used and to extend and close the loops of consumption in comparison to the linear economy of “take-make-use-dispose” which is dominant in today's consumption society. This thesis investigates what potential the concept of circular economy can have on the future of mobility for automotive manufacturers, using Volvo Cars as a case study. To fulfil the purpose of the thesis, a backcasting method in four steps was conducted. Firstly, five success factors on the future mobility market was identified by interviewing experts and researchers. Secondly, the present state at Volvo Cars was analysed in regards to the success factors found in previous step. Thirdly, a set of seven circular business models was identified and their potential evaluated in regards to the success factors. Lastly, the effort needed to implement these circular business models and their potential was evaluated. As results it can be seen that circular economy and its business models have a big potential of positively impacting the future of mobility. The uncertainties on exactly how, and how big it would be, is though impossible to say at this stage and a lot of research is yet to be done. The impact is likely to be positive in both economic terms for the company but also for the global and local environment.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Transport , Hållbar utveckling , Innovation och entreprenörskap (nyttiggörande) , Övrig industriell teknik och ekonomi , Transport , Sustainable Development , Innovation & Entrepreneurship , Other industrial engineering and economics