Miami Geographer Analyzes the Growing Trend of Auto Parts Outsourcing

Miami geographer James M. Rubenstein is an auto industry analyst. He studies historical patterns, current issues, and future trends in the production and consumption of motor vehicles.

Rubenstein started studying the auto industry during the 1980s. As a geographer, Rubenstein began by asking "where" and "why" questions. Where were motor vehicle companies opening plants and closing them, and why were those locations selected for new investment or closure? Asking these questions led to a deeper understanding of the factors underlying changes in Ohio's most important industrial sector.

Rubenstein's current work concentrates on manufacturers of motor vehicle parts. Carmakers have turned over responsibility for actually manufacturing most of the vehicles to independent parts makers. According to Rubenstein, "You may think you are buying a Chevrolet or Honda, but what you are really getting is an interior made by a company like Lear Corp., a body made by a company like ThyssenKrupp Automotive, and a chassis made by a company like Dana Corp."

Rubenstein is author of two books on the auto industry, Making and Selling Cars: Innovation and Change in the U.S. Automotive Industry and The Changing U.S. Auto Industry: A Geographical Analysis, as well as 14 chapters and articles on the subject. He is also a frequent commentator on auto industry trends for radio networks, newspapers, and magazines. Rubenstein is currently writing a book titled, Who Really Made Your Car? The Changing Role of Motor-Vehicle Parts Suppliers.