The main objective of this study was to identify the main characteristics of risk management in the automotive supply chain in Brazil, considering companies in the first and second tiers. This objective was achieved through the proposition of three hypotheses that were tested based on a survey of 211 auto parts producers scattered throughout the country, from which 77 completed forms were received. This research enabled us to conclude that the risks perceived in tier 2 are higher than those observed in tier 1. Also, it was possible to verify that the performance of companies in tier 2 (higher risk) is lower than those in tier 1. Contrary to what was observed in the literature, this research could not find evidence to confirm that risk management tools are prioritized to reduce the risk of companies in the supply chain. Therefore, this research contributes to both theory and practice: this is the first study that performs an analysis of risk management in supply chains with tier 1 and 2 companies in the Brazilian automotive industry, becoming an important complement to recent studies on this topic. For practitioners and business executives who manage risks in automotive supply chains in Brazil, this paper shows the reality of the issue in first- and second-tier companies, which can provide them with important contexts for their decision making in the day-to-day business of the automotive sector.

Purpose: – The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the most valued practices of sustainability, as well as factors related to environmental, financial, and operational performance considered in the process of selecting and developing suppliers to members of supply chains in the Brazilian automotive sector. Design/methodology/approach: – The method used was a literature review examining the subject and exploratory-descriptive field research. The data collection instrument was a survey of companies using a five-point Likert scale. The data were treated by descriptive statistics. Findings: – The practices most valued by companies involve eliminating or reducing the use of hazardous substances. These practices are evaluated in the selection, development, and environmental performance assessment of suppliers. Operational performance was most valued by companies, with highlighted practices including the amount of products delivered on time, commitment to quality management, delivery time, and order compliance rate. Research limitations/implications: – The investigation and its findings are still relatively exploratory. Future research can investigate automakers’ requirements of suppliers in its supply chain in terms of sustainability and the actions of suppliers to meet these requirements. Originality/value: – There are few sustainable practices that are valued by companies within the supply chain of the automotive sector. Major changes are needed because companies must respond to increasing demands by government regulations, whose goal is sustainability. Such pressures are of little importance to the companies in the automotive supply chain located in Brazil.

The automotive industry has been at the forefront of the globalisation process as a result of increasing global design and manufacturing. This has imposed a heavy burden on local auto parts producers. To enable a better understanding of this problem, this paper proposes a model to measure the degree of competitiveness for auto parts manufacturing companies. The study starts by analysing the current competitive forces governing the relationship among automotive assemblers and their first-tier suppliers and proposes a model that establishes (a) a competitive standard and (b) a measure called the degree of competitiveness, to be used to evaluate how similar (or dissimilar) a given company is compared with the aforesaid standard. The proposed conceptual model was tested in real-life situations by applying it to three Brazilian auto parts manufacturers with well-known competitive positions. The model was able to reproduce the same competitive position as those perceived by the market. The model and findings cannot be generalised for other industrial segments without some review and adaptation of the competitive factors considered. If required, a different set of competitive factors could be selected while maintaining all other aspects of the model as proposed.