경쟁력제고를 위한 한국 자동차산업의 최적 유통구조에 대한 소고

The automobile industry in Korea has grown to the fifth in the world in terms of production capacity. In spite of the production growth, the marketing aspects such as distribution and customer service in the auto industry are still behind the world-class. Thus, the major purposes of this paper are as follows. The first is to analyze competitive structure of the industry and to compare distribution strategies of the major auto firms(Hyundai, Daewoo, and Kia). The second is to theoretically explain the transition from the vertical marketing system to the dealer system using transaction cost analysis. The third is to compare auto distribution channels in Korea with those in the U.S. and Japan. Finally, an optimal channel stucture in the auto industry is suggested after reviewing five alternative channel structures such as corporate-owned VMS, sales-specializing firm, multiplex system(VMS+limited dealer system), dual sales channel, and advanced dealer system. In the short-run, sales-specilizing firm was suggested as an optimal channel system to enhance customer satisfaction by integrating sales and customer service. In the long-run, advanced dealer system through regional differentiation was desirable for an optimal channel structure by organically integrating new car sales, used car sales, and after service to provide total marketing service to customers.