Diagnostic of the automotive industry of Ecuador. Case of buses manufacturing in the province of Tungurahua

Abstract

The automotive sector has been characterized as one of the most dynamic industries in the country incorporating creations that improve existing designs. Innovation in the sector can be seen in the use of fiberglass and in the improvement of production processes. The aim of the research is to learn about the contribution of fiberglass in the manufacture of buses by car companies located in the province of Tungurahua, in Ecuador. The research is descriptive, quantitative, and not experimental, based on the statistical analysis of the data obtained through the conduct of a survey of the companies that manufacture fibreglass buses. In addition, data from the National Transit Agency (ANT), the National Chamber of Bodybuilders (CANFAC), the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses were available to provide more complete information on the sector (INEC) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It was found that the improvement incorporated using fiberglass meant an innovation that improved the competitiveness of companies in the automotive sector. It was confirmed that the growth of the sector allowed to place the province among the main contributors to the state coffers, as well as that the chassis model most used in the manufacture of carbody bus is the long chassis between axles.