Business model for beleagered auto makers

The age of roaring mufflers is definitely over. The hype about battery electric vehicles for every one too. So we will see more vehicles like the Chevy Volt - well may be not the best example for a energy efficient vehicle. This vehicles will have an power generator on board or detachable. Range extenders are a product like a pluggable mp3 player in the car. You may buy it on the market if the size and voltage fits like an APU. Automotive industry may work like other industry reducing the depth of the manufacturing process. Most components will be tier 1 like:
- wheel including electric drive from Michelin, Continental or others
- cabin based on a couple of models from independent stamping experts like Magna
- chassis based on a couple of models from independent underbody & suspension experts like Magna Steyr
- range extender from Lombardini, OEMtek, Valeo, TM4 or others (Fiat is now developing a two cylinder watch out for that development-may be massive downsizing will take place and also fuel cells will play a role here in the long range, Delphi has been active here)
- you may do the tapestry work so it fits the seats you are also buying
- and yes you will assemble the whole thing and merchandise it via multi brand resellers

That's the affordable future if you want to avoid a monopolistic situation where the biggest - may be Toyota - incorporates a lot of other auto makers. Lacking competition will then increase profits to allow a comfortable life again for the automotive industry.