TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose The automotive industry has been studied extensively, but few studies focus on outbound logistics in automotive supply chains, or on the logistics service provider’s (LSP’s) point of view. Furthermore, there is hardly any research on service model innovation in LSPs. The purpose of this paper is to narrow these research gaps.Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on a single-case study – an LSP that specializes in services for the automotive industry. The paper examines the company’s service models and their development over time.Findings The findings show how the case company has moved towards multifaceted service models through a number of radical and incremental innovations. Moreover, it has used the same methods in developing all its new service models, and has applied modularity principles in service innovation to achieve better process efficiency and service effectiveness.Research limitations/implications The rather narrow focus of this study – automotive logistics in a specific area – decreases the generalizability of the findings beyond this context. However, the single-case approach offers in-depth insights, and the analytical frameworks developed herein for service models is applicable in other contexts.Practical implications The analysis may help LSPs and service companies in their service design and development. The use of modularity principles makes it easier to offer mass-customized services and to develop efficient processes.Originality/value This study narrows a research gap in examining outbound logistics services in the automotive supply chain and focussing on the LSP’s perspective.
VL  - 27
IS  - 3
SN  - 0957-4093
DO  - 10.1108/IJLM-08-2012-0082
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-08-2012-0082
AU  - Rajahonka Mervi
AU  - Bask Anu
PY  - 2016
Y1  - 2016/01/01
TI  - The development of outbound logistics services in the automotive industry: A logistics service provider’s view
T2  - The International Journal of Logistics Management
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 707
EP  - 737
Y2  - 2024/05/10
ER  -