Final answer:
The student's question relates to the proportion of value contributed by carmakers' assembly plants compared to outsourced, independent parts makers in the automobile industry, highlighting the just-in-time delivery system, intra-industry trade, and competitive market shares in specific auto parts sectors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you've asked pertains to the automobile industry and how much of a vehicle's value is accounted for by carmakers' assembly plants versus how much value is added through outsourced, independent parts makers. The current trend in the industry, especially after the 1980s, has been to outsource a significant portion of manufacturing to independent parts makers, often to control costs and manage inventory through just-in-time delivery systems. This system ensures that assembly plants receive the parts they need on a daily basis, thus reducing the need for large warehousing spaces and allowing for better quality control.
Intra-industry trade is a significant aspect of the automobile industry, with a substantial portion of trade occurring between different firms that produce similar or related goods. Furthermore, market share amongst companies replacing automobile windshields is an example of the competitive nature within specific sectors of the automotive parts industry.