Title: Hybrid vehicles: a temporary step

Authors: Jean-Jacques Chanaron, Julius Teske

Addresses: CNRS and Grenoble Ecole de Management, CNRS, UMR 5824, GATE, Ecully, F-69130, France. ' Grenoble Ecole de Management, BP 127 38003 Grenoble Cedex 01, France

Abstract: The paper discusses the diffusion of hybrid technology in vehicles. It is questioned whether the current strong acceptance of the technology especially by US consumers is of sustainable nature. It presents and analyses different variables influencing the diffusion of the technology. Non-financial criteria drive buying decisions significantly. Furthermore, an overview of OEMs| and suppliers| strategies is presented. Most companies integrate hybrid electric vehicles in their technology portfolio. It is concluded that even though hybrid technology can not yet be applied profitably it seems to be a key option to the industry due to its current positive perception in the USA.

Keywords: automobile industry; hybrid technology; hybrid vehicles; innovation; strategy; technology diffusion; OEMs strategy; suppliers strategy; hybrid electric vehicles; automotive technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2007.017061

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2007 Vol.7 No.4, pp.268 - 288

Published online: 06 Feb 2008 *

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