Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, USA
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Growth of the green vehicle segment will be limited by costs and functionality, according to J.D. Power and Associates' '2011 US Green Automotive Study.' With a rapid increase in the number of vehicles that feature alternative powertrains, automakers will be vying over a limited amount of consumers who are willing to pay a premium to 'drive green,' according to the report.
J.D. Powers' study examines the attitudes of U.S. consumers toward four alternative powertrain technologies: hybrid; clean diesel; plug-in hybrid; and battery electric vehicles. The study tried to gauge consumer consideration rates for these types of vehicles and, according to the report, the percentage of those surveyed who either 'probably would' or 'definitely would' consider each of the four powertrains when buying their next automobile breaks down like this:
Hybrid electric vehicles: 51 percent
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: 37 percent
Diesel-engined vehicles: 31 percent
Battery electric vehicles: 26 percent
By the end of 2016, a whopping 159 hybrid and electric vehicle models will be available for purchase in the U.S., says J.D. Power. However, the report suggests that hybrid and electric vehicles will still account for less than 10 percent of the U.S.' total automotive sales through 2016.
Executive director of global vehicle research at J.D. Power and Associates, Mike VanNieuwkuyk, sums up what's likely to hold back the adoption of 'green' vehicles, stating:
Hybrid electric vehicles have been available in the automotive market for more than 10 years, and consumer awareness and understanding of them has grown during that time. As concerns about the functionality and performance of hybrid vehicles have abated, vehicle price has become more prevalent as the primary purchase impediment. Without a tax credit to offset the price premium, consumers must absorb all of this additional cost. Furthermore, aggressive government subsidies are unlikely to be sustainable over the long term. Ultimately, the true cost of the technology needs to come down substantially.
Recapping that wordy quote: it's a vehicle's price tag that will either lure buyers in or drive them away. Sounds familiar.
[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]
Continue reading J.D. Power: Outlook for 'green' vehicles to remain limited in foreseeable future
J.D. Power: Outlook for 'green' vehicles to remain limited in foreseeable future originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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