...hybrid vehicle Abstract The topic of this research paper is the impact of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) on the environment and society. The methodologies used to carry out research on this topic include collecting information on HEVs, their components, pollution caused by the manufacturing of their batteries, their economics, and their safety. The conclusions of the report are that HEVs adversely impact the environment and society. iii Table of Contents Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... ii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iii Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................. vi Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1 1. Definition of the Problem ........................................................................................................... 6 1.1 Fossil Fuels ............................................................................................................................ 6 1.2 Air Pollution .......................................................................................................................... 7 1.2.1...
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... TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary Introduction What is a Hybrid Vehicle a. Brief History and Explanation b. How it Works c. Recent Popularity and Expected Future Sales Demographics a. Age b. Gender c. Income d. Ethnicity Psychographics Green Marketing Strategies The Decision Making Process a. About the Process b. Problem Recognition c. Information Search d. Evaluation of Alternatives e. Product Choice and Outcome f. Conclusion Diffusion of Innovation a. About the Process b. Compatibility c. Trialability d. Complexity e. Observability f. Relative advantage g. Prediction of Future Diffusion Conclusion Works Cited 2 3 4 6 9 10 12 16 20 23 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is a comprehensive report that discusses the innovation of the fuel efficient and environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle, which types of consumers purchase them and suggests certain Consumer Behavior concepts that explain why they are becoming so popular. The report begins with a brief explanation of the vehicles history along with a short explanation of how the vehicle operates. It also explains how the impacts of our economy and the environment have created a new wave of popularity and demand for the hybrid. It then transitions into the demographics and psychographics segment of the hybrid target market: age, gender, income, ethnicity, and the environmentally conscious attitudes that create the demand to purchase a hybrid vehicle. The next section of the report suggests three consumer behavior...
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...the money that it generates for oil companies. During the last decade hybrid automobiles have begun to take a more prominent role in the automobile industry. “Historically, many in the automobile and oil industries have fought progress on electric cars. It's the same story we've seen before with seat belts and catalytic converters: The automakers leave the technology on the shelf until policymakers require them to do what is in the best interests of the American people.” (Anair & Shahan, 20011). Policy will dictate how the industry will be impacted over the next five years. Lawmakers are constantly changing the rules and regulations that automakers have to produce cars by. In the following essay we will use a macro trend analysis to determine the path of the hybrid vehicle. Issues Legislation has evolved over recent years requiring automakers to adhere to a minimum fuel economy standard. As gas prices continue to rise, people have started to trend toward more energy efficient means of transportation. Hybrid vehicles have an electric motor along with rechargeable batteries and have an increased efficiency of up to 50 percent. There is an onboard computer that switches between gas and electric power. The hybrid car runs on the energy of the battery when it is cruising, using less energy. When it needs additional power, the fuel engine is used for energy purposes. The market for hybrids can be analyzed by looking at the macro-environmental trends (macro...
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...automobile consumer demands a better, more fuel efficient vehicle. This demand has forced manufacturers to begin producing hybrid vehicle; first four door hybrid sedan was unveiled by Toyota in 2000. The Toyota Prius’ success encouraged it competitors to roll out their hybrid cars as well setting a common standard for environmentally friendly and efficient vehicles. The relationship of consumer and manufacturer in the car industry on a macro level has always been one in relative equilibrium. As demand increases the car manufacturers have increased supply. The green movement in the United States pushed for hybrid vehicles and car manufacturers responded by producing more vehicles, making the supply line more open. The next venture for an ultimate environmentally friendly vehicle has been the all-electric, plug-in vehicles. The market for all electric vehicles is heavily influenced by numerous variables: government influence to decrease gas consumption, media attitude for a green planet to decrease the potential effects of global warming, and –the big one- gas both its supply influenced by international politics and its consistent rising cost. The production of hybrid cars has increased profoundly since Toyota first released the Prius in 2000. Competitors such as a Ford and GM began releasing hybrids in 2004 and 2007 respectively; increasing consumer options from 2 hybrid vehicles to 10. The graph below shows hybrid market share breakdown in the United States: The...
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...1. Are hybrid electrical vehicles a radical innovation or an incremental innovation? Are they competence enhancing or competence destroying, and from whose perspective? How would you answer these questions for fuel cell vehicles? Hybrid electrical cars/vehicles could be considered an incremental innovation because they build on existing engine technology, and do not require big changes in the fueling infrastructure or in consumer behavior. It is still a bridging technology from current fossil energy and just supplemented by battery-powered emission that basically charged by fuel engine. When we looing at it from major stakeholders (customers, automakers, petroleum companies)’s point of view, the technology will likely be seen as competence enhancing, though it might be seen as competence destroying to an automaker that is unwilling to develop a hybrid electric vehicle. I would consider fuel-cell vehicles are a more radical innovation that requires more significant changes to be made to the body of a vehicle, to its engine, to the fueling infrastructure, and to consumer behavior. Fuel cell vehicles are competence destroying for the petroleum companies, gas stations and perhaps even for many automakers. They might be competence enhancing for battery makers (since the vehicles will require much larger and advanced batteries). Until we know more about the changes consumers will have to make to use fuel-cell vehicles, it is difficult to assess whether the technology will be...
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...April 17, 2012 Com/170 Gasoline-Powered Vehicles vs. Hybrid-Electric Vehicles In today's fast paced modern world it would seem the only economical decision is to choose a hybrid. Gasoline is becoming twice as expensive, while electric power remains the same. Although standard gasoline vehicles do not get as many Miles per Gallon (MPG) as a hybrid does, there are a variety of ways to increase the miles per gallon. Using electrical resources may simply be the best solution to our gas problem. Hybrid vehicles have made much of a progress from the time they were invented. No longer do they need to be plugged in every night to charge their batteries. Hybrid vehicles have Intergraded Motor Assist Systems that pair electric motors with the gasoline engine. While gasoline vehicles are still more convenient to repair, hybrid vehicles are becoming just as reliable. Hybrid vehicles are still more expensive to purchase but the long term investment will pay for itself. Both gas and electrical powered vehicles have benefits and troubles. The choice comes down to personal preference. Gasoline-Powered Vehicles The history of the automobile dates back to the 15th century when Leonardo Da Vinci was creating designs and models for transport vehicles. In 1885-1886, an inventor named Karl Friedrich Benz a German engineer who invented the first automobile (car) called (DRP 37435), this vehicle came with petroleum driven and internal combustion engine. The engine...
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...The Reality of Going Green: Hybrid Vehicles Tanya Messina Contemporary Applications of the Sciences | SCI215 A01 Faculty: Dr. Gomillion Argosy University July 12, 2014 Abstract Hybrid vehicles are known for having more than one battery and two engines (electric and gas) that help alternate the energy needed to run. While a majority of hybrid vehicles are designed not to burn as much fossil fuel, some hybrid vehicles may be designed to use other alternative fuels (such as hydrogen, biodiesel, flex-fuel, etc.). This not only makes them fuel efficient, but friendly to the environment as well. Conscious that carbon dioxide released from the burning of fossil fuels is driving global warming, many drivers have opted for hybrids because their fuel efficiency makes them relatively environmentally friendly (Hewitt, et al., 2006). There is a huge difference between non-hybrid vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Unlike the hybrid vehicles, a non-hybrid vehicle only burns fossil fuels that causes smog and a variety of harmful gases (such as nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide) into the atmosphere, which may be responsible for global warming...
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...ACC 4291 INTEGRATED CASE STUDY SECTION 1 CASE REPORT CASE 3: PROTON – FROM SAGAT TO EXORA LECTURER : Prof. Dr. Shamsul Nahar MEMBERS : Abdul Kudus bin Abdul Muthalib (0930395) Yazlin Mohamed Yusof (0920890) Nurfazlina bt Mohd Jaffar Sadique (1029088) Question 1 From a financial analyst perspective, has the proton management done a good job? Based on the financial performance of PROTON from 2005 till 2009, our observation from a financial analysis perspective showed that Proton management has not done a good job as far as financial performance is concern. The Key Financial Indicators (KFIs) covers measurements such as basic earnings per share, net assets per share; dividend paid as well as retained earnings carried forward. At a glimpse, almost all the KPI of Proton shows decrement throughout the years. Basic earnings per share (EPS) fluctuated vastly from 2005 to 2009. Proton recorded highest basic earnings per share of 80.6 in 2005. However, it can be observed that Proton faced severe problems by making loss in the shares, EPS of -107.3 in 2007 and EPS of -54.9 in 2009. Besides that, there is also a report with regards the net assets per share (NAPS). This net asset indicates the price at which shares are bought and sold, and represents company’s value per share. Based on the information given, we can see that the NAPS of Proton had deteriorated from 2008 to 2009. The decreasing rate of dividend paid to the shareholders simply means company did not do very well...
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...Either/Or 3. Any change in healthcare will lead to socialism; we don’t want to live in a socialist country, so we can’t reform health care in any way. To say that reforming healthcare would completely change how society operates is a giant leap. There can be healthcare reform without creating a socialist United States. Slippery Slope 4. All teenagers’ text while they drive, therefore we should raise the driving age to 21. To say all teenagers is an inaccurate generalization. To raise the driving age to 21 would solve the problem of teen texting while driving is not logical. Hasty Generalization 5. If we don’t all drive hybrid cars, the world will end in the next decade of environmental damage. There is no evidence to support a claim that the world will end in 10 years if we do not all switch to hybrid vehicles. The statement goes straight to the most dramatic result conceivable however unlikely it is. Slippery Slope 6. Senator Range has been seen entering a strip club; therefore his economic reforms are not plausible Though perhaps immoral to some, such action has no bearing on the ability of the Senator to create plausible economic reform. One of these actions is part of personal life, the other is an action specific to professional life. Red Herring 7. Everyone else is getting rid of TV therefore we should too. The only argument presented is to...
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...1/25/2013 The Hyundai Hybrid Hype The advertisers for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have tucked the slogan and theme for their ad on the line following the company name, and the make and model of the automobile, they are showcasing. In very small fine print, almost subliminally, it whispers to the reader from the corner of the page, “New thinking for new possibilities.” The ad graphically depicts a pastoral landscape of beautiful trees softly backlit by the golden glow of sunshine. In the middle of the page, an image of a man dressed in a suit and tie with a jet pack on his back flies through the sky on his way to work or an important meeting. An androgynous figure of what could be his spouse waves good bye to him from the balcony of a very large, architecturally modern, 3 story glass and steal beamed home. In the foreground of the ad is the star of the show; an icy blue Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The Sonata Hybrid sits on a drive way bed of tiny peat gravel with a border of stone. Coupled with the statement, “New thinking for new possibilities,” and the image that accompanies it, there leaves little room for doubt that the ad for the Sonata Hybrid by Hyundai was designed specifically to appeal to the reader’s pathos and ethos, while the use of logos in this ad is questionable. Hyundai is relying on our pathos, or sympathies, for the well-being of the planet in this Earth conscious, eco-friendly, age of the 21st century. The overall intent of this pictorial image is to...
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...ALABC Research Providing Sustainability for Lead in Start-Stop Micro-Hybrids One of the more significant technological advancements in automotive technology has been the development of the start-stop system, which shuts down the internal combustion engine when the car is stationary in order to improve fuel economy. The vehicles that employ these systems, often referred to as “micro-hybrids”, are being produced by automakers as a primary and easily-implementable step toward reduction of both petrol dependency and carbon emissions. They are also considered a boon to the battery industry because start-stop systems impose an even greater demand on the electrical system in order to keep non-critical conveniences and accessories (air conditioning, GPS, etc.) operational while the vehicle is stationary and the engine is shut off. The introduction of this technology is advancing rapidly in Europe, where emissions regulations are tighter than anywhere else on the planet. In 2011, automakers sold more than 5 million micro-hybrids, and a vast majority of those were in Europe. Lux Research already estimates that number is expected to grow to 39 million by 2017 annually worldwide, and Pike Research estimates sales to reach 41 million by 2020. This paradigm shift in automotive technology is also starting to draw the attention of U.S. automakers, and Lux expects American domestic sales of micro-hybrids to reach 4.6 million annually by 2015. Although there are a few unconventional...
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...of that percentage back. The question is, what steps can Porsche take to attract more women to the brand and increase their dealer network to achieve the growth they are seeking. I have I identified two possible solutions. The first solution that I propose would be to develop a hybrid in both the Boxster and the Cayenne. People are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious and are concerned about their carbon footprint. Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly more popular and sought after. There would be several advantages for Porsche if they were to develop a hybrid. The Boxster and the Cayenne are the models that have most appealed to female buyers. Developing a hybrid in these two models would not only attract more women to the brand, it would also succeed in luring more males to the brand. A hybrid would appeal to the demographic of the male buyer who views his car as an escape but feels some guilt at owning the brand. Developing a hybrid would help alleviate some of the guilt the buyer, both male and female may feel about owning a Porsche. Another advantage would be the cost. Due to the fact that the models are already designed and currently in production, developing a hybrid would mean modifications to existing models. Modification is much less costly than...
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...fill a void, targeting potential customers with advertising, delivering the products or services, and following through with quality customer service. Organizational Success and Marketing When companies stop trying to sell what they make and start making what consumers want to buy they will be successful and understand marketing. For an organization to be successful, it needs to continue to grow, produce, and maintain profitability. If a company becomes stagnant they could fail. A great example of this concept is the United States auto industry. In the 1970s Japanese manufactures began selling smaller fuel efficient vehicles whereas the United States automakers continued to make large fuel inefficient vehicles. The Japanese recognized an unfulfilled niche in the market and past events validated the research indicating there was a market for the new vehicles. General Motors went through hard times in the recent past for similar reasons. While foreign automakers...
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...With the theme "Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness,” the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) opens its five-day National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on July 26 to 31, 2015. The event aims to highlight various technological innovations that have produced substantial benefit to Filipinos and improved our competitiveness in the region. Also it aims to feature world-class innovation technologies of the Science and Technology sectors aligned to the ASEAN Economic Integration. “The objectives of the activity are to enhance the science experience of the students, inform the community of the different DOST-related programs and projects that they can avail, and create possible linkages between the community and other DOST-affiliated institutions,” DOST said in a statement. The week-long event also feature different exhibits, product displays, talks and for on science and technology, competitions, product launchings, local inventions, and outstanding Filipino scientists that really fascinate the souls of the young future scientists and inventors. The eight Science and Technology Based Outcomes for agriculture, enterprise development, industry competitiveness, IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM), e-Government, quality healthcare, education and disaster preparedness is being highlighted this year. This is to push the country towards national development and competitive advantage...
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...Hybrid Cars Hybrid Cars “Some hybrid cars are ahead of our current times. Others tend to turn heads because of their cut and dry appearance as they travel the streets. Either way, they are becoming increasingly popular. Many drivers have decided that hybrid cars are more adept because of their fuel efficiency and their ability to conserve our environment. Others appreciate the savings at the pump and admire the convenience of filling up less often” (Hewitt, Lyons, Suchocki, & Yeh, 2007). So which hybrid cars have the best technology, manufacturing, price, and impact on our environment? According to Kelley Blue Book, as of June 2012, the highest consumer rated hybrids are listed below along with their scores: 1. 2012 Toyota Prius C 9.7 / 10 2. 2011 BMW X6 9.5 / 10 3. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 9.4 / 10 4. 2011 Lincoln MKZ 9.2 / 10 5. 2011 Honda CR-Z 9.2 / 10 (Listing provided by Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, 2012) “The 2012 Toyota Prius C is the number one choice of consumers. The biggest advantages begin with the low starting price below $20,000. It has an augmented body and great battery and powertrain position. It is great for fuel economy as it allows better than 50 miles per gallon. The size of this vehicle is also admirable because it is convenient when trying to find a place to park. The gas engine is conjoined with an electric motor and the system also holds braking energy in a nickel metal hydride battery...
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