Challanges and advantages of alternative fuel vehicles (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2002 in the subject Business economics - Offline Marketing and Online Marketing, grade: AA, Middle East Technical University (Business Administration), course: Managing Technology and Innovation, language: English, abstract: In the twentieth century the automobile - perhaps more than any other invention - profoundly changed the way we live. The Ford Model T, then the dominant design, accounted for ¿ of all cars in America in 1912. Wheels, an engine and bodywork were sufficient to broaden our horizons, expand our opportunities and dramatically redefined our definition of community. The freedom and mobility that came with the new technology changed societies. This is true in the developed economies of North America and Europe as well as in the developing nations of the world. It is in the latter, the automobile is arguably of even greater benefit to society, playing a key role in helping economies start up the difficult road toward prosperity and an improved quality of life.

And once society has achieved value it won't easy let go of it! However, alongside these benefits, we also have to witness the emergence of global environmental issues such as global warming and the dwindling of natural resources since the latter half of the 20th century until today. It is an undeniable fact that the automobile has been one of the elements inflicting environmental impact on the earth besides industry. Since society cannot or is not willing to step back, we must strive by all means to achieve a harmonious balance on earth. A greener car is a better idea. It is a new twist on familiar technologies, like gasoline and diesel power. Moreover, it is new technologies - like fuel cell and hybrid. Nevertheless, it is not easy to achieve this. Automakers made progress in reducing tailpipe emissions and making vehicles cleaner, supporting standards for cleaner fuel, increasing vehicles safety features, improving fuel efficiency and diversity, and building vehicles with less production waste and higher levels of recycling, but nevertheless the motor vehicle industry is facing a period of change and challenge.

Global consolidation and alliances among companies continue to occur.
Companies are fiercely competing for business and on environmental, vehicle safety and energy efficiency advances.
Technological advances are occurring at a faster pace than ever before.
Regulatory hurdles are set higher and higher.
Partnerships with government and allies flourish.
Consumers are demanding new features and enhanced performance as they choose new vehicles.
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