Where Have All the Flowers Gone? Forecasting Green Trends in the Automobile Industry with a Choice-based conjoint Adoption Model

Felix Eggers, Fabian Eggers*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

With rising gas prices, global warming, and green thinking, all-electric vehicles are currently considered the automobile technology of the future. However, besides their advantages electric drive trains also exhibit several disadvantages. Moreover, history shows several failed attempts to establish electric vehicles. Thus, a reliable forecasting model is needed that predicts if the current trend is sustainable. We develop and empirically test a choice-based conjoint adoption model that uses individual-level preferences as a basis for prediction. Predictions are mapped to the time of the next planned purchase in order to establish the adoption process. The model extends existing research in several ways. First, no prior information, e.g., historical market data or a functional form of the adoption process, has to be integrated. Second, the model allows dynamic modifications of product specifications or competition at different points in time. Third, a no-choice option can be integrated so that a technology switch is not forced by the model itself and switching costs can be considered. The empirical results reveal different critical factors for the adoption of all-electric vehicles, such as purchase price, range, timing of the market entry, or environmental evolution, which could lead to a solid base of consumers preferring this option. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Original languageEnglish
JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change
Volume78
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)51-62
Number of pages12
ISSN0040-1625
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • New product adoption model
  • Conjoint analysis
  • Forecasting
  • Automobile industry

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