Using an example vehicle, the General Motors Lean Machine, the question explored is How might present vehicle fleets transition to lean vehicles? When compared to present vehicles, lean vehicles are, say, a factor of two less expensive to own and operate, less pollution and congestion generating, and less energy consuming. There is the problem, however, that such vehicles are incompatible with the present system technologies.
The investigation concentrates on the evolution of a pathway facilitating testing of the Lean Machine in markets. Results are presented from analyses of ways parking and road facilities might be adjusted to accommodate the vehicle; roles for IVHS technologies are noted.
The conclusions from facility investigations are set within the context of strategies for achieving change. A key question is whether early users of lean vehicles would have to bear a disproportionate share of transition incompatibility costs, but that seems not to be the case.
An Appendix reviews experiences with and studies of small vehicles.