U.S. Powertrain Trends and the Consumer's Perception of Alternative Powertain Technologies

Vehicles powered by alternative powertrain technologies are part of the industry's response to provide consumers environmentally-friendly and fuel efficient options in the current economic climate. Powertrain technology has a long progression of development, with prominent trends related to fuel prices and government regulations from the last thirty to forty years. Much has happened since the Arab Oil Embargo in 1973, which has impacted vehicle and powertrain design. This presentation will present these trends to provide a solid background of the industry's perspective and forecast coming developments in alternative powertrain vehicles, including hybrid-electric vehicles and diesel-powered light vehicles. An overview of current trends from J. D. Power and Associates’ powertrain forecasts, consumer research data, and real-time feedback from the Power Information Network (PIN) will be discussed. These tools enable the identification of factors differentiating an alternative powertrain buyer from a non-alternative powertrain buyer. J. D. Power and Associates' forecast of hybrid-electric vehicles and diesel-powered light vehicles through 2013 will also be discussed.