Research and Markets: Hybrid and Electric Cars in the US: Two Differing Strategies - Toyota and Ford's Future Plans in the Hybrid and Electric Car Market

DUBLIN--()--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/lqj2fp/hybrid_and) has announced the addition of the "Hybrid and Electric Cars in the US: Two Differing Strategies" report to their offering.

The US hybrid and electric car market has grown strongly in recent years. The dominance of Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) is being challenged by other manufacturers, such as Ford Motor Company (Ford). This case study examines recent movements in the market, factors influencing these trends, and analyzes Toyota and Ford's position in the US hybrid and electric car market.

Features and benefits

  • Find out what the major movements in the US hybrid and electric car market have been in the past few years, and what has been driving them.
  • Get a range of data on the US hybrid and electric car market, including historical sales volumes, market share and market segment information.
  • This report includes analysis of Toyota and Ford's current US electrified product lineups, and recent issues that they have faced.
  • This case study identifies Toyota and Ford's future plans in the hybrid and electric car market.

Highlights

  • Sales volumes of electric and hybrid cars have been fluctuating in the US over the past few years, with the market being hit hard by the economic downturn from 2008 onwards. However, sales picked up in 2012, and continued to grow at a strong pace in 2013.
  • Although retaining its dominant position, Toyota's market share was eroded in 2013 following increased sales from the likes of Ford, a company that has recently significantly increased its presence in the alternative fuel vehicle market, as well as the success of pure electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf.
  • Although the US hybrid and electric car market is currently growing at a strong rate, manufacturers are already moving to new fuel technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells and solar power. This shows that manufacturers are committed to alternative fuel vehicles in the long term, and that they are set to grow in importance over the coming years.

Your key questions answered

  • Why is the US hybrid and electric car market growing, and why is this set to continue in the coming years?
  • What has been the biggest growth area of the US hybrid and electric car market, and what are the reasons behind it?
  • How, and why, has Ford taken the number two spot in the US market in terms of sales volume?
  • What potential threats does Toyota face in the near future?

Key Topics Covered:

OVERVIEW

THE US HYBRID AND ELECTRIC CAR MARKET

  • Hybrid and electric cars are becoming increasingly important to manufacturers
  • Hybrid sales volumes have fluctuated between growth and decline
  • A greater number of models due to CAFE regulation returned the market to growth
  • Higher gasoline prices have also spurred on sales of hybrid and electric cars
  • Plug-in vehicles in particular offer tremendous growth opportunities
  • Increasing plug-in incentives have led to plug-in growth in the US
  • Concerns over range are becoming less of an issue
  • Demand for both high and low end electric vehicles is outstripping supply
  • Toyota remains dominant, but is losing market share
  • The US hybrid segment is dominated by Toyota
  • The US plug-in segment is more fragmented, but with some clear leaders
  • Toyota's share of the whole market is slowly but surely eroding

TOYOTA: THE INCUMBENT MANUFACTURER

  • Current products are heavily weighted in favor of hybrid technology
  • Toyota branded vehicles
  • Lexus branded vehicles are a premium offering, but ignore the plug-in segment
  • Product recalls and price drops have hit Toyota
  • Product recalls have been especially damaging
  • Price cuts have hit Toyota's Prius Plug-in in the US
  • Future development and plans will continue Toyota's hybrid focus
  • Hybrid technologies remain Toyota's key technology
  • Fuel cell technology is Toyota's future

FORD: THE CHALLENGER

  • Ford's product line-up is more balanced than Toyota's
  • Ford offers an equal number of hybrid and plug-in vehicles
  • Ford only offers electrified versions of existing conventional passenger cars
  • Ford occupies the middle ground of the market
  • Most of Ford's electrified vehicles retail at a premium over conventional versions
  • The Lincoln brand directly competes with Lexus
  • MPG discrepancies and price cuts have impacted Ford
  • Issues with C-MAX hybrid MPG ratings have hit Ford in the US
  • Ford has dropped the price of the Focus Electric and Fusion Energi SE
  • Ford plans to increase production and branch into other alternative fuels
  • Ford is ramping up production facilities and staff numbers
  • Ford plans to implement other alternative fuel technology in the future

CONCLUSIONS

  • Toyota retains overall dominance, but is facing a challenge

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/lqj2fp/hybrid_and

Contacts

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470
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For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
Sector: Hybrid Vehicles

Contacts

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470
For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
Sector: Hybrid Vehicles