Aug 3 2010
A recent analysis conducted by Frost & Sullivan titled ‘Strategic Analysis of North American and European Hybrid Truck, Bus and Van Market’ has indicated that the market for hybrid bus, truck and van is likely to grow. In fact, this market is expected to reach 222 thousand vehicles by the year 2016 from 4.1 thousand vehicles in 2009.
The market for hybrid commercial vehicles in Europe and North America has been fuelled by the benefits offered by hybrid vehicles over traditional vehicles.
Highly desirable features such as fewer maintenance costs, lower emissions and better fuel efficiency are very useful, especially in mega cities and urban clusters with increasing congestion. In the short-term, federal grants and incentives are anticipated for propelling hybrid vehicle adoption.
The products that were covered under this analysis include medium commercial vehicles, light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles along with buses. The ROI (return-on-investment) is a vital factor in the commercial vehicle industry for the adoption of newer technologies. Other factors that favour hybrid commercial vehicles are low lifecycle costs, government incentives and fuel price volatility.