With its Volt (pictured) range extend vehicle having stolen the headlines ever since its debut it comes as no surprise to learn that Chevrolet has been named as the leader of the pack for plug-in vehicle strategy and execution.
According to a new report by Pike Research, Chevrolet takes the title marginally ahead of Renault, with the likes of Toyota and Nissan also close contenders for leadership. Ford is dubbed the “sleeping giant” of the plug-in electric vehicle market with a strong strategy but thus far unproven products.
Pike is forecasting robust growth in the plug-in electric vehicle market – it is expected to grow from 137,950 vehicles in 2012 to 1.75million in 2020 with the USA to be the largest single market during this period.
Now it has categorised 16 leading plug-in vehicle vendors based on criteria such as: sales, marketing and distribution; vision; partners; strategy; product quality and reliability; and more.
Chevrolet came out top of the pile with a strategy and execution score of 81.4 – ahead of Renault with 77.9. They were the only two in the “leaders group” because of their existing product portfolios, strategy and vision: they are also deemed well placed for growth in the coming years.
They were followed by a contenders group consisting of: Toyota, Ford, Nissan and Tesla. Toyota and Nissan are said to be currently limited by narrow product portfolios; while Ford is poised for growth but has yet to fully execute its plans. Tesla meanwhile is a contender facing a number of challenges including limited funding: but it has a strong product.
Then there is the challengers group: made up of Smart, BMW, Mitsubishi and CODA Automotive. They all face various sales related issues. Honda is also included but as a newcomer to the PEV market, it is deemed to have a weak strategy rating; while Fisker has the potential to join the category but is short so far because of funding and quality issues.
Finally, the “followers” category is made up of the likes of Volkswagen and Audi – companies that have yet to launch products but have indicated a strong interest in plug-in electric vehicles.
Paul is a freelance writer with a background in everything from motoring to finance; and holidays to women's undergarments he just writes about them, honestly! He has now sadly crept into his early 30s and seems to have forgotten everything learned at school Still, he's a green car fanatic and isn't that what counts?
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