Chevrolet and Renault Score Highest in New Pike Research Assessment of Plug-In Electric Vehicle Manu

Chevrolet and Renault Score Highest in New Pike Research Assessment of Plug-In Electric Vehicle Manufacturers

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Since the market for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) opened in earnest in 2010, with the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt battling for market leadership and the Tesla Roadster targeting the high end of the performance market, several manufacturers have launched new models. The 2013 model year is looking increasingly competitive, and manufacturers should carefully choose their strategies for bringing vehicles to market. According to a new Pike Pulse report published by Pike Research, a part of Navigant's Energy Practice, Chevrolet and Renault currently lead the market thanks to high ratings for both strategy and execution.

In addition to Chevrolet and Renault, Japanese automakers Toyota and Nissan are also strong contenders, the study concludes. The report rates companies on 12 criteria for strategy and execution, including vision, go-to-market strategy, partners, product strategy and roadmap, geographic reach, market share, sales and marketing, product performance, product quality and reliability, pricing, product portfolio, and staying power.

"The early adopter market for PEVs is being driven largely by lower operating costs and the desire for zero emissions driving," says senior research analyst Dave Hurst. "These two key factors are not proving to be as effective as expected, though, and PEVs remain a small niche in the overall automobile market. For all of the manufacturers included in this Pike Pulse report, vehicle cost remains a huge hurdle for greater adoption, and the success stories will be those automakers who take advantage of technology advances to lower the price premiums of their vehicles."

Chevrolet's Volt model has performed strongly, and the company has a mix of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in forthcoming model years. Renault has successfully launched several Z.E.-branded vehicles, including the Fluence, Twizy, and Kangoo, proving that even with polarizing designs like the Twizy, it has the ability to bring unique vehicles to market and find a niche.

In the Contenders grouping, Ford Motor Company, Toyota, and Nissan are vying to move into leader positions, this Pike Pulse finds. Toyota and Nissan (the current sales leader in battery electric vehicles) are limited by their narrow product portfolios, according to the report. While Ford has not yet fully executed its well-laid plans, the company is poised for growth with a broad portfolio of PEVs and flexible manufacturing.

The "Pike Pulse Report: Plug-In Electric Vehicles" evaluates 16 of the leading plug-in electric vehicle manufacturers. Using Pike Research's proprietary Pike Pulse methodology, vendors are profiled, rated, and ranked with the goal of providing industry participants with an objective assessment of these companies' relative strengths and weaknesses in the growing PEV marketplace. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Pike Research website.

About Pike Research

Pike Research, which joined Navigant's global Energy Practice on July 1, 2012, provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team's research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Grid, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Pike Research can be found at www.navigant.com/pikeresearch.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYS: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the "Pike Pulse Report: Plug-In Electric Vehicles," is a summary and reflects Pike Research's current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report's conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Pike Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.

Pike Research
Richard Martin
+1.303.997.7609
richard.martin@navigant.com
or
Laverne Murach
+1.202.481.7336
laverne.murach@navigant.com

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