OVER 80 percent of Asians are aware of the availability of alternative fuels for vehicles and many are aware of such programs being done by Japanese car makers Toyota and Honda, according to a report by Hong-Kong based research firm Synovate.
The Synovate Motoresearch Alternative Fuels report covered China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines, which showed that many Asians are also willing to purchase cars that use fuels other than gasoline.
Synovate Motoresearch global director Jon O’Loughlin said the study also revealed negative perceptions regarding the cost of owning a vehicle using alternative fuels, the availability of the fuel source, and the reliability of the vehicles.
“The survey reveals a need for government and companies to familiarize respondents with details about alternative fuels, including the positive aspects of these vehicles’ performance and reliability,” O’Loughlin said.
The report noted that Taiwanese and Thais were among the most aware about battery electric vehicles while Indonesians and Filipinos having the most awareness about direct-fuel injection for gasoline-powered vehicles.
Despite positive findings on consumer awareness of alternative fuels, there is still a need for global consolidation of alternative fuel technology before any major changes in purchasing behavior among consumers.
“Until a leading technology emerges, in-depth knowledge and purchases of alternative fuel cars is likely to remain relatively limited for at least the next three to five years as no company wants to promote a technology that may end up redundant,” O’Loughlin said.
O’Loughlin said the short-term outlook for “green vehicles” in Asia may not be upbeat for now but concerns over global warming and high oil prices would cause alternative fuel cars to mature more quickly, particularly in Asia.
May 8th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
[...] Inside Science: Asians aware of alternative fuel sources, says research firm [...]
May 9th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Because fuel oil is a nonrenewable resource, there is wisdom in the development of vehicle that uses corresponding renewable fuel resource, such as bio diesel (from palm oils, for example) and ethanol (from sugar cane for example.
The problem is that the production of a substantial petroleum volume equivalent of such biofuels, would require a considerable area of arable land to grow the biomass resources, such as coconut, sugar cane, and other plant life…which would grab away agricultural lands for food production … leading to lack of food … a more serious problem.
The problem would of course be mitigated by using heretofore idle and unproductive lands, albeit maybe cost-prohibitive.
May 20th, 2007 at 4:21 am
Can ADB provide funding to an individual entrepreneur who wants to do a business startup on renewable energy technology and small-scale power generation for the remote community and commercial market? The potential of producing renewable energy can contribute a good savings to everyone and to government.