Japanese automakers' approach to electric and hybrid electric vehicles: from incremental to radical innovation
Journal article, 2012
This paper discusses Toyota's, Honda's and Nissan's efforts in battery, hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles (BEVs, HEVs and FCVs). Its aim is to increase understanding of the process constituting a paradigmatic shift in technology. In particular, the paper aims to elucidate how automakers managed their early moves. Based on interviews, patent data and previous literature, key aspects relating to the automakers successful early moves into vehicle electrification (as seen in 2010) are outlined. Toyota's (and Honda's) aim of in-house knowledge development in the new technologies is among the aspects emphasised as distinctive compared to other world automakers. Furthermore, spill-over in terms of branding and sales and a deliberate development of the corporate culture are proposed as potential new first-mover objectives and consequences. Finally, this paper argues that Toyota, Honda and Nissan are capable of not only incremental but also more-than-incremental innovations, as illustrated by their position in the electrification race.
Toyota
radical
electric vehicle
automaker
automotive
entry
Japan
hybrid
organizations
paradigm
incremental
product development
first-mover
evolutionary
firms
technology
industry
capabilities
innovation
uncertainty
Author
Hans M Pohl
Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Entrepreneurship and Strategy
International Journal of Technology Management
0267-5730 (ISSN) 1741-5276 (eISSN)
Vol. 57 4 266-288Subject Categories
Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics
DOI
10.1504/IJTM.2012.045546