Technological Innovation and Public Policy: The Automotive Industry (Palgrave Macmillan Asian Business Series)

Technological innovation is a necessary but insufficient ingredient for solving the problems of society caused by the widespread use of automobiles. For this reason, a host of public-policy solutions have been devised and implemented - with varying results - to maximize the efficacy of innovative automotive technologies in combating societal ills. Focusing on safety and environmental protection issues, this book provides incisive, cutting-edge theoretical analysis that evaluates the impact of new automotive technologies and the associated public policies on social welfare. It discusses how new automotive technologies can improve social welfare and why public policies are needed to promote the adoption of these technologies. The contributors analyze taxes, subsidies, and regulations - and the decision-making processes behind them - to identify policy directions that optimize the social benefits of emerging automobile technologies. The reader will gain an appreciation of how policies can break down barriers and exploit market innovations for the common good Cover......Page 1 Series......Page 2 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Contents......Page 6 List of Tables......Page 7 List of Figures......Page 9 Preface......Page 12 List of Contributors......Page 14 1 Introduction......Page 18 2 Automotive Technology and Public Policy in Japan: A Historical Survey......Page 32 3 Costs and Benefits of Fuel Economy Regulations: A Comparative Analysis of Automotive Fuel Economy Standards and the Corresponding Benefits for Consumers......Page 61 4 Future Directions for Fuel Efficiency Policy: Evolving from Fuel Efficiency Standards toward Indirect Regulations......Page 92 5 Economics of Intelligent Transport Systems: Crafting Government Policy to Achieve Optimal Market Penetration......Page 122 6 Optimal Market Penetration Rates of VICS......Page 143 7 Market Penetration of Safety- Related ITSs......Page 163 8 Transport Problems and Policy Solutions in China......Page 187 Appendix: Vehicle Categories and Specifications......Page 215 Index......Page 216 Focusing on safety and environmental protection issues, this text provides incisive, cutting-edge theoretical analysis that evaluates the impact of new automotive technologies, and the associated public policies, on social welfare