December 2008

Journal

Application of Economic Evaluation Techniques to Automotive Lightweighting Materials Research and Development Projects

By:
Das, Sujit ; Tonn, Bruce E; Peretz, Jean
Journal Name:
Research Evaluation
Page Number:
133-148
Volume:
17
Issue Number:
2
Publication Date:
December 15, 2008

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a program evaluation, using two economic analysis techniques (benefit-cost ratios and person years/cost savings), conducted on nine research and development (R&D) projects funded in four lightweight materials areas by the Phase II Automotive Lightweighting Materials effort of the U.S. Department of Energy. The results are quite impressive for each case and suggest that a collaborative effort between the Department of Energy and the private-sector automotive industry has potential for introduction and market penetration of lightweight vehicles.