Exogenous Factors in the Development of Flexible Fuel Cars as a Local Dominant Technology

Abstract

With flexible fuel technology, customers can choose gasoline, ethanol, or any mix thereof at the fuel station pump. This paper presents the endogenous and exogenous factors that influnced the development of a flexible fuel electronic injection system by Magneti Marelli Automotive Systems Brazil -the first to the market. This software-based architecture, launched commercially in 2003, is now the dominant flexfuel design in the Brazilian market. This article documents the emergence of a local dominant technology (design) in a specific car sub-system. It is shown how exogenous institutional factors played the major role in this process. The paper also shows that this local dominant technological design emerged through the sharing of capabilities and interaction among the key market players, in the absence of a strong appropriability regime. All the main market pioneers were multinational affiliates, inviting questions concerning this technology diffusion outside Brazil.

Critical review on recent progress of ethanol fuelled flex‐fuel engine characteristics

“…Moreover, special alloys are required for the cylinder liners, pistons, and piston rings to withstand high combustion temperature and pressure 44 . Further, an anti‐corrosive coating may be employed in the fuel supply system and engine components because of the highly corrosive nature of ethanol 45 …”

“…44 Further, an anti-corrosive coating may be employed in the fuel supply system and engine components because of the highly corrosive nature of ethanol. 45 To address the key issues like dilution of lubricating oil and carbon deposits caused by ethanol blends and their combustion products, reformulated lubricants, lubricant, and detergent additives can be deployed to ensure long-term stability. 46 In addition, a specific catalytic converter, wash coat, and recalibrated canister for higher purge flow may be needed for FFE with ethanol blends.…”