PP&A Case Study
Sustainable Automotive Cooling: Market Analysis Reveals Future of CO2 Refrigerants
Navigating the Market Shift to Green Automotive Technologies
Client Situation

A global leader in automotive air conditioning refrigerants approached PP&A seeking comprehensive market intelligence on CO2-based AC and heat pump systems. With environmental regulations tightening and the automotive industry undergoing rapid transformation, the client needed to understand multiple aspects of the market: technical feasibility, cost implications, consumer attitudes, maintenance requirements, and adoption trends. Their goal was to develop a strategic roadmap that would align their business with emerging market demands while maintaining their industry leadership position.

Approach

PP&A implemented a dual-track research methodology to gather both expert insights and consumer perspectives: 

Expert Consultation Track: 

  1. Conducted in-depth interviews with automotive manufacturers 
  2. Engaged with service centers and maintenance professionals 
  3. Consulted with environmental policy experts 
  4. Connected with automotive technology specialists 

Consumer Research Track: 

  1. Designed and executed a comprehensive survey across major European markets 
  2. Gathered data on user experiences with existing AC systems 
  3. Assessed consumer awareness of CO2-based cooling technology 
  4. Evaluated price sensitivity and environmental priorities 
  5. Analyzed maintenance concerns and expectations 

The team then cross-referenced findings from both tracks to identify patterns, challenges, and opportunities in the market.

Results

The research yielded actionable insights that enabled our client to make informed strategic decisions: 

Market Position Findings: 

  1. Identified varying levels of OEM commitment to CO2-based systems, with environmental considerations driving increased interest 
  2. Discovered a growing niche market of environmentally conscious consumers willing to pay premium prices for sustainable solutions 
  3. Mapped current technical limitations, including pressure requirements and temperature sensitivity issues 

Consumer Insights: 

  1. Revealed mixed consumer sentiment, with environmental benefits driving positive perception Identified key concerns about maintenance costs and system reliability 
  2. Discovered strong interest in improved vehicle performance capabilities 

Strategic Recommendations: 

  1. Developed a targeted approach for the environmentally conscious market segment 
  2. Created a roadmap for addressing technical challenges through R&D investment 
  3. Designed a consumer education strategy to address misconceptions and highlight benefits 
  4. Outlined service support improvements to address maintenance concerns 

The client used these insights to refine their product development strategy and market approach, resulting in: 

  • Increase in market share within the eco-conscious segment 
  • Development of new technical solutions addressing key performance challenges 
  • Implementation of a successful consumer education program 
  • Establishment of a specialized service network to support CO2-based systems

This comprehensive analysis positioned our client to lead the transition to sustainable automotive cooling solutions while maintaining profitability and customer satisfaction.

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About PP&A

At PP&A, we are dedicated to empowering businesses to excel through strategic innovation. We integrate deep industry insights with comprehensive analytics to develop bespoke solutions that propel growth and enhance performance. Our services encompass a broad spectrum, including:

  • Strategic Research
  • Business Strategy
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Technology Solutions
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