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Uniqueness seeking and demand estimation in the German automobile industry

Author

Listed:
  • Marco Guerzoni

    (Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration)

  • Rene Soellner

    (Graduate School "The Economics of Innovative Change", Jena)

Abstract

This paper empirically analyzes the determinants of demand in the German automobile industry. Our primary goal is to refine the existing literature on that topic by exploring the impact of uniqueness seeking behaviour of individuals on the demand schedule. Using a dataset on the segment of compact cars in the German market, we show that consumers have an intrinsic need for uniqueness seeking, and the degree a product satisfies this need is to be considered as an additional product characteristic.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Guerzoni & Rene Soellner, 2009. "Uniqueness seeking and demand estimation in the German automobile industry," Jena Economics Research Papers 2009-050, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2009-050
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Demand Estimation; Discrete Choice; Differentiated Products;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • L62 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Automobiles; Other Transportation Equipment; Related Parts and Equipment

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