Predictive Power of Fuzzy Model vs. Statistical Model: Prediction of Tesla Car Sales
摘要
The authors present two distinct approaches for forecasting time series of complex systems characterized by non-stationarity and uncertainty. The first approach is a fuzzy logic-based method, which incorporates expert opinion to define the system using membership functions and fuzzy decision rules. This approach facilitates the development of knowledge applications capable of processing ambiguity and inaccuracy. The second approach is a statistical method that captures the interdependencies among multiple time series. The objective is to introduce valid procedures suitable for predicting economic time series for management purposes. Prediction models are developed and validated through a case study that forecasts Tesla electric vehicle sales for the four quarters of 2024 using historical data on variables such as price, ownership costs, range, and sales. By comparing the results with expert estimates and contemporary knowledge, the authors explore the added value of expert judgment in a predictive algorithm based on fuzzy logic compared to the statistical VAR method.