Nested logit or random coefficients logit? A comparison of alternative discrete choice models of product differentiation

Frank Verboven and Laura Grigolon

No 8584, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: We start from an aggregate random coefficients nested logit (RCNL) model to provide a systematic comparison between the tractable logit and nested logit (NL) models with the computationally more complex random coefficients logit (RC) model. We first use simulated data to assess possible parameter biases when the true model is a RCNL model. We then use data on the automobile market to estimate the different models, and as an illustration assess what they imply for competition policy analysis. As expected, the simple logit model is rejected against the NL and RC model, but both of these models are in turn rejected against the more general RCNL model. While the NL and RC models result in quite different substitution patterns, they give robust policy conclusions on the predicted price effects from mergers. In contrast, the conclusions for market definition are not robust across different demand models. In general, our findings suggest that it is important to account for sources of market segmentation that are not captured by continuous characteristics in the RC model.

Keywords: Automobile market; Competition policy; Discrete choice; Nested logit; Random coefficients logit (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L00 L40 L62 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-com and nep-dcm
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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Journal Article: Nested Logit or Random Coefficients Logit? A Comparison of Alternative Discrete Choice Models of Product Differentiation (2014)
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