A novel hybrid multivariate nonlinear grey model for forecasting the traffic-related emissions

In this paper, we proposed a novel forecasting method using grey system theory for the traffic-related emissions at a national level. In our tests, grey relational analysis was used to identify time lags between input and output variables. We introduced a multivariate nonlinear grey model based on the kernel method to improve the accuracy of traffic-related emissions prediction. By solving a convex optimization problem instead of using an ordinary least squares estimation, the proposed model overcame the limitations of the classic grey forecasting models. A model confidence set test on the realistic results of forecasting traffic-related emissions in European Union member countries showed that the proposed model demonstrated a marked superiority over robust linear regression and support vector regression. Based on the non-methane volatile organic compounds from road transport and the relevant factors of the emission from 2004 to 2016, a more stringent European Union emission reduction commitment to the road transport for each year from 2020 to 2029 was suggested. We also investigated the advantages of the proposed model via the analysis on convergence, robustness, and sensitivity. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.