Over 45 Per Cent of MT Users Prefer To have Six-Speed Transmissions in their Vehicles

DUBLIN, Ireland--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c54852) has announced the addition of the new Frost & Sullivan report “Strategic Analysis of the European Market for Transmission” to their offering.

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Strategic Analysis of the European Market for Transmission Technologies examines the potential of alternative transmission technologies in the European market over the next six to seven years. The study focuses on the opportunities that exist for AMTs, DCTs and CVTs. It also highlights the product portfolio of vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: stepped manual transmission, automated manual transmission, stepped automatic transmission, dual clutch transmission, continuously variable transmission and infinitely variable transmission.

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Emphasis on ‘Driver Control’ Promotes Penetration of AMTs and DCTs in the European Market for Transmission Technologies

With growing importance of ‘driver control’ in Europe, the penetration of AMTs and DCTs is increasing at the cost of stepped manuals. However, stepped manuals are expected to remain the mainstay during the next five to six years, albeit with a receding market share. MTs are cost-effective, light in weight, as well as easy to manufacture and operate. They allow the overheads for manufacturers to be minimised, thus making them an economically attractive solution. Over 45 per cent of MT users prefer to have six-speed transmissions in their vehicles, which are expected to account for over 60 per cent of MTs by 2013.

"AMTs and DCTs are likely to eat into the share of stepped MTs, "notes the analyst of this research service. "However, with end consumers rating fuel consumption characteristics higher than comfort factors, the dominance of MTs is expected to continue." Having said this, over 40 per cent of AT users are likely to consider an AMT in their next purchase. However, stepped automatic transmissions are expected to remain a favourite for upper segment luxury vehicles owing to the superior driving comfort they provide. Meanwhile, with DCTs offering uninterrupted power transmission to the wheels, courtesy two-clutch systems in place of one, driving comfort is enhanced greatly and does not compromise on the driver’s control on gear shifting. However, just over 15 per cent of AT owners are likely to shift to DCTs in their next purchase. Although not as popular as AMTs, DCTs are growing in significance. Besides, hybridisation of transmission technologies is likely to gain pace with special interest in DCT due to its fuel saving potential of up to 20 per cent. Here, the Getrag-Bosch transmission unit is of particular significance and is expected to be introduced by 2009-2010.

Growing Need to Overcome Space Constraints Due to Increase in Add-on Modules

"Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have always been plagued by reliability issues concerning efficient lubrication and the durability of the CVT components. Although the multitronic CVT introduced by Audi has shown promise, there have been complaints from end consumers regarding the need to change transmissions due to failures occurring within considerably short spans of time. As a result, customer acceptance has been low.

With an increasing amount of electronics used in transmission technologies, the number of add-on modules is set to increase, thereby resulting in space constraints. Front mounted transverse installations are likely to be the most affected. Moreover, with the number of gear ratios increasing from the current five-speed to six, technology suppliers will need to develop transmissions with similar exterior dimensions as those of their predecessors. The emergence of innovative transmission technologies such as the three-shaft transmission are expected to gain significance in smaller vehicle segments, where space comes at a premium and thus, manufacturers will need to devise ways to save space.

Areas covered:

- Executive Summary

- European Transmission Technologies Market

- Manual Transmissions

- Automatic Transmissions

- OEM Profiles

- Driving Dynamics : Transmissions

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c54852