Frost & Sullivan: Socio-economic and Legislative Changes Will Drive the Development of New Vehicle Models across the EU

LONDON – 12 October, 2009 – Social factors, coupled with legislation related to environment and safety, are playing a critical role in the evolution of new automotive technologies.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.automotive.frost.com), Strategic Analysis of the European Automotive Vehicle Technologies Evolution, examines technology developments in areas like chassis, powertrain, safety, transmission, infotainment, comfort and electronics, among others. The research identifies the top 30 technologies that have high growth and revenue potential in the highly competitive European automotive market.

“Social factors such as better urban infrastructure, an ageing population and legislation related to safety and emissions are playing a vital role in the evolution of automotive technologies,” notes Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Aswin Kumar R. “Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are expected to introduce newer applications to differentiate their product offerings in the wake of intensifying competition.”

The rising need for comfort and convenience among today’s European consumers will also catalyse the development of innovative automotive technologies. Alternative Powertrain such as electric vehicles (EVs) and less distracting and affordable human machine interface (HMI) are some of the main areas where European vehicle manufacturers (VMs) are concentrating their research and development efforts.

Due to stringent eco-norms, budget cars are widely preferred. Vehicle manufacturers are still apprehensive about adopting innovative solutions and systems in this budget-driven, high-volume market.

“Weight reduction in the small and large vehicle segments will directly impact CO2 emissions,” remarks Kumar. “However, consumers are demanding premium content in their small cars as well.”

In addition to developing cost-effective systems, OEMs want suppliers to work on safety and comfort as well. Low-cost or affordable solutions appeal to consumers, motivating them to buy such systems. This also aids OEMs in building brand association through such systems.

“There is a conflicting goal – to reduce weight while simultaneously increasing new functionalities and introducing more innovations in the car,” says Kumar. “Small, affordable and clean cars will be the mega trends in the auto industry in the next 5 years. Accordingly, VMs should develop affordable solutions while initiating a complete rethink of design elements in the car.”

Strategic Analysis of the European Automotive Vehicle Technologies Evolution is part of the Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Strategic Analysis of Integration of ADAS with Telematics, Executive Analysis of the European Market for Turbochargers in LCV Applications, Executive Analysis of the Market for Solar Technology Applications in the European Automotive Industry and, Strategic Analysis of European Automotive Human Machine Interface Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides a brief synopsis of the research and a table of contents, please e-mail Monika Kwiecinska, Corporate Communications, at monika.kwiecinska@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a brief brochure will be sent to you by e-mail.

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Strategic Analysis of the European Automotive Vehicle Technologies Evolution M45B