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Sales of Stop-Start Vehicles Will Surpass 55 Million Units Annually by 2022, Forecasts Navigant Research

Stop-start vehicles (SSVs), which eliminate idling by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarting it automatically when it is time to move, offer a portion of the fuel economy benefits of hybrid vehicles at a fraction of the cost premium. Having proved popular with consumers because of its better fuel economy and the engine silence when it is stopped at an intersection, stop-start technology is seen as a low-cost and highly beneficial investment for auto manufacturers. According to a new report from Navigant Research, worldwide sales of SSVs will grow from 8.8 million in 2013 to 55.4 million in 2022.

“The latest stop-start systems are beginning to adopt some of the features that were first developed for full hybrid vehicles, such as energy recovery through regenerative braking,” says David Alexander, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “The challenge for automakers is to get the biggest efficiency benefits from the smallest cost increment.”

One challenge for this market, according to the report, is that stop-start technology goes by many different names, depending on the region of the world and the automaker. Automakers tend to assume that most consumers do not want to know how their vehicles work to achieve fuel efficiency, so they focus on promoting positive outcomes instead. However, some consumers would be more likely to ask about optional packages if consistent terminology were used in the descriptions and if the benefits were more clearly explained in marketing and advertising materials. Greater clarity across the industry in communicating the advantages of SSV technology could increase sales of SSVs for all manufacturers, the study concludes.

The report, “Stop-Start Vehicles,” analyzes the opportunities and challenges present in the global market for light duty SSVs, also known as micro hybrids, idle stop vehicles, and a variety of other names branded by automakers. The report examines stop-start component systems, including the technologies used for energy storage. Global forecasts for light duty SSV, lead-acid battery, lithium ion battery, and ultracapacitor sales by world region extend through 2022. The report also provides a detailed analysis of the benefits, drivers, and market barriers for SSVs and profiles key market players. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, “Stop-Start Vehicles,” is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.