Examine the State of Current and Evolving Powertrain Technologies
DUBLIN, Ireland--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c45117) has announced the addition of Global Market Review of Light-duty Vehicle Powertrains – Forecasts to 2014 to their offering.
Anyone responsible for engineering or product-planning light-duty vehicle powertrains has to find the answers to three basic questions. These are:
- The state of current and evolving powertrain technology
- How many units to build, of what type, using which technologies
- Where and how to build them
This, the first powertrains report aims to provide these answers. Written by industry expert Jeff Daniels (author of our best-selling transmissions report), this report draws on data and activities to the end of September 2006 and forecasts the sector to 2014. It contains trended market data for this period for overall car and LCV assembly by region, and the volume and % penetration of the major powertrain types including diesel and hybrid.
At over 20,000 words, this report provides a technical overview of how powertrains are evolving, covering powertrain technology, powertrain type and their markets, powertrain manufacturing considerations and comments on the future for this fast-evolving automotive sector.
Report summary:
Chapter one: Powertrain technology.
Until about 1975, designing a new engine was about achieving the required power and torque output, with acceptable operating refinement, for minimum bulk and cost. Since that time, more and more external, and especially legislative, pressures have come to bear on the engine designer, who must today take account of the need for legislated limits on exhaust emissions, noise levels and (increasingly) energy efficiency, measured either as fuel consumption or as CO2 emissions. This chapter discusses how engine design requires an awareness of the many technologies now available, or being developed, to improve emissions performance and economy.
Chapter two: Powertrain type and volume considerations.
Tables in this chapter show the numbers of vehicles produced in the main vehicle-producing geographical areas in 2000-2005, and forecasts production for 2006-2014. The forecast figures reflect several recently arising factors including the likelihood of a worldwide economic slowdown around 2008, the effect of increasing fuel price in damping consumer demand for vehicles especially in the fully developed markets, and recent moves by Ford and General Motors in particular to downsize the volume of their operations in North America.
The main area of powertrain manufacturing growth in the period under consideration will undoubtedly be in Asia outside Japan, above all in
China and to a lesser (but still very substantial) extent in India. The majority of European, North American and Japanese manufacturers have now concluded agreements with Chinese companies to manufacture powertrains in significant quantity, with several plants planned for production of up to 300,000 units per year. Use this chapter to discover more about these developments in China other Asian regions.
Chapter three: Powertrain manufacturing considerations.
Where production is concerned, it might appear logical to manufacture engines either directly alongside vehicle assembly, as close to it as possible. In fact, there are a number of factors influencing the locations of engine plants other than proximity to vehicle assembly. These include low cost premises, a sufficiently skilled or trainable workforce and the availability of components and systems such as forgings, castings, electrical components and fuel and ignition systems. This chapter outlines where powertrains are manufactured and why the major manufacturers have chosen these particular locations.
Chapter four: The future
In the medium term, the shape of the powertrain sector will be influenced by the trend away from pure internal combustion powertrains and towards hybrids, which require the addition of more or less substantial electrical machinery. Use this chapter to learn about the predicted future developments and hybrid and fuel cell powertrain influences.
Topics Covered
Chapter 1 - - Powertrain technology.
Exhaust emission regulations
Fuel economy regulations
New technical features and systems
Petrol technology evolution
Diesel technology evolution
Alternative fuels
Innovative powertrains
Chapter 2 - Powertrain type and volume considerations.
Basic engineering decisions
Engineering decisions
Powertrain configuration and installation
V-configuration
Choice of dimensions
Cylinder size
Cylinder dimensions
Cylinder spacing (bore centre spacing)
Connecting rod length
Materials for powertrain manufacture
Cylinder head and combustion chamber
Valve gear
Induction system
Fuel system
Ignition system
Cooling
Lubrication
Powertrain management
Emissions control
Overall volume requirements
Geographical markets
The EU 15
North America
Japan and South Korea
The rest of the world
Market segments
Chapter 3 - Powertrain manufacturing considerations.
Chapter 4 - The future.
Internal combustion technical trends
Hybrid powertrain influences
Fuel cell hybrid powertrain influences
List of tables
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c45117