Market Research Blog

A senior market analyst, at Future Market Insights (FMI) talks about the newest developments in the automotive camshafts market and the response of manufacturers towards the same.

While the automotive market has slowed down significantly in developed countries in the past few years, demand for passenger and commercial vehicles is still going strong in the emerging economies, owing to increased investments in the road infrastructure of these regions. These factors are anticipated to boost the automotive camshaft market in the years to come.

Being the largest auto manufacturing market in the world, what are some promising opportunities China offers to automotive camshaft manufacturers?

China is anticipated to account for more than a quarter of the global production and consumption of automotive camshafts owing to its high rate of production for passenger automobiles and light/heavy commercial vehicles, which is creating a strong competition for established countries such as Germany and the United States. With an annual production of more than 20 million cars, and supportive efforts from the government in Beijing, to support threats to the local market, through measures such as tax cuts and subsidies are anticipated to keep the growth of the automotive camshaft producers in the region, strong, for the foreseeable future.

What are the crucial innovations driving the development of modern automotive camshafts?

With the increasing inclusion of the Internet of things (IoT) in the automobile manufacturing process, modern camshafts have been designed as an essential component for gathering data in terms of vehicle performance. Moreover, this has led to camshafts being designed with machining equipment, instead of being manufactured in their conventional raw form, which reduces weight and increases efficacy.

Owing to increasingly stricter government regulations regarding emission control, intelligent valve actuators are increasingly being used instead of conventional camshafts to achieve superlative fuel consumption control. The reduction in cost and time, along with higher component strength with these new innovations in the industry will encourage growth for the long term.

Do electric vehicles threaten automotive camshaft manufacturers?

Around the world, the growing awareness about environment issues has significantly increased the sale and use of electric vehicles. The power systems of these vehicles are projected to potentially make conventional combustion engine systems obsolete. In such a situation, the demand for automotive camshafts is also anticipated to be hit severely, which can curtail manufacturing activity to a great extent. On the other hand, electric vehicles have started to gain popularity only in recent years, while combustion engines are anticipated to hold sway over the automotive market for many more years. This is projected to keep the demand for automotive camshafts steady in the near future.

What does falling gasoline prices mean for automotive camshaft producers?

Based largely on the prices of crude oil, the recent global fall in gasoline prices is expected to increase the average spending power of the buyer, resulting in increased purchases of larger vehicles, lower production costs, and affordable costs of personal transport for end users. This is especially true of Europe and United States, where the reduction of prices is being used to boost the economic state of the countries, and increasing adoption of camshafts that are produced for automatic vehicles as well.

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Analysts at Future Market Insights study the key influencers shaping air suspension system landscape.

Although air suspension systems has been around for long, the technological improvements together with the increasing penetration of automobiles have led to increased adoption of air suspension technology. As air suspension system increasing the capacity of vehicles for transporting loads by levelling suspension, they are increasingly incorporated in automobiles. In addition, an air suspension system offers minimal vibration and noise benefits, making it a must-have system. Furthermore, the air suspension system has significant advantages over the traditionally used leaf spring or coil spring suspensions, such as a smoother ride and height adjustments.

Which vehicle type creates maximum demand for air suspension system?

A. As the use of an air suspension system boosts the capabilities of carrying the load, the air suspension system market has witnessed predominant deployment of these systems in heavy-duty trucks.  Heavy-duty truck drivers have stated that the air suspension system enables driver comfort, load versatility, and improved comfort. New product innovations targeting the lucrative demand for the air suspension system for its deployment in light and heavy trucks is witnessed in the market. For instance, an off-road and overland vehicle part supplier, American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) introduced an air suspension system for truck that offers ride-height adjustability.

What future innovations can we expect in air suspension system landscape?

The burgeoning growth of the automotive sector is expected to trigger several innovations in the air suspension system market. Air suspension systems designed for passenger cars could further create new possibilities for the air suspension system that is designed for buses, trailers, and trucks. For instance, the new electric buses introduced in Hyderabad, India are integrated with an electronically controlled air suspension system that enables comfortable traveling.

Remaining compliant with the government requirements while using trucks and trailers for transporting loads is a crucial aspect. The governments of different countries imply regulations pertaining to the amount of load that trucks and trailers could carry, owing to which several innovations are witnessed in the market. Keeping the consumer preference in mind, the Ensol, a leading manufacturer of transport solutions, introduced a trailer equipped with an air suspension system, in light of the axle load norms announced by the Indian government that stated that all trucks and trailers equipped with air suspension system would be allowed to carry one ton extra per axle of load.

Air suspension system versus leaf spring suspension. Which will garner more consumer confidence?

Although the air suspension system is widely used as an alternative for the leaf spring suspension, there are a few benefits offered by leaf spring as a vehicle suspension which could potentially hinder the application of an air suspension system over time. The air suspension system weighs relatively more and reflects more maintenance costs, which could act as a restraining factor for the air suspension system market growth.

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A leading research analyst at Future Market Insights discusses the opportunistic areas in the motorcycle suspension system market that could offer profitability in the coming years.

The global motorcycle sector is exhibiting substantial growth owing to the growing popularity amongst consumer bases. Consumers are preferring convenient transportation alternatives in their busy and fast-paced lifestyles. This has resulted in a predominant shift towards the use motorcycles, especially in the emerging economies. The demand for a motorcycle suspension system that boosts the riding experience in any environment is greatly influenced with these factors.

What are the key factors considered by consumers while selecting an ideal motorcycle suspension system?

End-users of the motorcycle suspension system are opting for a high—performance motorcycle suspension system that could improve the overall riding experience for their customers. For instance, the Harley-Davidson introduced several advanced technologies that increase the performance, elevate style, and boost the functionality of the 2019 Harley-Davidson Touring and Trike motorcycles. One of which is the premium motorcycle suspension technology that includes the both front and rear suspension. The front motorcycle suspension system helps achieve a smooth ride, linear damping performance, and reliable braking and handling performance, while the rear motorcycle suspension system enables pre-loaded adjustments for achieving optimal suspension performance for suit the preference of riders.

What innovations are manufactures are making to cater to the growing demand for advanced motorcycle suspension system?

The global motorcycle industry has been influenced by the emerging trends in the market. Keeping in line with the changing consumer preferences has become a crucial differentiating factor. Owing to this, the motorcycle makers are continually upgrading their product portfolio, thereby creating demand for next-gen components and part such as the advanced motorcycle suspension system. For instance, the new model by Aprilia, the super-naked bikes are getting a superior and advanced electronically controlled motorcycle suspension system. Claimed as the world’s most advanced electronically controlled motorcycle suspension system, the technology allows the rider to simple and customizable calibration of the shock and fork absorbers, in both manual and semi-active operating mode. Such innovations are crucial for bikes intended to be used in distinct environments.

Which markets exhibit lucrative opportunities for the motorcycle suspension system manufactures?

The APEJ market has showcased several opportunities for the motorcycle suspension system manufacturers. There is a rise in sale of motorcycles and scooters witnessed in the developing countries such as China and India. The motorcycle suspension system providers are attracted to these nations owing to such opportunities. The bad road conditions in India that demand effective motorcycle suspension system are the one of the most crucial reasons why the motorcycle suspension system are focusing on this market.  For instance, the Royal Enfield introduced its motorcycle in India. While normal bikes are equipped with USD or telescopic suspension, these new bikes feature leaf suspension at both front and rear ends that are usually found in carriers, trucks, and other vehicles and can take heavy beatings and withstand huge loads.

What are some notable market trends fueling innovations in the motorcycle suspension system landscape?

The significant trends of utilizing lightweight components in the production of automobile and motorcycles has greatly influenced the motorcycle suspension system landscape. Moreover, the increasingly environmental concerns are boosting the need of electric motorcycles. Both these market trends are expected to trigger business growth opportunities for the motorcycle suspension system. The Swedish manufacturer of electric motorcycles incorporated lightweight motorcycle suspension system into its Kalk, a new electric off-road motorcycle. To know more? Download free sample report.

A senior market analyst, at Future Market Insights talks about the newest developments in the fifth wheel coupling market and the response of manufacturers to effectively respond to the same.

Industrialization and construction activities are growing at a rapid rate around the world owing to the positive drive in emerging economies, which is anticipated to increase the use of fifth wheel coupling to aid in the transportation issues of industries such as mining, automotive, waste management, petrochemicals, and construction, providing numerous potential opportunities for the growth of the fifth wheel coupling market in the years to come.

What are the key influencers that are anticipated to increase the demand for fifth wheel coupling in the automotive sector?

Improvements in vehicle stability in semi-trailer towing processes through the use of fifth wheel mechanisms is widely thought to be a key influencer that is increasing the use fifth wheel coupling globally. The demand is further augmented by the greater capacity of modern coupling to carry loads in comparison to that of a conventional ball hitch mechanism.

In addition the growing need for improved transport facilities for construction and agriculture sectors are propelling the demand for fifth wheel coupling, as this mechanism provides the added benefit of being able to pull multiple semi-trailers or trolleys with a single lead vehicle.

How does the presence of forged products threaten the market?

The automotive fifth wheel coupling market is adversely affected by the large scale availability of grey market trading, and the sale of duplicate products. The impact on the access to high quality products pose a credible threat to vehicle and passenger safety, thereby eroding trust of the consumers on fifth wheel couplings overall.

Moreover, this can also adversely impact the revenue avenues of businesses involved in the production, distribution and sales, by reductions in aftermarket services. In addition, consumers may find the expenses of installing fifth wheel coupling mechanism to be cost prohibitive which is also expected to restrain the market.

How are fifth wheel coupling manufacturers optimizing their products to meet modern market demands?

Majority of fifth wheel coupling manufacturers are adopting advanced materials to manufacture their products with the aim of increasing the strength and load carrying capacity of these auto components. In addition, producers are also focusing on design and material to manufacture lightweight products that allow vehicles to meet the strict emission standards that are imposed by governments across the globe, which is anticipated to keep the demand for fifth wheel coupling steady for the foreseeable future.

Are there any key innovations that are expected to witness increased adoption in the near future? Numerous manufacturers including TRT, SAF Holland, Babin, and Rotavan have incorporated swiveling mechanisms in their fifth wheel coupling assemblies, owing to increased maneuverability, and better time and fuel efficient operations for end user industries, which is expected to boost adoption rapidly in the years to come.

A senior analyst discusses crucial developments in automotive pillar market, with a key focus on the Asia Pacific (Excluding japan) Region.

Automotive industry is likely to diversify at a significant pace with suppliers and manufacturers striving to produce more powerful and lighter vehicles in lesser time. Innovative technology, new light-weight materials, and alternative fuels are transforming overall manufacturing processes in automotive industry. Growing shift from higher mileage needs towards high-end features in vehicles further dives in opportunities for automotive pillar manufacturers in the near future. Since the recent past, automakers are compelled to comply with the crash and statutory ratings, thereby propelling need for technological advancements in automotive pillar market.

What are some major developments in the Pillar “A” form?

Automotive pillar in “A” form recently witnessed technological advancements catering to the rollover safety needs as well as stringent roof-crush standards. For instance, German manufacturing company, Continental AG developed a new virtual A-pillar technology that helps the drivers in eradicating forward blind spots, thereby reducing crucial safety hazards faced by road users. The all-new automotive pillar helps in addressing the emerging problems of vehicles that demand from automotive pillar to cater to the mandatory safety testing. With the advanced head tracking and flexible OLED displays, the company is offering enhanced visibility to the driver.

What is the ongoing strategy of manufacturers in automotive pillar market?

According to the current scenario, manufacturers are focusing on offering new forms of mobility services including massive screen in electric vehicles. For example,

• 2019 will have China’s Tesla rolling out an electric vehicle, Byton M-Byte that consists of 48-inch display stretching from the A-pillar towards the A-pillar. The notable point here is, this is the largest screen ever being fitted within a production car. In addition, there are also facial recognition cameras in B-pillars.

Most of all, manufacturers are also struggling towards acquisition of patents for new developments, thereby triggering competition in automotive pillar market.

Considering the expansiveness of the automobile sector in APEJ, what are some lucrative opportunities for pillar manufactures?

Well, on a broader perspective, APEJ is turning out to be manufacturing hub for the global automotive players with rapidly increasing adoption of passenger cars in the region. This scenario automatically results in increasing sales of automotive pillars as well. However, some recent cases in India’s automotive industry is likely to significantly impact on the sales of automotive pillar in the region. For instance,

Recently in Delhi, EPCA (Environment Pollution Control Authority) ordered stoppage on the use of private cars, in order to curtail the pollution level in the state. The quality of air in the state is worsening with each day, which in turn might take private vehicles off the road, thereby drowning the sales of passenger cars in the state. This in turn significantly adversely affects the growth graph of India automotive pillar market.

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With the rising preference for materials such as iridium and platinum for preparing spark plugs which are compatible to newer engine models, the demand for spark plug is anticipated to grow at a rapid rate. The essentiality of spark plugs in the ignition system of combustion chambers in vehicles are expected to keep the requirements for spark plugs strong in the near future.

As per a recent study conducted by Future market Insights on the global spark plug market, the constant manufacturing of cars has resulted in a robust demand for spark plugs across the world. Moreover, car owners are often found to be using the same car for longer periods of time owing to technological advancements in the automobile industry, thereby causing a rise in the demand for replacement parts including spark plugs among others.

Iridium Spark Plugs Outpace Platinum Counterparts Owing to Costs

Currently, iridium spark plugs have been gaining adoption among most major vehicle manufacturers owing to its significant cost benefit in comparison to that of platinum. While iridium more rare to find, the price of the raw material is far more resistant to the volatility of the market, which makes it a preferred choice for spark plug manufacturers. Spark plug manufacturers are one of the primary consumers of iridium, on a global scale, with nearly one fifth of the world’s iridium production going towards spark plug production.

On the other hand, approximately half of all platinum is used to make catalytic converters, while one fifth is used for jewelry, leaving only limited supplies for spark plug production.

Coil on Plug Ignition Systems Boost Service Life of Spark Plugs

Conventional spark plug combinations usually are designed to share just one ignition coil. However, the design generates significant wear and tear of the platinum or iridium material in a relatively short period of time. However, with the introduction of coil-on-plug designs every spark plug in the vehicle is provided with a dedicated ignition coil, which allows the use of iridium or platinum with significant increase in the service life. Moreover, the system allows the driver to switch between spark plug brands, as suppliers sell spark plugs that are not specific to any particular make or model. This is anticipated to positively contribute to the growth of the sector.

Anti-Seize Materials Lose favor in Spark Plug Production

Spark plug producers are increasingly making use of plug shell plating in the place of conventional anti-seize materials. This measure prevents the cylinder head from sticking to the spark plug after long-term usage. On the other hand, anti-seize has been found to push past the spark plug’s threading, and disrupting the performance of the central electrode, thereby resulting in misfires, and damaging the threads, causing maintenance charges to go up considerably.

Material Innovations to Counter Environment Concerns

With growing environmental concerns automotive component manufacturers are focusing on the development and utilization of new materials for better performance, higher fuel efficiency, and considerably lower rates of emissions in an effort to control the impact of automobiles on global warming.

For example, Pilot Automotive’s patented Nitrode range of spark plugs has been aimed towards the development of innovative eco-friendly operations. The product offers users a unique yttrium coated bridge that improves efficiency of spark relay to the ground electrode. This increased extension of the spark produces considerably more energy, which results in noticeable ease in ignition.

In addition, Bosch has brought out an innovative Cup Connection technology, to meet the needs of newer engines that comprise fewer cylinders for increasing air pressure and efficiency. The new technology enables the generation of a higher ignition voltage and improved flashover resistance for the insulating material. The design makes use of a longer insulator, and makes use of a stud with a cup, which compensates for the extension.

Find actionable insights on the newest developments in the constantly changing global spark plugs market, here.

Commercial vehicles are finding extensive utilization in logistics and transport application, across the globe. Along with the surging growth in the global commercial vehicles business, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has also showcased an effective potential for the commercial vehicle manufacturers. The growth exhibited by the construction sector and the advancements in transport and logistics application sectors act as major contributing factors for the demand growth of commercial vehicles in MENA countries.

Car Manufacturers Mulling over the Potential in MENA with New Developments

The automotive sector has reflected burgeoning growth in the MENA region over the past couple of years. Automotive manufacturers are eyeing on the extensive opportunities offered by the region to further strengthen their global footprint and gain profitability on the back of the exceeding demand for commercial vehicles.

The German automotive giant, Mercedes-Benz, for instance, showcased similar attraction towards the MENA region. In 2018, the company took its existing fleet of commercial vehicles including the premium heavy-duty trucks to Middle East and Africa. The new Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs are designed to offer next-gen reliability and efficiency for distribution and long distance freight. These trucks are robust and completely reliable for off-road and construction applications, making them ideal for the ever-growing construction sector in the Middle East and Africa. Moreover, the trucks are specifically developed for the MENA region, built to withstand harsh operating conditions.

There are several strategic developments made across the region for boosting the production of commercial vehicles. The North African market has witnessed similar collaborations that are expected to further fuel the production of commercial vehicles. For instance, the South Korean automaker, Hyundai Motor Company entered into a joint venture partnership with Algeria’s Global Group for manufacturing commercial vehicles in North Africa, by setting up a complete knockdown (CKD) unit assembly plant.

Tata Motors, a leading provider of commercial vehicles in India is engaging in robust exports of commercial vehicles as it is witnessing substantial demand for commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks from the regions including the Middle East, SAARC, Africa, and South East Asia where it ships its commercial vehicles.

Emission Standards to Redefine Automotive Fleet in MENA Region

The region has witnessed tremendous developments in terms of adopting a more sustainable approach in the automotive domain. The countries in the Middle Eastern region are increasingly promoting environment-friendly, cost-efficient, and fuel-efficient, vehicles which are expected to bring major transformations in the automotive sector, thereby influencing the commercial vehicles domain. The governments are making efforts to incorporate green vehicle units, especially into the public transport fleet. The UAE’s Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) mandated a Euro 4 regulation, from 2018 to encourage utilization of sustainable vehicles in UAE.

Commercial vehicles manufacturers are introducing commercial vehicles in compliance with these regulations. For instance, a UAE distributor of Volvo Trucks, Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (Famco), went further of the Euro 4 regulations and launched the Volvo Trucks that are built in compliance with the Euro 5 emission standards, which supports the UAE Government’s Vision 2021, for providing safer environment and contribute to a sustainable future.

Substantial Demand Witnessed for Heavy-duty Commercial Vehicles in MENA

The heavy duty type of commercial vehicles is creating tremendous demand in the region, owing to its increasing application. Companies are reaping the profitability associated with heavy-duty commercial vehicles by expanding their commercial vehicle portfolio. For instance, a Japanese manufacturing trucks and buses, UD Trucks, with an aim to expand its heavy-duty truck segment, added a new commercial vehicles variant, the new heavy-duty Quester. Designed to address the variations demanded in the Middle East, these new heavy-duty commercial vehicles are built to withstand harsh driving conditions. Furthermore, the company aims to leverage the overwhelming demand for commercial vehicles such as heavy-duty trucks backed by the propelling infrastructure and stimulating construction sector, with these new offerings.

Electric Vehicles Trend to Influence the Commercial Vehicles Landscape

Demand for electric vehicles has been multiplying across the globe over time. This increasing demand has greatly influenced the commercial vehicles landscape, where commercial vehicles manufacturers are focused on achieving greater efficiency by innovating in electrified commercial vehicles. Companies are making for making effective progress in manufacturing electric commercial vehicles. For instance, giant automotive companies and commercial vehicle manufacturers are bullish over the opportunities sighted in MENA region for the commercial vehicles business.

Readers can further analyze the MENA commercial vehicles landscape by referring to the key findings and exclusive insights that uncover the opportunities traced in the MENA region in a comprehensive research study.