Automotive Technology Insight | Forecasts | Industry News

FISITA World Mobility Conference 2025: Key themes and concerns for the automotive industry

One thing is abundantly clear after the FISITA World Mobility Conference (WMC) last week. Megatrends impact everything. No longer can chassis development, braking, safety validation and so forth stand alone without impact from the broader drive towards electrification, the AI revolution or SDVs, to name a few. The event’s sessions gave the impression that electrification is already baked into the industry, particularly in Europe where the debate on (regulation-pushed) direction is ...

Beyond horsepower: Compute becomes the new competitive edge for OEMs

Automotive compute power is becoming a defining metric of vehicle capability — not just for autonomy, but across cockpit systems, connectivity and life-cycle software deployment. As vehicles transition toward centralized electrical/electronic (E/E) architectures and software-defined platforms, silicon performance is now a core determinant of what a vehicle can do — and how long it will remain competitive in the field. Two metrics have emerged as industry standards for measuring this compu...

Shift happens: Suppliers drive home higher profits than OEMs in Q4 2024

The automotive industry has long been recognized as a high-capital, low-return sector, grappling with various economic pressures and competitive challenges. In recent years, the landscape has shifted dramatically, particularly with the rise of mainland Chinese automotive companies. Here we review the profitability trends between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers, and the implications of macroeconomic factors that shape the industry. The automotive sector is currently in tu...

Tariff trouble: Will Mexico's auto investment engine splutter?

In the aftermath of the US election, President-elect Donald Trump’s impending return to the Oval Office has sparked widespread speculation about the implications of his second term, particularly in the automotive sector. As the world watches, the intersection of politics and innovation becomes a focal point, with the administration's stance on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its impact on electric vehicle supply chains taking center stage. Meanwhile, the alliance between Elon Musk and th...

Making waves in the autonomous driving industry: Wayve’s funding splash

Wayve's recent funding represents the largest AI fundraising in the UK to date. One notable aspect of Wayve's approach to automated/autonomous driving technology is its focus on empowering a variety of manufacturers through its 'Embodied AI' technology. Unlike many competitors that rely heavily on high-definition maps and pre-programmed routes, Wayve utilizes a machine learning model that learns from vast amounts of data, simulating human learning. This adaptability enables Wayve's system to han...

Analysis: Why CO2 emissions matter in automotive, EV battery supply chains

As global leaders recently met in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the sidelines of the ongoing COP28 to discuss progress on the race to net zero, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC's) latest yearbook revealed that although businesses, investors, governments and states are stepping up to take climate action in greater numbers than ever before, the efforts are still not at the scale needed to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C within this century. The...

Talking Heads: CASE on the road to nowhere?

The CASE megatrends – connected, autonomous, shared and electric – in case you’ve not been paying attention, have been the hot topics of the automotive industry in the past decade. They’ve even given rise to talk of the industry in the whole as the mobility industry rather than the more prosaic automotive industry. But is the CASE narrative running into trouble? Hot on the heels of the news that Ford and VW were exiting their Argo AI autonomous driving technology venture came news out...

Software complexity starting to cost CEOs their job

Complexity in the software has increased to a level where it has become not just difficult to debug and maintain, but it has compounded an OEM’s already difficult situation to comprehend the overall system interactions between various electronic control units (ECUs) and to properly test all the various combinations of features in a car. Most of the software in vehicles is written by suppliers that also use third-party software and work with externals, so the OEM’s control on the result is ve...

Will China drive global alignment in EV battery swap standards?

China, the largest electric car market in the world, is expected to drive global benchmarks in electric vehicle battery swapping practices, as well as the emerging battery-as-a-service, or BaaS, industry. Neither the EV battery swap model is new nor it was invented in China. However, it is the only market where several companies have implemented the model successfully and have concrete plans to further scale it up as a direct result of the supportive government policies. The established Chinese ...

The evolving landscape of inverter technology in EVs

The automotive industry is slowly but steadily moving toward an electric future. Several factors are at play that will determine the pace of this transition from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to electrified vehicles. One of the key factors is certainly the performance of the EV, especially the range that it will offer in the real-world driving conditions. Slapping a bigger battery onto the EV will give the additional range, but that will significantly add to the cost and weight of the ve...

Battery Industrialisation Centre underpins U.K. push for manufacturing and technology leadership

UKBIC is a national battery manufacturing development facility, commissioned to aid and accelerate battery manufacturing in the UK, as well as educating and upskilling the battery sector workforce in preparation for mass production. UKBIC is a publicly funded, open access facility, funded by the Faraday Battery Challenge under the watch of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Located on a 2...

Growth of Li-ion battery manufacturing capacity in key EV markets

The future of the automotive industry lies in electrification is not a topic for a debate anymore. However, what is being debated is how quickly the world will be able to let go of its century-long dependence on fossil fuels and embrace electric-powered vehicles. Several factors will play a role in determining this pace, including the availability of enough batteries to enable this transition. Currently, there is an installed capacity of about 948 GWh for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries global...

How will ECHA’s proposal on the use of lead affect Europe’s net zero ambitions?

The proposal by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to include lead as one of the eight new substances of very high concern (SVHC) in the REACH Authorisation List can hurt the growth potential of manufacturers using lead metal, reduce the competitiveness of an existing supply chain and negatively impact Europe’s well-established circular economy, Dr Steve Binks, director, regulatory affairs at International Lead Association (ILA) said in an interview. ILA, which had issued a position paper...

Shanghai lockdown creates new supply chain concerns for OEMs

A dramatic surge in new COVID-19 infections and the breakout of a new sub-strain of the Omicron variant forced the mainland Chinese government to impose a full-scale lockdown in the country’s financial hub, Shanghai, from early April. Shanghai is a major automotive component manufacturing hub as well, and a prolonged lockdown in the city would cause significant disruptions to vehicle production in the region, and logistical barriers hindering export of parts from the country. The lockdown h...

Special analysis: New battery electric vehicle entrants in China

The global automobile industry has experienced a huge change toward electrification in recent years. Startup battery-electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturers have played an essential role in this era and even led technical development in multiple segments. Aside from currently being the world’s largest automobile market, mainland China has been more aggressive than other regions to replace internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with BEVs thus making mainland China home to many BEV startups. Acc...

Demand for high-density, fast-charging batteries to drive adoption of immersion cooling technology

Increasing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries that can deliver longer driving range, faster charging capabilities, safety, and sustainability is not only leading to a rapid evolution in the battery chemistries but also the thermal management techniques to optimize the battery performance. As vehicle manufacturers prepare for the global EV transition, the suppliers of thermal technologies, along with the new and upcoming startups, are increasingly working to develop innovative solutions t...

Cobalt in future EV supply chains: Addressing long-term demands through strategic investments

1. Introduction – Cobalt and the EV revolution Driven primarily by emission-based legislations and mandatory electrification-targets worldwide, the electric vehicle (EV) industry has grown exponentially over the last few years with the demand for EVs nearly doubling between 2020 and 2021, from 2.4 million vehicles to 4.5 million. The growing EV market has meanwhile caused an unprecedented surge in demand for the materials needed to produce the lithium-ion batteries (LiB) and motors powering...

Auto parts to software ecosystem: Does Aptiv and Wind River merger make sense?

Well-known auto parts maker Aptiv acquired automotive and IoT software developer Wind River on 11 January 2022. This is the first automotive acquisition of this year. This deal is the biggest since 2017 and the divergence of Delphi by Aptiv. Aptiv Aptiv PLC, formerly known as Delphi Automotive PLC, is a tier-1 supplier for the automotive industry. Aptiv designs and manufactures vehicle components and provides electrical and electronic and active safety technology solutions to the global au...

Special Report: Foxconn's preparedness to redefine EV value chain

Taiwan-based Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Technology Group, is promoting a new electric vehicle (EV) business model that has the potential to drive extensive collaboration in the industry, reduce research and development (R&D) cost, and shorten the development cycle for new EV products. Over the next five years, Foxconn could emerge as a company that can drive significant changes in EV manufacturing value chain and make the e-mobility landscape more competitive for the established OEMs...

Electrical steel: Another temporary supply chain shortage or a threat to OEMs’ electrification plans?

This report has contributions from xEL Mobility and Metals Technology Consulting. As the automotive industry battles the semiconductor shortages, which have prevented the production of 9.3 million units to date, the rapid expansion in growth of EV sales raises questions about the future availability of sufficient electrical steel needed to produce electric motors to meet the electrification targets set by regulators and OEMs around the globe. Several major steel producers have announced in...

Major revision for global light vehicle production forecast – what it means for OEMs’ technology deployment

The IHS Markit light vehicle production forecast has been cut by 6.2% or 5.02 million units in 2021, and by 9.3% or 8.45 million units in 2022, to stand at 75.8 million units and 82.6 million units, respectively. For 2023, we have reduced the forecast by 1.05 million units or 1.1% to 92 million units; this is a front-loaded adjustment and from the second quarter output levels are expected to be able to accelerate as supply chains return to normal. If this is the case then strong pent-up demand a...

Hybrid, battery electric vehicles to drive the demand for brushless DC motors

While electric motors are used in almost every aspect in a car where motion control applications are required, direct current (DC) motors, in comparison to alternate current (AC) motors, offer more flexibility when it comes to quick start-and-stop functionality, operating at variable speeds, and consuming lesser energy. However, within both motor types, brushless motors are increasingly finding traction when it comes to functionalities involving heat dissipation and propulsion cooling applicatio...

Battery cell chemistry and design would be key to BEV lightweighting

As the automotive industry progresses toward electrification, the advancement of the lithium-ion (li-ion) battery will be the most important development that all stakeholders would be keen to follow. There are several challenges that li-ion battery faces today in terms of range, charging times, and safety. These challenges would need to be addressed before batteries can enable parity with the internal combustion...

Gasoline particulate filters to remain in demand this decade owing to hybridization

Carmakers all over the world are working numerous angles to make their vehicles as efficient as possible, owing to the prevalent eco-friendly sales strategy along with governments across the globe making environmental policies progressively more stringent every few years. A significant component of vehicular exhaust emissions is particulate matter (PM), which comprises microscopic particles that are so lightweight that they remain suspended in the air. Coarse particles, which measure 10 micromet...

An analysis on the risks and remedies of electric vehicle (EV) battery fires

There is no question that electromobility is the future for the automotive industry and the shift away from internal combustion engines (ICEs) is occurring at a tremendous speed. Many countries have set (or are in the process of setting) deadlines for the phasing out of vehicles driven by conventional, fossil fuel–burning engines. New York and California in the United States, Thailand, and Quebec in Canada, among others, have fully committed to zero-emission vehicles from 2035 onward. Washingt...

Automotive R&D investment to grow in 2021 despite COVID-19 setbacks

The survey results indicate that R&D spending is critical for medium- and long-term goals for companies within the industry, particularly to develop their market positioning. However, some companies are still cautious about planning a high-spending year until the market conditions for products have settled to a predictable level. The key findings of the ‘2021 IHS Markit global automotive R&D survey’ are: 6.5% average increase in automotive R&D spending by companies. Gr...

Is there a future for a battery-swapping business model globally?

So far battery swapping has been unable to make the transition from being a niche offering to a mass-market service. Battery swapping offers many advantages to customers, including the potential to overcome range anxiety and slow charging times. According to the IHS Markit Consumer Survey in 2019—conducted in eight major automotive markets with 8,000 participants—35% of consumers expect their vehicle to fully charge in less than 30 minutes, out of which 11% wanted a full charge in less than ...

Volkswagen reveals e-mobility strategy on its first Power Day

One of the most predominant trends in the global automotive industry of today is the relentless move toward electrification. Carmakers around the world are heeding the demand to shift away from inefficient propulsion methods and focus instead on hybridization and electrification. German automotive manufacturer, Volkswagen, has envisioned a transformation into a global market leader for e-mobility solutions—an aim that was clearly outlined during its Power Day event held on 15 March. I...

UK’s 2030 ban on ICE vehicles puts spotlight on charging infrastructure readiness

The United Kingdom recently announced its plans to ban the sales of petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, superseding the previous goal to ban new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales by 2040. The sale of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars and vans that have zero-emission driving capability will be allowed until 2035. While the government’s announcement is seen as a step in the right direction, it is going to impact the plans of automakers, electric vehicle (EV) charging point operators (...

Drivers reveal exactly how fast they want EVs to charge – and these are the cars setting the pace

It comes as no surprise that the biggest setback for electric cars has been range anxiety and the ‘inconvenience’ of charging them. Earlier in 2021, the number of public charging stations surpassed 1 million plugs—more than half of these are in mainland China alone. Nevertheless, OEMs and governments worldwide are aggressively pushing for more outlets, including the United Kingdom’s pioneering legislation for charge point installation to be mandatory on all new-build housing. The E...

Brexit deal: What lies ahead for the UK automotive components industry?

In an unprecedented time, where world governments are divided between increasing efforts toward providing economic stimuli and protection from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the outlook for the UK Brexit deal is in a state of ambiguity. The UK government will observe the newly formed trade agreement with the European Union, beginning 1 January 2021, estimated to be worth USD900 billion, a year. The prime highlight of the new deal was that UK goods can be sold without tariffs and quotas in the EU...

The E-mobility industry will deepen its roots in 2021

The year gone by was unlike anything expected at the start of the year. The COVID-19 pandemic, which became a potential concern around February, soon metamorphosed into an outright global disaster. Many sectors were impacted by the restrictions and lockdowns on a global scale; in fact some are still continuing at some level. The automotive industry, which was hoping for a recovery after a slow 2019, saw production and sales come to a standstill for nearly 1–2 months. While most of the elect...

The big challenge around battery raw materials sourcing

Electromobility is completely changing the landscape of the transportation sector around the globe. While customers have the option of adopting electric vehicles (EV) gradually, the automakers have to transition to electrified or fully electric vehicles in a more hurried manner owing to stricter emission norms and expected restrictions on sales of pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. One of the main hurdles faced by the industry is to ensure a consistent and sustainable supply of raw ...

Advanced semiconductors key to efficient EV inverters

In terms of consumer demand, electric vehicles (EVs) are still far away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. There is a constant and increasing push from automakers, suppliers, and technology companies to make EVs more efficient on performance and range to make them a viable alternative to ICE vehicles. In this endeavor, most of the attention has been on the improvements in battery and motor technology. However, in the background, a lot of R&D is happening to improve a few other c...

Assessing Biden’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure ambitions

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Will Tesla’s thrust on expanding its in-house expertise pay off?

On 22 September, Tesla hosted an announcement-packed ‘Battery Day”, showcasing its vision on where it wants to be in terms of battery cell technology and production capacities within the next three years, as well as what some of the innovation in the works could mean for end customers of its electric vehicles (EV). The company announced evolutionary changes, right from the cell design, down to the manufacturing processes related to every cell component, that will not only improve the perform...

Increased electrification to drive demand for newer types of A/C condensers

Comfort almost always ranks quite high in the list of criteria for customers looking to purchase a new vehicle, and carmakers have always invested significant time, effort, and money in making sure their vehicles’ A/C or climate control systems function as best as possible. In addition to heating up or cooling down the passenger cabin rapidly and efficiently, automotive A/C systems have evolved into multifunctional units that also filter out particulates, such as pollen and harmful pollutants,...

Mainland China shifts policy stance to offer OEMs more flexibility on NEV strategy

Globally, Mainland China has among the most dynamic new energy vehicle (NEV) policy, which is being updated regularly to be in sync with the economic conditions, market demand, and technology developments. The initial heavy subsidies given by the central government are seen to have largely done the job of assisting a quick transitioning towards electrified vehicles in mainland China. These NEV subsidies are now being phased out to create a more stable and self-reliant environment for the industr...

Range-extended EVs face cost, complexity hurdles toward higher adoption

The automotive industry has experimented with several forms of electrification, trying to find the right balance between development, vehicle cost, customer needs, and the operability in the real world. While the vehicles with the most basic level of electrification are deemed mild-hybrids, whereby the electric motor only assists the internal combustion engine (ICE) with propulsion assist and coasting functionality, the most electrified are full battery electric vehicles (BEV) and fuel-cell elec...

Is Tesla’s application of LFP cathode technology indicative of price over performance?

A recent development has got the automotive industry talking about a battery chemistry which, over the last half-a-decade, has been steadily losing market share in the electric vehicle (EV) segment—lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Tesla recently received an approval from the Mainland Chinese government to use LFP batteries in Model 3 in Mainland China. Although the supplier is still unclear, reports and IHS Markit intelligence indicate that Tesla is planning to source LFP-cathode batteries from M...

Growing EV market to drive demand for battery heating systems

Keeping the lithium-ion batteries in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) within optimum temperature levels plays a key role in the efficiency of these vehicles, as temperatures that are too low or too high can degrade the ability of these batteries to store charge and deliver optimal voltages and amperages. In addition to peak battery performance, maintaining optimal battery temperature also plays an important role in improving battery charging times and maintaining battery life. This issue becom...

Technology advancements and government support to determine fate of fuel cell vehicles

It is a known fact that an increasing number of vehicles are becoming electrified. What is uncertain is which electrification technology will gain the upper hand in the long run. The conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) is expected to feature in more than 80% of the light duty vehicles until the end of the decade, but a good chunk of these vehicles will also have some level of electrification—from mild hybrids, full hybrids, plug-in hybrids, to range extenders. Within zero emission ve...

COVID-19 pandemic: EV charging industry wrestles with a new magnitude of underutilization

As several countries around the world impose complete lockdowns because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global light vehicle sales are expected to witness a fall of more than 22% year on year (y/y) in demand to 70.3 million units in 2020, according to April IHS Markit forecasts. This level represents a downgrade of around 18.8 million units compared with the pre-COVID-19 period, when the IHS Markit forecasts were made in January 2020. Further si...

V2G could become a necessity in an EV-dominated landscape

The current global electricity production of more than 26,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) just about meets the global demand. The demand is mostly from the industrial segment and the transportation segment’s contribution is negligible. However, the demand from the transportation segment is certainly going to rapidly increase in the coming years as EVs gain a bigger market share in the automotive industry. A strong EV charging infrastructure will be one of the key aspects to ensure EV adoption, and it...

Market outlook for automotive sensors as electrification expands

The automotive industry experienced one of its most sluggish periods over the last couple of years. Macroeconomic factors such as the US–China trade war and a weak Chinese manufacturing output led to dented consumer sentiment across most verticals, but the automotive industry bore one of the biggest brunt. Passenger car sales have been badly hit during the period, including in major markets such as China, and recovery is not expected until at least the second half of 2020. However, the grow...

The battery electric vehicle: Why mass adoption is inevitable, yet elusive

When will battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reach the tipping point and overtake the internal combustion engine (ICE) as the power source of choice? This question is already agreed by most industry observers one that defines the modern automotive era. Some industry analysts claim that retail price parity will mark that tipping point. However, this factor is not the only requirement for a mass change in consumer behavior in favor of BEVs. Perhaps the question we should be asking is: “...

BorgWarner looks to future-proof powertrain business with acquisition of Delphi Technologies

The fast-paced technology developments in the automotive industry have made consolidation almost a necessity in order to keep pace with the changes, not just in the powertrain domain, but across the industry. We have witnessed a number of consolidations in the form of mergers and acquisitions over the last couple of years, and 2020 has started on a similar note. Last week, BorgWarner announced one of the biggest developments in the powertrain segment when it decided to fully acquire...

Low emissions zones and their impact on powertrain development

A study by the European Union (EU) in 2017 states that cars are responsible for around 12% of total carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the EU. By 2021, under the emission reduction targets planned by the EU, all new cars must achieve an average of 95 grams of CO₂ emissions per kilometer. This means fuel consumption of around 4.1L per 100 km, or 24.4 km/L, for petrol and 3.6L per 100 km, or 27.7 km/L, for diesel. One of the measures determined by the EU to improve air quality in metropolitan a...

The challenges EV start-ups are facing

Sales of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) totaled more than 2 million units in 2018, a 63% increase from the previous year, according to the IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2019. PEVs accounted for 2% of global light-vehicle sales in 2018, which is a quantum jump from 0.3% in 2015. If recent announcements by OEMs on electrification are any indication, PEVs will continue to record strong growth over the next decade. IHS Markit forecasts production of battery electric vehicle (BEV) to be over 15 million ...

Fuel cell EV sales and attempts to spur growth in the market

Introduction A hydrogen fuel cell can be likened to a battery that uses an electrochemical reaction to convert the chemical energy of hydrogen (fuel) and oxygen (oxidizing agent) to generate electricity. However, unlike conventional automotive batteries that store energy and must be recharged, and eventually discarded when depleted, fuel cells can continue to produce electricity indefinitely if hydrogen and oxygen are available. Fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) are often compared to traditional ...

2018 Global plug-in electric vehicle index

Overview 2018 was a year of sustained growth for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). OEMs around the world exhibited an increased commitment towards improving their uptake, with global PEV market share increasing from 1.4% in 2017 to 2.2% in 2018 . This is backed by a 55% increase in PEV production year-on-year. Graham Evans, Principal Analyst at IHS Markit, discussed the progression at length during a recent open webinar. He explained the rise in PEV sales and underpinned the global and loc...

Sustainable acquisition of e-motor materials, supply chain implications

Automakers have come under tight scrutiny in the aftermath of the Diesel Emissions Affair. Governments around the world are increasingly introducing and enforcing stringent policies and federal emission targets, which OEMs must achieve to sustain their operations. The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) and the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms, being enforced on all new vehicles, are expected to play a crucial role in determining propulsion strategies for all vehicle manuf...

Can EVs sell and thrive in US state Michigan?

Introduction Even as an increasing number of US states are transitioning towards alternative propulsion by adhering to the zero-emission zone (ZEV) mandate initiated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the majority of Michigan’s auto industry still revolves around the traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This analytical review aims to analyze the reasons for the relatively lower EV sales in such a crucial state and how all the stakeholders can help improve it. ...

Potential electric vehicle markets

Introduction Although the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is still at a nascent stage compared with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the technology is gradually establishing itself in the mass market. The advent of EVs is expected to cause massive disruptions in the traditional automotive ecosystem, ranging from changes in consumer buying patterns to changes in the long-term growth strategies of established OEMs. This is highlighted by the fact that almost all major OE...

Is there a future for PHEVs?

Introduction For some time now, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) have been viewed as a bridge between conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles and pure electric vehicles (EVs). They have witnessed sustained growth over the past five or so years as products have come to market since they offer owners both the consistency of conventional drivetrains and the excitement of electric drivetrains. Apart from being more fuel economic, various subsidies offered by state an...

Power semiconductors take center stage in vehicle electrification

Stringent carbon dioxide (CO2) emission standards worldwide, along with stricter testing regimes like Real Driving Emissions (RDE) and the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), are driving OEMs to develop higher-efficiency powertrain systems. For the goal to be achieved, engines are being downsized and auxiliary systems, such as water pumps and superchargers, are increasingly electrically driven. At the same time, electric motors are being added not only to supplement the ...

Cost analysis of electric vehicle charging stations

Introduction An electric vehicle (EV) charging station, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), refers to a device that connects an EV to a source of electricity. EVSE varies in type depending on the type of power supplied, the connectors as well as the charging standards adhered to. This means that different charging stations can provide different charging experiences, mostly referred to in terms of speed of charge. Although definitions can vary slightly depending on the lite...

Fuel cell electric vehicle product review and market development

What is fuel cell technology? Fuel cell technology combines hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity that powers the electric motor of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Unlike other electric vehicle (EV) alternatives, FCEVs’ range, and more importantly, refueling processes are comparable to ICE vehicles. These vehicles can be refueled in under 5 minutes and offer a driving range of around 500 kilometers on a full tank. A hydrogen fuel cell separates protons and electrons from the hyd...

A review of battery manufacturing location announcements

Introduction As alternative propulsion technologies gain greater acceptance, the demand for batteries is expected to increase. At a simplistic level, the battery may be considered as an energy storage medium for an electric vehicle (EV) in the same way as a gasoline or diesel fuel tank is in a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. While the basic functioning of batteries is similar in nature, with electrons in lieu of combustible hydrocarbons, automotive batteries face challen...

Vehicle side fast charging

Introduction ‘Range anxiety’ – a term reportedly coined about two decades ago – beset electric vehicle (EV) uptake ever since the first EV was manufactured in the 1800s. This abated only recently when mass-market EVs like the Nissan LEAF and the Renault Zoe began offering over 250 kilometers range, albeit vehicles such as the Tesla Model S have offered over 400 kilometers driving range for quite some time. Although EVs with increased range are now available to consumers, a certain ...

Hybridization Strategy – Advantages and Disadvantages

Introduction Traditionally, the primary source of vehicle propulsion has been the internal combustion engine (ICE). While demand for alternative propulsion vehicles is growing exponentially, ICE vehicles still command the major market share. This review aims to understand the various hybridization technologies being developed to address the growing concerns over the adverse effects of ICE-based powertrains on the environment. What is hybridization? Hybridization refers to the process of...

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment by US state

Introduction The United States plays a pivotal role in advancing the uptake of alternative propulsion technologies globally. Since most of the global automotive manufacturers have a base of operation – either R&D or manufacturing or both – in the country, the US is perfectly positioned to welcome the development and production of alternative propulsion vehicles. Whilst there have been obstacles along the way and ambivalence from the current political administration – the US Environm...

SupplierInsight Analysis – Issue 4, 2018

News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month Interiors The HSW (Heated steering wheel) sector is expected to see sustained demand owing to increasing light vehicle sales in colder climates and increased demand for electric vehicles, where thermal management is critical to improved driving range. Chassis ZF seeks JV with Brakes India and collaboration with OEMs around EPB technology on front axle as a new avenue for growing its pene...

Total Cost of Ownership in key EV Markets

Introduction The increasing adoption of alternative propulsion technologies globally is driving the purchase price of EVs down. For instance, the 2010 Nissan LEAF debuted in the US with a price tag of USD32,780 – accounting for inflation and currency fluctuations, the present value of the vehicle would range between USD35,900 to USD41,500. The latest version of the Nissan LEAF (2017) is offered in three trims with the price ranging between USD30,680 and USD36,790. Nevertheless, EVs still re...

SupplierInsight Analysis – Issue 3, 2018

News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month Supplier Strategy Tenneco's acquisition of Federal-Mogul is expected to result in complementary product categories, stronger customer base and greater geographical coverage for the combined company. E-Mobility The impact of materials and lightweighting on electric vehicles their mass-scale adoption. Who-Supplies-Whom Details of suppliers to the new JEEP Wranger Unlimited being manu...

2017 Global plug-in electric vehicle index

Overview 2017 witnessed remarkable growth in the global plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) uptake. PEVs accounted for 30.5% of all alternate propulsion vehicles produced in the year; during the same period in 2016 the PEV share was 24.9%. The increased market share is the result of a 56.6% increase in PEV production year-on-year (y-o-y) globally, when during the same period alternative propulsion vehicles, including conventional hybrids, witnessed an increase of 28.1%. This is against a backdrop ...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 2, 2018

News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month Thermal The demand for light vehicle engine oil cooler systems is expected to grow by around 60% between 2016 and 2023 on the back of increased fitment demand in gasoline engines. E-Mobility Electrify America is currently implementing the Cycle 1 National ZEV Investment plan, the Cycle 1 California ZEV Investment Plan, and the Supplement to the California ZEV Investment Plan. Who-Supplies-Whom ...

Electrify America – Progress Update

What is Electrify America? In 2017, Volkswagen (VW) revealed plans to install fast chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) across the United States as part of its court settlement with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following the diesel emissions controversy. VW has committed to spend USD2 billion on developing the EV infrastructure in the United States over the next 10 years. To manage the entire investment, VW has set up a wh...

Electric Revolution for Heavy Commercial Vehicles

The automotive industry has witnessed several enhancements in the past few years in electric and electronic components used in various applications. These are mainly security and safety features that improve comfort of passengers. The area of vehicle access systems is of key interest to both vehicle manufacturers and consumers, as systems are slowly changing from keyless vehicle access to virtual keys. Source: Getty Images Automakers are sensing a big opportunity in the commercial vehi...

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M&A
16-Feb-2018

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 1, 2018

News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month E-Mobility How are tranmission manufacturers and the wider automotive industry preparing and positioning for impending rise in hybrid demand? Thermal Modest projected adoption by global OEMs is expected to limit the use of CO2 (R744) refrigerants toniche variants or options in the near term. Who-Supplies-Whom Details of suppliers to the new Buick Enclave. Includes a look at the C1XX platform an...

Wireless EV Charging Standardization and Regulatory Progress

Introduction Whilst the prolific growth of electric vehicles (EVs) brings about a perpetual switch in the buying pattern of consumers, concerns over range anxiety, charging durations and a comparatively narrow choice of vehicles currently prevent the technology from becoming mainstream. Different EVs support different charging modes: whilst the entry models support AC Level 1 or AC Level 2 charging, the more expensive EV models support DC fast charging. Similarly, multiple DC fast charg...

Hybrid Transmission Developments

With the introduction of tighter legislative scrutiny on emission norms across various regions around the world, OEMs and suppliers are continuously developing solutions across the entire driveline. Advancement in hybrid transmissions is one such technological development domain where conventional internal combustion propulsion systems and electric systems are combined to meet fuel efficiency and emission targets, modulated with respect to the type of hybrid vehicle application. Categorization o...

The future of electric vehicles in India

Introduction The automotive market in India is among the fastest-growing globally and is forecast to be the third-largest car manufacturing nation by 2025, with an annual production base of circa 8 million passenger cars. While India is forecast to become the world’s third-largest car manufacturer by 2025, it is already the third-largest oil importer and spends about USD150 billion annually on imports. To reduce India’s dependency on oil and facilitate the transition to e-mobility, federa...

SupplierInsight Analysis – Issue 10, 2017

News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month Electrics & Electronics Why are manufacturing locations of wiring harnesses constantly shifting? The assembly of wiring harnesses is a labour-intensive process since they need to be assembled by hand Services, Apps and Software Automotive cyber security is still an emerging field, and many suppliers are trying to sell unique solutions and approaches. While there seems to be leaders de...

Second life applications for EV batteries

Introduction Sustainable mobility solutions are essential to build a clean and efficient transportation system. IHS Markit foresees that electrification of the world’s transport system is a path towards this goal, assuming electricity will be generated from renewable sources. In a move to expedite the transition towards electrification, regulatory authorities in many countries are committed to banning the sale of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by circa 2030. With a st...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 9, 2017

News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month Thermal Tightening emission regulations and fuel efficiency standards will drive global demand for cooled EGR systems. Chassis Reinventing the tire; While technological leaps buoyed by demand for autonomous vehicles are being achieved, tire supplier still face issues surrounding cost, information security, and production capabilities for market adoption of smart tires. Who-Supplies-Whom Details...

Could Norway’s EV market now sustain itself without subsidy?

Introduction Norway’s tryst with alternative propulsion commenced in the 1990s when it initiated tax incentives and subsidies to promote the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). Since then, Norway has witnessed prolific growth in EV sales to the extent that it has the highest per capita number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the world. Based on the IHS Markit plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) index, Norway ranks first in a list of 10 countries with the highest uptake of PEVs in the wor...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 8, 2017

News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month Autonomous We are gradually coming to terms with the real-time requirements of this complex technology in order to make fully functioning self-driving cars a reality We are gradually coming to terms with the real-time requirements of this complex technology in order to make fully functioning self-driving cars a reality Chassis As adoption of adaptive damper technologies trickles down to mid- and entr...

Growth trends in the Chinese PEV sector

Introduction China is the latest country to be in the increasing list of nations that publicly state their intention to phase out fossil fuel–powered vehicles from their roads. While the environmental perspective is the dominant driver of this move, necessitated by China’s commitment to lead climate change discussions arising from the Paris accord, the financial insinuations of this action cannot be disregarded. Being dependent on imports to meet about two-thirds of its oil demand and at ...

IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2017 – E-mobility Insights

Introduction The Frankfurt Motor Show 2017 (IAA 2017), which took place between 14th – 24th September, was awash with new concepts and prototypes ranging from small, city-drive electric cars to exotic, high-performance alternative powertrain supercars. Whilst OEMs exhibited their technical capabilities with advanced technologies like improved driver assistance, autonomous driving and reduced emissions, the underlying theme of the show and the focus of many reveals was electrification. Th...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 7, 2017

In this month's issue: NEWS The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month THERMAL Global OE demand for thermal expansion valves is expected to rise 10% between 2016 and 2020. We take a look at the growing thermal expansion valve market INTERIOR From being a ‘driver focused’ element, future seats can gradually be developed with a ‘rider focus’ approach in a bid towards reaching the goal of autonomous cars WHO-SUPPLIES-WHOM Details of ...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 6, 2017

In this month's issue: NEWS The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month POWERTRAIN ANBS combines Nissin Kogyo’s foundation brakes and Autoliv’s expertise in passive safety electronics and ADAS to test waters in autonomous driving THERMAL Analysis of the engine cooling radiator market INTERIORS Interiors have already started witnessing a ‘lightweight’ shift; getting more insight on this, IHS Markit spoke with International Automotiv...

Plug-in vehicle index – 2017 outlook

The Plug-In Electric Vehicle Index looks to track regional uptake of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and ranks the country market share of PEV registrations in a given quarter. A PEV is any motor vehicle that can be recharged from any external source of electricity. Broadly, a PEV consists of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). Based on the Q1 2017 update tracking the top 10 countries adopting e-mobility, Norway leads with total plug-in electric vehicle (PEV...

Understanding EV range anxiety

Defining range anxiety Electric vehicles (EVs) have been beset by range anxiety ever since the first EV was built in the mid-1800s. Capable of travelling a maximum distance of only 20 miles, the electric car was quickly replaced by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which were faster and could travel far greater distances. ‘Range anxiety’ can be defined as the fear of a vehicle exhausting its power before reaching its destination. This is a debilitating factor preventing EVs fr...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 5, 2017

THERMAL Modern light vehicle AC condensers are air cooled, multiflow type with integrated receiver-driers CHASSIS While integrated brake systems are still niche in vehicles, suppliers such as Continental and ZF are expected to broaden the market in the future as automakers integrate more ADAS functions in their vehicles E-MOBILITY IHS Markit 2016 Plug-In Vehicle Index shows that receding incentives push global PEV uptake in the last quarter WHO-SUPPLIES-WHOM Details of suppl...

Current automotive battery technologies and future trends

Sustainable mobility solutions are essential to build a clean and efficient transportation system. IHS Markit foresees that electrification of the world’s transport system is a path towards this goal, assuming generation of electricity from renewable sources. With a strong support from global automotive manufacturers, the plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) production is set to surpass 9 million by 2025 from the current market size of 0.9 million. One of the key enablers of this shift will be batte...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 4, 2017

In this month's issue... NEWS The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month INTERIORS Recent moves hint at a major strategy change in how market participants seek to grow their business in the long run SERVICES, SOFTWARE & APPS Virtual personal assistants (VPAs) are gaining in popularity as the automotive industry embraces them to connect the car and home to the IoTs. THERMAL Variable displacement AC compressors offer greater fuel effici...

insights
M&A
13-Apr-2017

SupplierInsight Analysis – Issue 3, 2017

NEWS The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month. SOFTWARE On March 13, 2017 Intel announced its acquisition of Mobileye, perhaps the most significant M&A event to date in the autonomous driving sector with significant impact over the next decade and beyond. POWERTRAIN Development of high fuel injection pressure helped in bringing improvement in diesel engine characteristics by reducing emissions and improving efficiency. CHASSI...

U.S. EV sales facing headwinds under the new administration

The United States of America enjoys the moniker of being the most technologically powerful economy in the world and with its strong hold in world affairs, it is also unquestionably a major influencer in global policy making. In terms of automotive production, the United States is the second largest car manufacturer in the world. According to IHS, close to 12 million light vehicles were manufactured in the country in 2016, out of which 0.3 million were electric vehicles (EVs). Although the countr...

SupplierInsight Analysis – Issue 2, 2017

In this month's issue: News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month Infotainment Autonomous vehicles and mobility will not only revolutionize the way people get around, they will also revolutionize the automotive industry. Interiors 2017 remains a crucial debut year for Adient, after undergoing an enormous transition last year, to carry forward the market dominance from its parent Johnson Controls UI / UX Automotive haptics...

Global plug-in electric vehicle incentives and their impact on e-mobility

E-mobility continues to garner attention from governments, automakers and technology suppliers alike and the importance of this segment of the wider transportation industry continues to expand. Whilst the success of electric vehicles (EVs) used to be the primary prerogative of automakers and associated supply partners, in recent times, governments across the globe have started playing an active role in stimulating the rise of this young market. Their objective with such interventions is the elec...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 1, 2017

In this issue: News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month Powertrain Torque vectoring technology is increasingly seen in high-performance vehicles; however, it is expected to eventually make its way to mass market vehicles, albeit slowly, with increasing purchase of AWD vehicles Interior Power adjusted seats to see 50% fitment rate in light vehicles by 2021 Interview Jim Bovenzi, former president of GM Russia and now executive direct...

The impact of technology companies in the EV space

The rapidly growing market for electric vehicles (EVs) and the potential revenue they offer has seen an increasing number of manufacturers enter this fledging market. Some of these manufacturers are established automotive OEMs, whilst others are technology-focused new entrants looking to capitalize on opportunities in a growing industry. Whilst in principle both have an equal opportunity to thrive, it is clear that the EV market is not restricted to manufacturers of conventionally powered vehicl...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 10, 2016

In this issue: News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month E-Mobility Supporting government initiatives and technological advancements will make EVs indispensable to the future of mobility Electronics Electronic Park Brakes are expected to feature more in mid- or low-segment cars as investment in EPB technology and integration with other electronic safety functions bring EPB cost down Interview Hiroshi Kato, Toyota Motor Manufacturing...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 9, 2016

In this issue: News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month Interiors China to provide strongest growth in seating systems market in the next five years Interview As Honda of the UK celebrates its 30th anniversary, the plant has also marked start of production of the 10th generation five-door Civic. Phil Haydon and David McDonald talk about production and sourcing, homologation for the US market. Electronics What is holding back the gr...

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 8, 2016

In this issue: US releases guidelines on “highly automated vehicles” Vast majority of car lighting applications are prime candidates for OLED use Suppliers to the new Porsche Panamera Brake caliper market trends Increased supplier concentration in HVAC Module space with five suppliers accounting for 80% of the market

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 7, 2016

In this issue: China’s brake manufacturers target specific vehicle segments. Rising concern over safety to propel airbag demand in India; Suppliers to the new Peugeot 3008; Central Body Control Module Market Trends The latest supplier investments, joint-ventures, M&A, and management changes

SupplierInsight Analysis - Issue 6, 2016

In this issue: Suppliers to the new Audi A5; Damping control technology development; Finding the right refrigerant; The evolution of automotive software The latest supplier investments, joint-ventures, M&A, and management changes

insights
M&A
19-Aug-2016

Mergers and Acquisitions (Issue 6, 2016)

Acquirer Acquired Business Sector Comment Eberspächer Manufacturing plant of Paul Rauschert Steinbach Thermal Eberspächer has acquired a manufacturing plant operated by Paul Rauschert Steinbach in Hermsdorf, Thuringia, Germany. The plant produces Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heating elements for hybrids and electric vehicles. It has 80 employees. The acquired plant is now m...

Management Changes (Issue 6, 2016)

Akebono has appointed Wilm Uhlenbecker as chairman of Akebono Brake Mexico. esides the new role, Uhlenbecker will continue his responsibilities as managing executive officer and president and CEO of Akebono Brake Corporation. Apple has hired Dan Dodge, the former head of BlackBerry’s automotive software division, for a key position at its ambitious self-driving car project dubbed Project Titan, reports Bloomberg. Dodge joined Apple’s Project Titan earlier this year and is part of a ...

Issue 2, 2016

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Issue 1, 2016

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