Automotive 4WD transmissions
The 4WD market is changing. In Europe and North America, consumer perceptions of several key factors within the automotive industry is driving a shift in attitudes towards the concept of AWD technology and towards the vehicles with which such technology is commonly associated.
There are a relatively large number of suppliers in the global 4WD market, compared to certain other sectors, such as engine management or turbochargers for example. just-auto estimates the overall global market to be worth around US$18bn in 2005.
One interesting factor within the sector is the relatively high level of in-house operations that remain around the world. Approximately 18% of the market is carried out by OEMs’ own chassis and powertrain operations. Examples include GM and DaimlerChrysler in North America, and BMW in Europe. Given that this is equivalent to the turnover of GKN Driveline, the largest 4WD supplier in the world, there should be opportunities for outsourced business to increase, especially as new technologies come through, and OEMs choose to retire plant at end-of-life.
The most significant trend anticipated in the global 4WD market is the continuing shift to electronic control of torque distribution.
Chapter 1 4WD technology overview looks at the weight, cost and efficiency disadvantages of fitting 4WD and the basic technical considerations. Largely written by award-winning and long time just-auto contributor Jeff Daniels.
Chapter 2 Developments in 4WD markets. Around the world, installation rates of 4WD have been increasing over the past five years. This chapter covers regional shares of 4WD installations from 2005 - 2012 for North America, Europe, Japan, Asia (outside Japan) as well as globally. In Europe and North America, consumer perceptions of several key factors within the automotive industry is driving a shift in attitudes towards the concept of AWD technology and towards the vehicles with which such technology is commonly associated.
Chapter 3 Review of key OEMs and their approaches to 4WD. This chapter reviews BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford (including PAG brands Jaguar, land Rover and Volvo), and Porsche.
Chapter 4 Key suppliers, their technologies and strategies for 4WD, highlights the market shares of major manufacturers in the global 4WD market for 2005 to 2012. Market position/share, financial position with regard to AWD, corporate strategy in AWD, AWD products and innovations and key AWD customers are given for the key major suppliers.
Chapter 5 Where now for 4WD? This chapter considers the impact of fuel consumption & emissions regulations and concludes by discussing how the market will evolve to 2012.
