Power Systems Research (PSR) is an international research company based in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. It operates a second North America office in Detroit, Mich., and has offices in five other countries. PSR analysts have been collecting and analyzing global engine and powertrain data and information since 1976, and we use this data to develop targeted forecasts by industry segment and region.
Our team of experienced analysts works with OEMs, engine and component manufacturers, dealers, fleet managers and industry experts to compile detailed and focused data that has become an industry standard. It’s the leading source of global information on engines and power equipment powered by IC and alternate sources. Whether you need detailed global data, forecasts or customized local market studies, we can provide you with Data, Forecasting and Solutions. Let’s start today.
A combine is a farm machine that harvests grain crops. Combines can reap, thresh and winnow crops into a single process. Crops include wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, etc. Combines overall boost crop output and farm income.
Trends: In 2022, production of Combines in North America increased nearly 12.5%, climbing from 6,372 units in 2021 to 7,162 units in 2022. Production is expected to remain flat in 2023 with a nominal decrease of less than 1%. The Combine market steadily rose this past year and farmers are upgrading to new machines. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, at Power Systems Research
Reports of scientific discoveries highlight this months Alternative Power Report produced by Guy Youngs of Power Systems Research. Read about a new ore discovered in China, Toyota’s work on solid state batteries and an ammonia-powered engine, and finally new work on white hydrogen.
A newly discovered ore containing vast quantities of an element widely used in semiconductors has been found in China. The discovery could propel new advances in battery technology.
Geologists have found the rare earth metal niobium inside the new ore named niobobaotite from north China’s Inner Mongolia. The rare earth metal is widely used in alloys for jet engines and rockets and has also been shown to have exceptional current conducting properties in low temperatures.
Researchers have said batteries made from niobium have several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. The Brazilian Metallurgy and Mining Company (CBMM) has been working on new projects towards the use of niobium to make advanced lithium-ion batteries.
Early this summer, scientists in northern France discovered what has the potential to be a huge white hydrogen deposit, (white hydrogen is naturally occurring H2). Not all forms of the hydrogen are equally clean, and this depends on how hydrogen is produced. Brown, black and grey H2, for instance, are all produced using processes with fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas and are therefore not environmentally friendly.
Depending on how this H2 is extracted, it could prove to be one of the cheapest and cleanest forms of hydrogen. The natural H2 deposit was found in July 2023 by Philippe de Donato and Jacques Pironon, scientists at the Université de Lorraine.
The global Outboard Marine Engine Market size is estimated at $5.54 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $8.99 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period, according to research by Power Systems Research.
The COVID-19 outbreak significantly impacted the boat manufacturing industry and caused a decline in recreational activities worldwide, which hurt outboard motor sales. However, in 2021, the market regained momentum due to the easing of restrictions. The market is expected to register healthy growth in the coming years.
There are generally three types of boat drives including inboard, outboard, and sterndrive. One obvious distinction among them is their placement of motor in the boat.
During the past few months, we have seen significant changes in the bus market in Europe and North America as operations convert from internal combustion engines to zero-emission buses.
In Europe, Scania and Volvo are moving from building complete buses to a chassis only build. The high cost of zero-emission buses and a competitive market are primary reasons for this. The expected growth of zero-emission buses is forcing the OEMs to better streamline operations, and we expect to see other large OEMs transition down this path.
Motorcycle purists either love them or hate them, but electric motorcycles are fast becoming a popular reality. From daily commuters to off-roading to track racing, we’ve seen all kinds of electric bikes hit the road over the past couple of years. There’s an increasing array of e-bikes catering to riders of all shapes, sizes, and kinds coming to market.
Here is a small sample of some of the leading OEMs and their electric motorcycle products.
Can-AM/BRP. The first Can‑Am motorcycles are expected to hit the road before the end of 2024. The Canadian Can-AM team is testing bikes in all possible usage conditions, and early feedback from test riders is that two new models deliver a powerful and smooth riding experience. The models include the Can-Am Origin dual-sport and Can-Am Pulse street bike, both slated to launch in mid-2024. Both models are still undergoing testing while construction is underway for a new plant in Querétaro, Mexico, which will produce the electric bikes.
SUMMARY. Many factors are pointing to modest growth in Q3 2023. This should lead to total production globally growing at +2.4% in 2023 vs 2022 (it was 2.6% in Q2 2023), and the outlook for the next few years remains positive with growth accelerating from 2025. Apart from Russia and Ukraine, the main countries to show a decline are South Korea, Slovakia, Netherlands. However, the segment picture shows some differences.
Several drivers are influencing the global economic picture.
Fuel prices eased earlier this year, recently they have grown slightly and are no longer showing signs of easing. This remains a serious issue.
Supply chains remain constrained and show no signs of improving.
The war in Ukraine shows no sign of a speedy conclusion, despite recent successes by Ukraine.
Ukrainian exports of wheat, other grains and fertilizer have declined massively following Russia’s ending on the Grain Deal. Alternative routes (overland, and via the Danube) simply don’t have the necessary capacity.
Inflation is easing, but it continues to be a major concern for central banks as they consider raising their interest rates. This will pose a risk to economic growth in all regions. Inflation and price increases are putting OEMs in a difficult situation.
Risk of recession continues in the background for several countries, notably China, USA and Germany, and this could drag other countries into recession.
Covid is still lingering with global deaths now at over 6.9 million, and a new variant has the medical world concerned.
Latent demand for machinery keeps building, which is a positive sign.
Tesla has broken ground on the site of its planned futuristic diner with a drive-in theater and Supercharger station. This project has been in the works for several years. In 2018, Elon Musk said that Tesla planned to open an “old school drive-in, (with) roller skates & rock restaurant at one of the new Tesla Supercharger locations in Los Angeles.”
A few months later, Tesla applied for building permits for “a restaurant and Supercharger station” at a location in Santa Monica. However, the project stalled for a long time, apparently due to local regulations. Nevertheless, Tesla still moved forward with a Supercharger at the location, but it had to move the diner project to Hollywood. Last year, Tesla filed the construction plans with the city, giving us the first look at what the automaker intends to build.
