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.
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Global: Recovery Is Strong, but Uneven
GLOBAL REPORT
Yosyf Sheremeta SUMMARY. The global economy performed very well in 2021 and continues to recover, along with trade, employment and incomes. But the revival is unbalanced, with regions/countries, businesses and people facing very different economic realities. Recent improvements also conceal structural changes, which means that some sectors, jobs, and technologies will not return to their pre-pandemic trends. Based on the most recent economic developments and trends, Power Systems Research remains somewhat optimistic about the global recovery.
Many of us hoped to be in the post-Covid phase by now, but it is evident that there is no quick way out. The pandemic has had a profound impact on the world economy, and it will continue to challenge established norms of life and business into the foreseeable future. As we start the new year, many challenges remain, new and old alike: re-surgency of COVID variants, restrictions on travel, supply chain challenges, shortages of materials/goods, inflation, and employment, as well as renewed geopolitical tensions across many parts of the globe.
Power Systems Research witnessed a strong economic recovery globally in 2021, despite regional differences. Output in most OECD countries has now either surpassed or is about to reach pre-pandemic levels, but lower-income economies, particularly those where vaccination rates are low, are at risk of being left behind. Furthermore, the rebound will continue to vary widely among different market segments.
Global inflation re-surfaced in 2021 and presents a real risk to economic recovery in all regions. The renewed inflationary pressure risks lasting longer than was expected a few months ago. The surge in retail and wholesale energy costs in late 2021 will undermine economic growth prospects for large parts of Europe and Northeast Asia well into 2022. Rising food and energy prices already have impact on low-income households in particular.
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Global Economy On the Path To Economic Recovery, Despite Increased Uncertainty
Yosyf Sheremeta The global economy is on a healthy rebound trend, but issues with supply chain, logistics and the re-surgency of COVID-19 during Q3 2021 remained. Power Systems Research witnessed a strong economic recovery globally in H1 2021; however, many challenges still remain. The rebound will continue to vary widely among different regions/countries, but a complete recovery is not expected until the global pandemic is under control. With some minor changes among regions and market segments globally, our overall forecast from last quarter remains in place, and that is good news to our industry players, OEMs, powertrain, and component suppliers.
The global economic performance last quarter was in line with our initial projections from earlier this year. As we projected last quarter, we did not expect any rapid economic recovery in H2 2021, however, we continued to witness a steady increase in economic activities. During the last quarter of 2021 Power Systems Research expects this trend to remain in place.
Government support in the form of fiscal policies and public health management are driving the economic rebound and largely explain variations in performance across countries. With the targeted monetary support to consumers and certain industries, the demand for products and services globally is coming back, and we expect this trend to carry over into Q1 2022.
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Strong Growth Will Continue into 2022-23
Yosyf Sheremeta The third quarter of 2021 brought steady economic activities and strong economic recovery in North America. Despite this strong economic recovery, many existing and new challenges developed. Pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, logistics backlogs, shortages within semiconductor products and new virus re-problems, labor market issues (shortages across service industry as well as skilled labor)- have contributed to slower growth in Q3 2021 than previously expected.
With the help of government support and targeted fiscal policies, the US economy is showing a strong comeback in 2021. Furthermore, it is on a positive trajectory to continue to grow in the next few years. There are many reasons for us to be optimistic about this trend. Our positive outlook is based on the reviews of key economic indicators, including GDP, unemployment, and inflation. In our previous forecasts, we discussed recovery trends for the post-pandemic period, and we called for a return of demand for most markets in 2021, especially during H2 2021.
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Q3 2021 Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) Falls 10.7%
St. Paul, MN — The Power Systems Research Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) dropped from 131 to 117, or 10.7%, for the three-month period ended Sept. 30, 2021, from Q2 2021. The year-over-year (Q3 2020 to Q3 2021) loss for the PSR-TPI was 141 to 117, or 17%.
Except for China, all regions are expected to experience solid commercial vehicle demand growth this year and into 2022. Chinese heavy truck demand is expected to decline this year primarily due to the implementation of…
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California May Ban Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers and Leaf Blowers
Michael Aistrup California may soon ban the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers under a bill the Legislature passed and sent to Gov. Newsom.
Assembly Bill 1346 would direct the California Air Resources Board to phase out the sale of “small off-road engines” by 2024, or as soon as the board finds feasible, whichever is later.
The bill’s author, Assemblyman Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, tweeted that the state will spend $30 million “to help gardeners transition to cleaner, greener equipment.”
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Stanley Black & Decker To Purchase Cub Cadet Maker and Excel
Stanley Black & Decker has announced plans to buy the remaining 80% of MTD Holdings Inc.’s stock for $1.6 billion in cash after previously buying a 20% stake in 2019.
In addition to lawn tractors such as the Cub Cadet, MTD also makes push lawn mowers, snow blowers, robotic lawn mowers, outdoor power equipment and garden tools.
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Briggs & Stratton Acquires SimpliPhi Power
Briggs & Stratton has acquired SimpliPhi Power, a battery manufacturer whose technology can be found in many microgrids. Briggs & Stratton plans to speed its growth into the energy storage market through the acquisition.
SimpliPhi manufactures ferrous phosphate batteries, management technology systems and plug-and-play power packs for residential, commercial and industrial customers.
SimpliPhi Power started in the movie business, making battery packs and lights. The company…
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Ford, Argo AI, and Walmart Plan Autonomous Vehicle Delivery Service in Three U.S. Cities
John-Krzesicki The way we deliver products from point A to point B is changing. This transformation is creating new partnerships, with implications affecting more than just the transportation industry.
Our team at Power Systems Research provides market intelligence to companies working in and around transportation and mobility functions.
Ford Motor Company, Argo AI, and Walmart are working together to launch an autonomous vehicle delivery service in Miami, Austin, Texas, and Washington, D.C. — Walmart’s first multi-city autonomous delivery collaboration in the U.S. The last-mile delivery service will use Ford self-driving test vehicles equipped with the Argo AI Self-Driving System to deliver Walmart orders.
The collaboration brings together a self-driving technology provider with an automotive manufacturer able to integrate that technology with vehicles at scale, plus the world’s largest retailer.
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How Much Energy Does Bitcoin Consume?
John Krzesicki Today, Bitcoin consumes as much energy as a small country. This certainly sounds alarming, but the reality is a little more complex.
Our clients design and build generators installed for data centers, factories, distribution centers, commercial buildings, office buildings, grocery stores, and banks for emergency backup, peak shaving, or continuous power. Bitcoin miners utilize data centers for housing and managing their data (server) farms.
Bitcoin is a digital currency powered by many computers worldwide working to maintain the Bitcoin blockchain, a public database of all transactions on the network ever made. Bitcoin miners compete to officially record and verify the transaction and earn bitcoin as a reward. These transactions are verified by solving complex cryptographic and mathematical problems for which Bitcoin miners use a lot of power. The computers that record and verify Bitcoin transactions consume power at a level similar to some countries. The exact amount of energy used by a Bitcoin transaction can vary based on demand.
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Most Regions Will Post 20%+ Growth in Truck Production
Chris Fisher Editor’s Note: This is an updated report from the Q2 2021 Truck Production Index report produced by Chris Fisher and Jim Downey, Vice President-Global Data Products, in July 2021.
Question: What is the global truck production picture? What is the outlook?
PSR Opinion: Overall, medium and heavy truck demand will finish the year on a strong note, and continued strength is expected into 2022. On-going supply chain disruptions will continue to impact production throughout the rest of the year and likely into 2022.
Question: What kind of global production volume do you expect for this year?
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