-
Semiconductor Development Companies Set Up
FAR EAST: JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro The full details of the government’s goal of a next-generation semiconductor development system have been revealed. Led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and in cooperation with the private sector and overseas countries such as the United States, a new company will be established to mass produce next-generation semiconductors, and a new R&D center will be launched. This is the first time that a comprehensive system for research and mass production of advanced semiconductors has been established.
The new structure has two pillars. The “LSTC (Leading-edge Semiconductor Technology Center)” will be established by the end of this year as a research and development center for next-generation semiconductors. The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tohoku University, RIKEN, and others will participate in the LSTC, which aims to be an open R&D platform for both domestic and international use so that the results of research can be put to practical use. The company is also considering collaboration with the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), which is scheduled to be established in the United States.
-
DATAPOINT: North America Utility Vehicles, 2022 Production: 432,700 Units
Four-wheel off-road Utility Vehicles with side-by-side seating are designed to be used in a variety of recreational, industrial and military applications. When equipped with dumpers, they are commonly used for landscaping, dumping and transporting light materials. Vehicles can be customized with enclosed cabs, tool racks, dumpers and more for use on college campuses, parks, corporate campuses and airports. Suppliers offer a wide variety of gas, electric and diesel utility vehicles.
This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.
Exports: Canada, up to 90%; Mexico, up to 85% for NA markets, and US, up to 40% worldwide.
Market Share: With a combined plant total of 28%, Mexico/US based Polaris leads in production of Utility Vehicles in North America. In second position is Deere with a combined plant total of 12%; third is Kubota with 11%.
Trends: In 2021, annual production of Utility Vehicles in North America increased 2% and production is expected to gain another 5% in 2022. The Covid-19 pandemic fed the demand for Utility Vehicles in recreational, industrial and military applications known as the “Pandemic Paradox” (sales surged during lockdowns). The popularity of outdoor activities increased during the lockdowns as people gravitated to the outdoors and away from indoor group activities.
The increases also were driven by low unemployment, demand for products in the golf industry, federal government incentives and the desire for new equipment/greener technology especially within the sport and utility sectors.
Side-by-Side units, also referred to as Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) models continue to grow in popularity and are edging out ATVs for preference because of their convenience and increased capacity. Most UTVs can accommodate up to six passengers and are primarily designed for off-road use. Production is expected to increase up to 5% by 2025. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research
-
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck News
NORTH AMERICA REPORT
Chris Fisher During the past few years there has been plenty of talk about battery electric power replacing diesel-powered internal combustion engines in commercial trucks. At some point this might be true for short and regional haul freight carriers, but what about the long-haul heavy truck segment?
Currently, the lack of a sufficient charging infrastructure, range anxiety and the extreme weights associated with the batteries are significant deterrents to mass adoption of long-haul battery electric trucks. However, hydrogen fuel cell trucks for long-haul applications appear to be a viable option in this segment. Even though fuel cell trucks currently have a greater range and lighter weight than battery electric trucks, they have the same problem as electric trucks: a lack of refueling infrastructure.
-
Powersports Market Expected To Exceed US$ 50 Billion
Power Systems Research is forecasting global revenue for the Powersports industry to grow from $31.5 billion in 2020 to US$ 50.91 billion in 2030, a CAGR of 6% over the forecasted period.
Global Powersports Market
All-Terrain Vehicles, Side-by-Side, Powerboats, Snowmobiles and Heavyweight MotorcyclesDrivers-of-Demand. There are many factors driving the global powersports market growth:
- Increased all-terrain vehicle popularity.
- These include the rising participation in recreational activities, like surfing, off-road driving, and snowmobiling.
- According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association around $36 Billion is spent directly and indirectly on snowmobiling in the US and Canada each year.
- ATVs have lesser age restrictions, lower maintenance costs, are easier to maneuver due to low vehicle weight and are more affordable
- Rise in use of powersports to boost adventure tourism traveling to new locations for gaining new experiences, with controlled risk components and personal challenges in wild & exotic environments.
- People are raising the bar for racing by introducing new terrains and challenges.
- The market in Europe is expected to showcase exponential growth backed by government policies that promote recreational and off-road leisure activities.
- Global governmental initiatives to boost the tourism industry by assisting recreational clubs in enhancing their service offerings are creating a favorable environment for the market participating in the construction of dedicated infrastructure for recreational and amusement purposes.
- Technological innovations have played a major role in developing vehicles.
- New products have increased comfort, power, engineering, and safety.
- Utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) have improved durability and adaptability for off-road riding.
- Growth in investments and rapid innovations in the automotive sector have resulted in improved performance of powersports vehicles. This has resulted in improved vehicle efficiency, reduced noise and higher power of vehicles. Companies are also focusing on developing electric products for quieter more powerful riding.
- Growing consumer disposable incomes make it easier for customers to purchase leisure and recreational power equipment.
- Data prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) show that outdoor recreational activities accounted for US$ 374.3 billion in 2020, which is 1.8% of the overall U.S. GPD in 2020.
Alternative Power Report, October 2022
Download PDFIn the October issue of PSR’s Alternative Power Report, read about Ideanomics’ new quick charger, a new super fast rechargeable battery and a cost analysis of diesel vs. hydrogen power.
Power Systems Research Truck Production Index drops 13.7%
Download PDFGlobal Truck Production REPORT
St. Paul, MN (October 24, 2022)— The Power Systems Research Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) dropped from 110 to 101, or 8.2%, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2022, from Q2 2022. The year-over-year (Q3 2021 to Q3 2022) loss for the PSR-TPI was, 117 to 101, or 13.7%.
The PSR-TPI measures truck production globally and across six regions: North America, China, Europe, South America, Japan & Korea and Emerging Markets.
This data comes from OE Link™, the proprietary database maintained by Power Systems Research.
All Regions. Medium and heavy commercial vehicle production will be mixed this year due to a variety of issues. In China, truck overcapacity continues to hinder demand while the Russian-Ukraine war is significantly impacting demand and production in Eastern Europe. The global supply chain will remain a problem through at least the end of this year for all regions. There is serious concern about a major slowdown in the North American and European economies as a direct result of higher fuel and energy prices and overall inflation which doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon.
Global Index. Global medium and heavy vehicle production is expected to decline by 13% this year primarily due to a significant drop in heavy truck demand in China. A slowing global economy along with continued supply chain disruptions will continue to place pressure on demand moving forward.
North America. Medium and heavy commercial vehicle production is expected to increase by 9.3% this year over 2021 as the OEMs continue to struggle with the supply chain disruption that is expected to continue well into next year. Freight demand continues to remain healthy but is expected to cool as the economy in general slows down primarily due to high inflation and energy costs along with higher interest rates and continued disruption within the overall supply chain. Within the class 8 truck segment, PSR expects truck demand to remain strong into the first part of next year as a result of significant pent-up heavy truck demand. PSR
Jim Downey is Vice President – Global Data Products at Power Systems Research and
Chris Fisher is Senior Commercial Vehicle Analyst at Power Systems ResearchPowerTALK™, October 2022
Download PDFIN THIS ISSUE
Lorena Violante is the Senior Market Research Consultant for Power Systems Research. This month she interviewed Miguel Elizalde Lizárraga, the executive president of ANPACT (the National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor Producers). She also provides a report on ExporTransporte 2022, the largest truck bus show in Latin America.
Also in this issue read these articles:
- Alternative Power
- Ideanomics Tests Quick Power 500 kW Charger
- Hydrogen Combustion Engines Possible
- Super-Fast Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Battery
- Miniature Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powers RC Truck
- DataPoint: NA Skid Steer
- Brazil/South America:
- Record Sales of Agricultural Machines in Brazil
- Scania, VW and Volvo Show Euro VI Lineup
- GM Opens Third Shift Engine Production Plant
- Show Report: Expotransporte 2022
- China: Mercedes Produces Initial Heavy Trucks
- Japan: Agri Week 2022 Report
- South Korea: Hyundai and KT Invest in Autonomous Driving
- Vietnam: Urban Railroads Delayed
- India: Toyota Launches First Flex Fuel Hybrid
Toyota Launches India’s First Flex Fuel Hybrid
INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar Toyota has launched the Corolla Altis, India’s first flex-fuel engine. This car will be able to run on petrol or ethanol as well as electric power. It is part of a pilot project developing Flexi-Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles in India.
Source: Hindu Times Read The Article
Because of the great diversity in India’s consumer population, especially its per-capita income disparity, and multiple applications of vehicles, India might not use one technology but might use a combination of technologies involving various fuel types.
The Indian market can’t simply shift from petrol/ diesel engines to EVs over the next few years. Hence, many OEMs are working on CNG/ hydrogen/ hybrid vehicles. Toyota has launched this new vehicle for the Indian market as part of these efforts.
Urban Railroads Delayed
SOUTHEAST ASIA: VIETNAM REPORT
The development of urban railroads in Vietnam has been significantly delayed. The opening of the second line in the capital Hanoi is expected to be delayed to 2027, and the first line in the southern city of Ho Chi Minh City may not open until the end of 2023.
In addition to financial difficulties, there are cases where administrative authorities are not proactively resolving problems, leading to further delays.
In mid-September, Hanoi City abandoned the planned Hanoi Urban Railway Line 3 (Nhon Hanoi Station), which was planned to run through the center of the city, to open by the end of the year. The line is 12.5 kilometers long. Construction of the line began in 2010, and although it was originally planned to open in 2015, it is believed that the plan has already been changed about five times.
- Increased all-terrain vehicle popularity.
DataPoint Reports
TPI
PSR Truck Production Index
Free quarterly global commercial vehicle production report.
Alternative Power Report
The latest EV and power source news including batteries and fuel cells with analysis by PSR experts.
PowerTALK News
Stay informed each month with insights from Power Systems Research’s analysts working around the world as they identify and comment on important news items in the company’s monthly newsletter.
Subscribe View Archive
OE Link™ Offers
Global
Coverage
OE Link™ database provides OEM products, both On-Road and Off-Road, in 12 regions.
Current Reports
Download complimentary reports that show the type of information available from Power Systems Research.
PowerTALK News
Stay informed each month with insights from Power Systems Research analysts working around the world as they identify and comment on important news items in the company’s monthly newsletter.
Subscribe