KAMAZ Changes Truck Models Following Daimler’s Exit from Russia

RUSSIA REPORT

March 10, 2022—The KAMAZ plant, which was hit by sanctions, has production orders only until the end of March. Currently, the OEM is working through orders for April and May, according to a company official. Company operations are linked to supplies from Europe, which have been halted, he said.

He also added that production continues, but changes in model range cannot be avoided. The main efforts of the OEM will be concentrated on deeper localization of trucks and rearranging production using local components.

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Piaggio Developing Electric Scooter For Indian Market

INDIA REPORT 
Aditya Kondejkar

Piaggio, which sells electric scooters in Europe, is developing products specifically for India but it will take 18-24 months to enter the market. It will focus on scooters and not launch electric motorcycles.

The large automaker has 2024 in its sights as a realistic go-to-market timeline for the new scooter.

“We are interested in providing customers with a solution in the two-wheeler space that (makes sense) even beyond the effect of subsidies. It is a matter of fact that the players that have entered recently in this space are gaining volumes on the base of subsidies,” says Diego Graffi, MD & CEO Piaggio India

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Sony Unveils EV SUV, Announces Collaboration With Honda

FAR EAST: JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

On March 5, the Sony Group unveiled its prototype EV “VISION-S” SUV to the public for the first time in Japan. The vehicle brings together Sony’s strengths in sensor, audio, and video technologies. On March 4, Sony announced a partnership with Honda, and the two companies will jointly develop EVs through a new company in which both companies will invest, with the aim of launching the EVs in 2025.

Following a sedan-type prototype announced in 2020, Sony unveiled an SUV at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a digital technology trade show held in the U.S. in January 2022.

The side mirrors will have no mirrored surfaces and will use images and data collected from nearly 40 sensors, including those in the front and rear of the vehicle, to enhance safety. The dashboard has three displays that can show movies and other content in addition to driving information. Inside the car, Sony’s audio technology is used to provide a realistic music experience.

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Penetration Rate of Intelligent EVs in China in 2030 May Exceed 90%

CHINA REPORT
Jack Hao
Jack Hao

“China has the largest automobile production in the world, the most complete industrial foundation, supply chain foundation, talent foundation and market foundation,” said Li Bin, chairman of Weilai automobile.

These factors provide China with a significant advantage in developing intelligent EVs, he said “In fact, if we can have the advantages of these four aspects at the same time, China is the only one in the world,” he added.

The penetration rate of new energy has exceeded 10% in 2021. From the trend, this target will exceed 20% in 2025. China’s penetration rate of intelligent electric vehicles in 2030 will exceed 90% in new car sales. In recent years, with the accelerated popularization of intelligent electric vehicles, the automotive industry will once again become the commanding height of scientific and technological innovation.

Source:  Beijing News     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Today, new bus procurement is fully electrified. Buses have fixed routes, and the operation range is relatively stable. At the end of 2020, all buses in key regions and major cities have been replaced with new energy. The trend of bus electrification will continue to be promoted nationwide and gradually electric buses will replace diesel vehicles.

Considering that the running distance and working environment are relatively controllable, the market promotion of oil and electricity price difference, and the gradual completion of bus electrification, taxis will also accelerate electrification.

The second step is to accelerate the electrification of trucks such as urban logistics, environmental sanitation and muck trucks. The State Council proposes to promote green and low-carbon means of transportation, port and airport services, urban logistics distribution and postal express to give priority to the use of new energy or clean energy and strengthen the charging and switching facilities of new energy vehicles.

The penetration rate of private car electrification will also continue to increase. According to the current situation, electric vehicles can replace unified fuel vehicles in terms of price and mileage around 2025. At the same time, with the promotion of electrification in the field of public transport and trucks, driving the continuous improvement of infrastructure, the electrification of private cars will proceed more smoothly.  PSR

Jack Hao is Senior Research Manager – China, for Power Systems Research

Middle East Energy Show Is Back Live

EUROPE REPORT

Emiliano Marzoli
Emiliano Marzoli

The last two years have seen a turnaround in the global economy and the way of doing business.  Many habits have changed, and trade shows were severely impacted by the pandemic.  For 2022, however the MEE is back live in Dubai.  The floor plan has been reduced, removing roughly half of the space used in previous edition.  This is not a surprise considering that the show was not busy in 2020, with many last-minute withdrawals, and that it was cancelled for 2021.  With many countries around the world relaxing Covid restrictions, attendance was positive, with the halls and stands buzzing during the show.  One common comment, it’s good to be back.

The energy sector is thriving now, pushed by investments in renewables and need for backup power.  During the last few years, critical power (Data centres and hospitals), infrastructure investments and telecommunication have created a strong demand for diesel and gas generators. 

However, the current supply chain shortages, logistic issues and rising costs have represented a tricky challenge for the industry.  From OEMs to engines and components suppliers, companies are working around the clock to find solutions to deliver their products to partners and customers. 

While in the third quarter of 2021, there was optimism looking at 2022, things are not developing as hoped.  In fact, most companies reported an even more challenging environment, with components and raw material shortages continuing, rising prices, and increasing shipping costs.  As already mentioned, during our 2021 forecast, we are not expecting a significant improvement in the supply chain until 2023.  PSR

Emiliano Marzoli is Manager-European Operations for Power Systems Research

DATAPOINT: North America Dumpers/Tenders, 2022 Production, 1620 Units

1,620 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Dumpers/Tenders to be produced in North America during 2022.

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.

Market Share:  With 62.5% of total units produced, Country Home Products leads in production of Dumpers/Tenders in North America. In second position is Allen Engineering with 19.5%; third, is Indy Equipment with 10.5%.    

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Medium and Heavy EV Market In Early Testing

Autonomous Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Chris Fisher
Chris Fisher

We have been hearing a lot of talk and getting questions on the current status and the future of autonomous vehicles within the medium and heavy segment.

Early adopters of autonomous technology will likely be in the class 8 long haul segment followed by the bus and medium duty truck segment.  Currently, the high cost of the technology can be better absorbed in class 8 long-haul truck applications.

The transition from level 0 to level 1 and 2 is happening relatively quickly due in part to the availability of the technology.  Level 3 adoption is still a few years away and it is currently not legal to use on the highway.  It will likely be 2027 or 2028 before we see small levels of level 3 commercial vehicles on the road.

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UAZ Starts To Supply Components for Hyundai and Kia

RUSSIA REPORT

The UAZ-Component company, part of the Ulyanovsk Automotive Plant, has started making crankshafts for engines Hyundai Gamma 1.6. The first serial lot of 3000 crankshafts  was shipped in December 2021.

The UAZ crankshaft was designed according to Hyundai requirements, and the components made by UAZ are being installed in Hyundai Solaris, Creta, Kia Rio and other car models.

First castings were made according to computer models. Upon finishing this stage, Hyundai representatives conducted audits on the UAZ working site. Then, first lots were shipped to Hyundai plant in Sestroretsk for finishing works. All tests were successful. At the end of 2021 UAZ received the approval for use of its crankshafts.

In January, the supply volume reached 10,000 units, then volume is planned to increase to 20,000 units per month.

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PSR Analysis: It looks like a second stage of localization automotive components with Hyundai (first stage included local assembly of the engines themselves). PSR

Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant – Russia Operations for Power Systems Research

New Russian 653hp Engine for Grain Combines

RUSSIA REPORT 
Maxim Sakov
Maxim Sakov

Tutaev Motor Plant has completed creation of 18.5 liter 8 cylinder Vee diesel engine TMZ-8807.10 with two turbochargers, electronic operation system and iron cast cylinder block heads. The powertrain pushes out 653 hp and is a part of new engine family, the TMZ-880. The development of the TMZ-880 family was started in 2016.

The new engine will be tested on the AG combine Palesse KVK-8060 made in the Belorussian Gomselmash plant in 2022. It will replace the German Mercedes OM-502LA. Decisions about mass production will be made, depending on test results

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PSR Analysis: A few years ago, Tutaev Motor plant became part of the KAMAZ structure. Since then, it has received a good boost in development. Among the new projects of TMZ are a joint venture with Chinese Weichai, and a new HHP engine range. PSR

Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant – Russia Operations for Power Systems Research

Union Budget Push To Expand Highways and EVs

INDIA REPORT 
Aditya Kondejkar

The 2022-2023 Budget is focused on building long-term strength using investment as the growth lever while maintaining policy stability and inclusivity. The 35% increased capex outlay, major infrastructure projects like 25,000 km road construction, 100 Cargo terminals, Project GatiShakti, 5G network, optic fiber cable laying and the recent PLI schemes are major positives.

Source: Auto Guide India    Read The Article

 “The blueprint of a digitally enabled, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, coupled with measures that will drive sustainable yet inclusive growth at a rapid pace for the next twenty-five years. These are the bedrock of the proposals announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, as we redefine our economy in a post-pandemic world. Setting the direction for creation of urban fossil fuel free zones, policy for battery swapping and energy as service and incentives for creating a vibrant start-up eco system, India could soon emerge as a fore-runner of green mobility solutions for the world” – Sunjay J Kapur, President ACMA (Automobile component manufacturers association of India)

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