2024 Combine Production: 7,100 Units

7100 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Combines to be produced in North America (United States) in 2023. Final 2023 production numbers will be available later in Q1 2024.

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. 

Market Share:  With 61.5% of total units produced, Deere captured the lead for combine production in North America (US).  In second position was Case with 25%; third, was Claas Omaha with 9%.

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

China Discovers Unique Battery Material

Guy Youngs
Guy Youngs

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.

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Could Toyota’s Ammonia Engine Bring the End of EVs?

The technology is the result of a collaboration of Toyota with the GAC Group, a Chinese state-owned manufacturer. The ammonia engine is a form of internal combustion engine (ICE) powered primarily by ammonia, (ammonia is comprised of a nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms). It does not contain carbon. As a result, when it’s burned in an ICE, it does not release carbon dioxide, one of the major greenhouse gases. In the effort to decarbonize, the potential of this type of technology is considerable.

Source: Hydrogen Fuel News: Read The Article

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XCMG To Invest US$ 55 Million in Brazil Electric Truck Plant

BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA REPORT 
Fabio Ferraresi
Fabio Ferraresi

XCMG has signed a letter of intent to invest in Pouso Alegre, in the south of the state. XCMG also plans to invest in the creation of a research and development center in the state.

Source: Brazil Mineral     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: The letter of intent reaffirms the intention of XCMG to gain market share in Brazil, not only on the Off Highway Electric Truck segment, but also in Brazil’s On Highway Truck segment they entered in May 2023. XCMG, the world’s third largest CE producer, threatens CAT, Komatsu and Volvo in the OH Tuck segment and plans to become a player in the On Highway market. It should be noted that XCMG already has a 500,000 square meter plant in Pouso Alegre and probably has enough space to make the investment only for equipment and tools for assembly.   PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development South America, for Power Systems Research

Vehicle Production in Brazil Stagnates

During the first 10 months of 2023, Brazilian On Highway Vehicle production faced challenges, with an increase in imports of approximately 58,000 units from January to October and a simultaneous drop in exports by more than 52,000 vehicles. The outcome was a stagnation in production, as only 1,950,000 passenger cars, Minivans and SUVs, light commercial vehicles, trucks, and bus chassis were produced. This marked a decrease of 0.6%, equivalent to almost 12,000 vehicles, compared to the same period in 2022, as reported by Anfavea on Nov. 8, 2023.

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Brazilian Marcopolo OKs Fuel Cell bus in Europe

With a capacity of 53 passengers, Marcopolo’s model, the Audace Fuel Cell, is a road unit. The version of the product made in China that has been exhibited and already approved for Europe, carries the cylinders in the luggage rack. Kent Phang, the Sales Director of Allenbus, partner of Marcopolo on the FC vehicle, says there is also an option to place the hydrogen cylinders over the body. With four cylinders, the vehicle exceeds 500 kilometers, according to the company. With six cylinders it is possible to reach 900 kilometers.  

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VW Announces Pickup Truck To Fight with Fiat Toro

Volkswagen has announced plans to introduce a pickup truck at its São José dos Pinhais plant in Paraná, Brazil, currently dedicated to assembling the T-Cross SUV. This new model, referred to internally as Project Udara, is part of the automaker’s €1 billion investment cycle in the country extending until 2028.

In addition to the pickup, the investment includes the development of two flex-hybrid vehicles, a new SUV, and a new engine, slated for production at the Brazilian assembly lines in São Bernardo do Campo and São Carlos.

The forthcoming pickup, larger than the existing Saveiro model produced in São Bernardo do Campo, is expected to feature a flex-fuel engine, with potential hybrid variants. Project Udara is set to be constructed on the MQB platform, and its launch is expected in early 2026.

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Outboard Marine Engine Market Hits $5.5 Billion

GLOBAL REPORT

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.

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