CONEXPO CONEXPO 2023 Features Hydrogen, Electric Equipment

Walking CONEXPO 2023, the giant international construction show in Las Vegas this month, it was obvious that OEMs are devoting huge amounts of resources to developing alternative power sources for their compact equipment.

Hydrogen powered units and battery packs were common and new products powered by alternative energy sources were popular with attendees. New technology was the name of the game at this year’s show.

However, there were several prototypes that were built only for the show, according to some exhibitors, and were not likely to be put into mass production anytime soon. In fact, one manufacturer told us, “This was manufactured for the purpose of the exhibition and is not intended for mass production.”

Read More»

Autotor Plant To Suspend Assembly of BMW Cars

Autotor’s Kaliningrad plant plans to suspend assembly of BMW cars from the middle of June to the beginning of July because of a components shortage. This is told by CEO of the plant Ruslan Sadykov.

Stephen Teichert, head of BMW Russia, claims Autotor production capacity has been reduced by about 70%; however, in July the OEM plans to increase production to pre-COVID-19 level.     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: The Autotor plant in Russia assembles passenger cars kits for BMW, Hyundai and Kia, and trucks for Hyundai, Daewoo, and Ford. Currently, the problems are claimed only for BMW components. The supply chain problems have been caused by COVID-19 lockdowns. PSR

Maxim Sakov Is Market Consultant, Russia, for Power Systems Research

KAMAZ Starts Development of Euro-6 Engine

Project “Tibet” is going on in R&D center of KAMAZ. Within this project, OEM is performing work on creation of an inline 6 cylinder engine, the KAMAZ-910.40 that meets the Euro-6 Emission standard. The initial prototype of the engine has been assembled.

New engine should have NOX reduced in 5 times, particles – in 2,5 times, ammonia – in 2,5 times, comparing to its predecessor. There are also stricter requirements to engine diagnostics.

Read More»

PSR/JCB Power Systems Construction Outlook Webinar

On November 30th, Power Systems Research with JCB Power Systems presented a webinar providing the 2021 outlook for construction equipment production and engine emissions trends in North America, South America and Europe.

The presentation included the latest information on COVID-19 impacts on construction equipment production. JCB Power Systems provided details regarding emissions in developing engine technologies that are coming to market across the globe.

Increased Utilization Fees for Vehicles Planned

Russian authorities plan to increase vehicle utilization fees in 2021, according to automotive sources.

Utilization fees could be increased by as much as 25-30% for all types of vehicles, including special machinery, according to industry sources. This measure would be accompanied by a comparable devaluation of the national currency, which would reduce trade barriers.

Utilization fees were implemented in 2012. It was always considered as a compensation of Custom’s tax reduce after Russia’s entry into WTO. It was set in Russian Rubles. Initially, the fees were paid by the importers only. However, they later were expanded to everybody, but then local OEMs started receiving industrial subsidies, compensating for this fee.

Read The Article

PSR Analysis: With reduced tax collection and increased State expenses in 2020, Russian authorities are seeking sources to compensate for income losses. Increasing utilization fees is one way to do this.    PSR

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

Brazil Is Key To Emissions Strategies for Oil Companies

Recently, European BP, Shell, Equinor and Total signed the agreement to meet the zero net emissions target by 2050. These companies see the Brazilian market as a key component in meeting this goal while they assemble the projects portfolio with Photovoltaic, Offshore Eolic and biofuel.

Source: AB Solar     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Brazil has a clean matrix and tradition in biofuel tradition since it began using Ethanol in the 70’s and 80’s. Some companies, such as Shell, operate with biofuel in Brazil, producing and distributing Ethanol, and plan to expand this position to meet future emissions targets. PSR

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

Ford Announces US$ 580 Million Investment in Argentina

This investment is dedicated to the new generation of Ford Ranger, produced in Pacheco at the Great Buenos Aires since 1998. 70% of the investment will be for production facilities and 30% in the new product line development.

Source: Valor Economico     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: The production in Argentina is mainly for export. The main market for Ranger pickups is Brazil where they will compete with the GM S10 produced in Brazil and the Toyota Hi Lux produced in Argentina.    PSR

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

Foton Announces Electric Truck in Brazil

After adding 28 Ford dealers to bring its dealer total in Brazil to 38 dealers, the Chinese giant is preparing to introduce an EV to i its new lineup in H2 2021. It plans to add trucks in the 17 ton – 24 ton range for 2022, the most popular in Brazil. In addition to the EV and Diesel Trucks, Foton will evaluate the potential for a CNG Trucks for launch after the EV, but it has shorter term potential for higher volumes.

Source: O Estado de São Paulo      Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Currently, Foton produces an LCV under a manufacturing agreement with GEFCO and imports Medium Trucks for sale in Brazil. These Trucks should be nationalized by 2025. The new line of Heavy Trucks meets P8 requirements for 2023 and may be nationalized by 2025 as well. So far, the volumes are very small, but we see an important growth forecast exceeding the overall market.     PSR

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