North America

  • Edge Computing Brings Data Closer To Home

    John Krzesicki
    John Krzesicki

    It’s often said that there’s nothing new under the sun, only new ways of doing old things. That may be especially true in how we handle data.

    Ever since Power Systems Research began tracking global production of engines and powertrains in 1976, its analysts have been alert to new trends surrounding power and data movement.

    Today, as three essential metrics in data handling change— cloud costs, volume and processing time—, the structure of data networks also is changing. In many cases, it’s not practical to send vast amounts of data to the cloud to be processed and then wait for the results. Now, it’s often necessary to have smaller data centers located near the activity, at the edge of the action, if you will.

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  • Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Happenings in Europe

    Chris Fisher
    Chris Fisher

    We have heard during the past few years that battery electric commercial trucks will ultimately replace the diesel-powered internal combustion engine for commercial trucks.  At some point in the future this might be true for short and regional haul freight carriers, but what about the long-haul heavy truck segment? 

    Currently, the lack of charging infrastructure, range anxiety and the extreme weights associated with the batteries will be a significant deterrent to mass adoption of long-haul battery electric trucks. 

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  • DATAPOINT: NA Skid Steer Loaders, 2021 Production Forecast: 95,100 Units

    95,100 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Skid Steer Loaders to be produced in North America (Canada and the U.S.) in 2021.

    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 36% of total units produced, Bobcat leads in production of Skid Steer Loaders in North America.  In second and third positions are Case New Holland and Deere with 21% and 15%, respectively.

    Exports: Collectively, up to 25% worldwide

    Trends: In 2020, production of skid steer loaders in North America decreased 18% to 87,400 units from 106,500 units in 2019.  Production is expected to recover about 9% in 2021 to 95,100 units.  The decline in 2020 was caused mostly by COVID-19-related factors plus the new equipment saturation in the market and a slight drop in construction related activities. 

    The gain in 2021 is attributed to the need for new construction equipment and the overall stabilization of the economy, especially regarding the construction industry.   As the construction industry continues to recover, construction will continue to be a key driver in overall industry growth. 

    Some softness in sales comes from the American agriculture industry that is sluggish as it continues to battle low commodity prices. The Agriculture Segment accounts for 29% of all Skid Steer usage in the market today.  Expect production of Skid Steer Loaders in NA to increase up to 7% over the next 3-5 years. PSR

    Carol Turner is Senior Analyst-Global Operations, at Power Systems Research

  • Powersports Recreational Equipment Update

    EDITOR’S NOTE. Power Systems Research tracks the global trends powersports recreational equipment, especially the electrification of these units. This is one of a series of reports on these trends.

    Michael Aistrup
    Michael Aistrup

    HARLEY-DAVIDSON LAUNCHES LIVEWIRE. Harley-Davidson has announced the launch of LiveWire as an all-electric motorcycle brand.  With LiveWire, H-D hopes to redefine electric, delivering a better experience for the urban rider.

    The first LiveWire branded motorcycle is scheduled to launch on July…

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  • Forecast: Component Shortages and Supply Chain Disruptions

    Chris Fisher
    Chris Fisher

    Since the latter part of last year, North American heavy commercial truck orders have been extremely strong as freight rates remain very high.  Both contract rates and spot rates are in record territory, primarily driven by consumer spending, a strong housing market and an improving manufacturing sector. 

    The anticipation of the stimulus spending and increasing vaccination rates for Covid-19 are also driving optimism in the economy.  However, rising inflation could derail the improving economy.

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  • DATAPOINT: NA Scooters, 2021 Production, 431,900

    431,900 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Scooters to be produced in North America (Mexico and the U.S.) in 2021.

    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: Dominating the NA market for Scooter production is Mexico-based Italika with 89% of total units produced.  In second position is Honda-Mexico with 11%; third is US-based Go-Ped with 178 units.

    Trends: 2020 production of Scooters in NA increased 10.5% over 2019 production despite Covid-19 uncertainties.  It is expected that production will gain an additional 4% from 2020 to 2021. 

    Honda reported record low production in 2020, when it posted the sharpest decline in its 72-year history, declining by more than 5 million sales globally or 24.4%.   Italika rallied after a bleak start to boost total production for the segment.  Italika was founded in 2005 as a new emerging motorcycles manufacturer headquartered in Toluca, Mexico.

    Increased demand for efficient and eco-friendly vehicles–along with the threat of rising gas prices–will boost the electric scooter market.  Not only are scooters convenient and offer independence, but they also make for faster commutes as opposed to using other modes of transportation; electric models are also extremely popular.  Expect production of scooters to increase 15% by 2025.   PSR

    Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research

  • Enhancements Made in MHV Segment Data

    Joe Zirnhelt
    Joe Zirnhelt

    As we move through the 2021 year, we at Power Systems Research are working to include enhancements within the data for our Medium and Heavy Vehicles segment that is available in OE Link™, CV Link™ and PartsLink™.

    We have added several new fields to increase the value of the data to users as they analyze and further segment the markets.  These enhancements, now available as of March 31, 2021,  include:

    OEM Assembly Information for Knockdown (Kit) Production. New fields including OEM Assembly Type (Kit vs. Full),  OEM Assembly Plant and OEM Assembly Country which will help in the analysis of OEMs involved in knockdown production (i.e. Kit) where initial production of the engine and chassis are different from the final OEM Country.

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  • Thuy Trinh Nguyen Wins $2,000 Scholarship from Power Systems Research

    Thuy Trinh Nguyen, a senior at Eagan High School, Eagan, Minnesota, is the recipient of the 2021 Power Systems Research $2,000 academic scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a student who will be attending a four-year college with a career objective in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.

    She will use the scholarship to study biology and sociology (Pre-Med) at Harvard College.

    "My favorite subject," says Thuy, "is AP Physics–it not only taught me how to calculate my initial velocity,…

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  • PSR-HDMA Present Webinar April 21, 2021

    Current and Future Supply Chain Concerns For Medium and Heavy Vehicles Will Be Discussed

    Erik Martin
    Erik Martin
    Chris Fisher
    Chris Fisher

    Power Systems Research April 21, 2021, produced a one-hour webinar with the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) discussing current and future supply chain concerns, especially as they affect Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles. 

    The presenters included:

    • Chris Fisher – Senior Commercial Vehicle Analyst, Power Systems Research
    • Erik Martin – Director, Asia Region, Power Systems Research
    • Richard Anderson – Director, Market Research & Analysis, HDMA

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  • NA Powersports EV Update

    Read the complete report in April PowerTALK™ News

    EDITOR’S NOTE. Power Systems Research tracks the global trend of electrification of industrial equipment. This is one of a series of reports on these trends.

    Michael Aistrup
    Michael Aistrup

    Polaris INDUSTRIES, Minneapolis, is planning to debut a new electric Ranger utility side-by-side in December 2021. The Ranger will be the first electric vehicle Polaris has developed through their partnership with Zero Motorcycles. 

    The electric Ranger is the first product in Polaris’s long-term plan to accelerate its leadership in powersports electrification. Production will take place in Polaris’s Huntsville, AL facility.

    Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), which owns popular brands such as Can-Am, Rotax, Sea-Doo and Ski-Doo, plans to offer electric models in each of its product lines by the end of 2026. The company is investing $300 million in product development and production facilities.

    Read More »

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