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  • Q1 2018 Truck Production Index Drops 6.1%

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    The Power Systems Research Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) decreased from 114 to 107, or 6.1%, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, from Q4 2017. The year-over-year (Q1 2017 to Q1 2018) loss for the PSR-TPI was one point (108 to 107), or .93%.

    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 CV Link™, the proprietary database maintained by Power Systems Research.

    Global Index: Commercial vehicle demand in 2018, is expected to be particularly strong in North America, Brazil, Russia and India while demand is expected to decline sharply in China after very strong sales in 2017. With the exception of China and Japan/Korea, medium and heavy commercial vehicle demand in the other regions is trending higher this year.

    North America: In 2018, medium and heavy commercial truck production is expected to increase by 13.8% over last year, driven by extremely strong class 8 demand combined with continued strength in the medium duty (class 4-7) segment.  Production levels for class 8 trucks are expected to exceed 300,000 trucks this year as a result of a very strong economy and high freight demand.  Demand in the medium duty segment will be driven in part by continued strength in the vocational segment.

    Detailed comments are contained for each region with a corresponding regional graph in the attached downloadable PDF.

    The PSR Truck Production Index is produced by Chris Fisher, PSR Senior Commercial Vehicle Analyst and Jim Downey, PSR Vice President- Global Data Products.  PSR

  • PowerTALK March 2018

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    Severe Weather, Economy Boost Q4 2017 Gen-Set Sales

    In this issue of PowerTALK, you’ll find PowerTRACKER North American gen-set survey report as well as news and analysis about these Top Stories:

    • PSR Marine Database Expanded
    • Data Point: A new feature
    • 2018 Moscow Boat Show Report
    • India Shifts EV Program
    • Hyundai May Build Engine Plant in Russia
    • Ford Delivers First Bi-fuel Focus Cars in Russia
    • Some Thoughts as China Drops Term Limits.
    • VW Picks China’s CATL as Battery Source

  • Severe Weather, Economy Boost Strong Q4 2017 Gen-Set Sales

    SUMMARY: North American Gen-set sales continued with strong growth in the lower kW ranges in Q4 2017 with overall unit sales up 12.9% over Q3 2017. The gains were driven by ongoing demand caused by severe hurricanes, as well as optimism about the economy.

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  • PowerTALK February 2018

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    AI Techniques Advance Quickly

    In this issue of PowerTALK, John Krzesicki, PSR Business Development Manager, reports on 2018 Annual Automotive Industry Outlook Conference.

    John Krzesicki
    John Krzesicki

    SUMMARY. Recent applications of digital technology combined with automotive industry expertise have produced impressive advancements in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS).

    The increasing use of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) techniques promises to revolutionize the driving experience and mobility strategies.

    On Feb. 1, The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) hosted
    The Artificial Intelligence Applications to Driver Assistance and
    Vehicle Automation. The event featured experts on the topic of AI in the automotive industry, discussing cutting-edge technologies expected to be
    integrated into production vehicles in the next two to five years.

    Topics included guided machine learning, computer vision, sensor fusion, and systems integration.

    Key Takeaways:

    • AI and other technologies are converging to enable powerful and valuable new applications that people want and will help achieve social goals such as safety.
    • All commercial and social sectors will be transformed on a scale equal to or greater than the changes from the Internet and smartphones.
    • The automotive sector will have many new business opportunities to be captured by companies that are smart, agile, adaptable, and quick to weather disruptions.
    • The OEM’s and Tier One Suppliers are well positioned to understand and rapidly adopt new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, for innovative new products and services and to do so with the same rigor in engineering for quality and safety that is a foundation of our reputation today.

    The other Top Stories in the February issue of PowerTALK include

    • Q4 2017 Global/NA Ag, Construction Forecast
    • ZF Enters China’s Forklift Market, Launches JV with Anhui HeliTrans
    • Ashok Leyland Unveils India’s First Swap Battery Bus
    • India Budget Seen Boosting Vehicle Sales
    • Germany Top Market for Russian Tires
    • Exports Drive Brazilian Construction Machinery Growth

  • PowerTALK January 2018

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    Global Truck Production Climbs 8.6%

    Global truck production climbed 8.6% climbed for the 12 month period ended Dec. 31, 2017, according to Power Systems Research (PSR). The outlook for global truck production in class 4-8 looks very promising for 2018, as the strong growth pattern established in 2017 continues.

    Other Top Stories in this issue of PowerTALK include:

    • Report from SAA Conference
    • Transportation News from CES
    • Global/North America Forecast
    • India CV Outlook
    • Chinese Truck OEMs Fined

  • Q4 2017 Power Systems Research Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) Climbs 8.6%

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    The outlook for global truck production in the class 4-8 looks very promising for 2018 as it continues a strong growth pattern established in 2017. Even previously struggling countries such as Russia, Brazil and Turkey saw very positive signs in 2017 and are looking for continued growth this year.  North America and Europe also are expected to have a good year in 2018.

    With the exception of Japan Korea and possibly China, all regions are expected to see modest to strong demand for medium and heavy commercial trucks in 2018.

    The Power Systems Research Global Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) increased from 111 to 114, or 2.7%, for the three-month period ended December 31, 2017. The year-over-year (Q4 2016 to the Q4 2017) gain for the PSR-TPI was 8.6%, increasing from 105 to 114.

    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 CV Link™, the proprietary database maintained by Power Systems Research.

    Looking at individual regions, this is what we see for 2018:

    North America: When final numbers for 2017 are tabulated, production of medium and heavy commercial trucks is expected to increase by 9.3%, compared to 2016.  The class 8 heavy truck segment continues to improve, and production is expected to finish approximately 11.5% higher than 2016, driven by high order intake.   The medium truck (class 4-7) segment is expected to remain strong with production increasing by 6.9% over 2016, primarily driven by a strong vocational segment.  Demand for class 8 trucks declined in 2016 but stabilized in 2017, and production is expected to reach 300,000 trucks in 2018.

    Europe: In Greater Europe, production for medium and heavy commercial vehicles is expected to increase by 9.7% in 2017, compared with 2016.  After a relatively strong couple of years in Western Europe, demand has moderated somewhat, but production improved by 5% compared with 2016.  After the past few years of political and economic strife, truck demand improved greatly in 2017 and is expected to finish the year 35.8% higher than 2016.  This is due to a combination of companies upgrading their fleets and economic expansion.

    South Asia: With the exception of India, all of the countries of South Asia are expected to have a good year for medium and heavy commercial vehicle demand.  Demand has slowed in India with the strict implementation of the BS-IV emission regulations on April 1, which increased the cost of the vehicles by 6% – 10%.  There was very little truck pre-buy during the Q1 2017, and there was a sharp decline in demand during Q2 2017.  However, demand appears to have stabilized in the third quarter.  For the year, medium and heavy commercial truck demand is expected to decline by 1.8% compared to 2016.

    South America: Medium and heavy commercial vehicle production has finally stabilized in Brazil albeit, at historically low levels with production expected to increase by 25% compared to 2016. 

    Japan/Korea: Domestic and export demand for medium and heavy commercial vehicles are expected to decline in 2017 compared with 2016.  Production for medium and heavy commercial vehicles is expected to decline by 3.3% in 2017. 

    Greater China: Production of medium and heavy commercial vehicles is expected to increase by 28.3% in 2017.  In 2017, China started to strictly enforce the GB1589 regulations to control overloading of trucks. This change will reduce freight hauling capacities by 20% thus driving the need to increase truck capacity in the market.

    Detailed comments are contained for each region with a corresponding regional graph in the attached downloadable PDF. PSR

    Chris Fisher is the senior commercial vehicle analyst at Power Systems Research

    Jim Downey is vice president -global data products at Power Systems Research

  • Hurricane Effects Lift Q3 2017 Gen-Set Sales

    SUMMARY: Gen-set sales experienced a sharp increase in Q3 2017 with overall sales up 21.8% over Q2 2017 levels due to demand from hurricanes Harvey and Irma.  This increase follows Q2 2017 where dealer reported sales were up 1.8% relative to Q1 2017 levels.

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  • Q3 2017 Power Systems Research Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) drops 9.5%

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    St. Paul, MN (October 12, 2017)— The Power Systems Research global Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) deceased from 116 to 105, or -9.5%, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, from Q2 2017. However, the year-over-year (Q3 2016 to Q3 2017) gain for the PSR-TPI was 101 to 105, or 3.9%.

    Overall, the global commercial truck industry is stronger than it has been in a number of years and is expected to continue to be strong moving into 2018.  While there are still concerns about regional economies such as South America and Greater China, the global economies continue to improve.

    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 CV Link™, the proprietary database maintained by Power Systems Research.

    While production in China also is expected to increase and South Asia also is expected to post gains, India is not expected to do as well. Japan and Korea are expected to decline this year.  

    With the exception of India, all of the countries of South Asia are expected to have a good year for medium and heavy commercial vehicle demand.  Demand has slowed in India with the strict implementation of the BS-IV emission regulations on April 1,  which increased the cost of the vehicles by 6% – 10%.  There was very little truck pre-buy during Q1 2017, and there was a sharp decline in demand during the second quarter.  However, demand appears to have stabilized in the third quarter.

    Medium and heavy commercial truck demand are starting to see improvements in countries such as Brazil and Russia in which we expect to see double digit growth this year after a number of years with dismal demand levels.  Along with a soft economy and the implementation of Euro VI emission regulations last year, Turkey is still struggling with demand levels.

    In North America, medium and heavy commercial truck production is expected to increase by 2.3% this year compared with 2016.  The class 8 heavy truck segment continues to improve and production is expected to finish slightly higher than 2016.   The medium truck (class 4-7) segment is expected to remain strong with production increasing by 5.2% over last year primarily driven by a strong vocational segment.  Demand for class 8 trucks declined last year but demand is improving and is expected to continue into 2018.

    Also seeing improvement is Greater Europe. Here, production for medium and heavy commercial vehicles is expected to increase by 5.5% this year compared with 2016.  After a relatively strong couple of years in Western Europe, demand has moderated somewhat, but production has improved 3.6% compared to last year.  After very low demand in Eastern Europe during the past few years, the market has stabilized and is expected to improve by 15.3% this year as fleets continue to upgrade their equipment. 

    Detailed comments are contained for each region with a corresponding regional graph in the attached downloadable PDF.   PSR

    Chris Fisher is the senior commercial vehicle analyst at Power Systems Research

    Jim Downey is vice president -global data products at Power Systems Research

  • How Student Teamwork Built a World Championship Car

    Editor’s Note: Caroline Little teaches all levels of French and moderates an engineering co-curricular at St. Thomas Academy, an all-boys school in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Here she provides a report on the program and the benefits it provides to participating students.

    Power Systems Research has been a lead sponsor of the special Experimental Vehicle Team (EVT) at St. Thomas for many years. This year, the team won its class in the Shell Eco-Marathon international competition in London. This report from Ms. Little discusses the program and the benefits it provides for high school students interested in science, technology, engineering and match (STEM).

    By Caroline Little

    Every year for the past twenty the Saint Thomas Academy Experimental Vehicle Team (STA EVT) has built a new vehicle from the ground up to give our students the best engineering experience a high-schooler can get. The internationally recognized program started in 1997. My fellow moderator Mark Westlake and I believe in the importance of learning from mistakes. That the most important life lessons come from experience, that science is not always easy and that the answers are not always found in the back of the book.

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  • Gen-Set Sales Gain Momentum in Q2 2017

    SUMMARY: Considering sales across all power ranges, gen-set sales gathered some momentum in Q2 2017, up 1.8% compared to Q1 2017 levels.  This increase follows Q1 2017 where overall dealer reported sales were down 5.5% relative to Q4 2016 levels.

    Read More »

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