Diesel News

Hybrids/Diesel Engines Steadily Gaining U.S. Market Share, Says Report

Conventional gas engines will remain dominant in the U.S. market, but hybrids and diesels are steadily gaining market share, especially as gas prices and concerns about global warming rise and technology advances, concludes a report by J.D. Power and Associates (which, like Standard & Poor’s, is a subsidiary of McGraw-Hill Companies). The article, The Steady-But Slow-Rise of Hybrids and Diesels in the U.S. Auto Market, published March 22, 2007, is part of a special report on global automakers published on RatingsDirect, the real-time, Web-based source for Standard & Poor’s credit ratings, research, and risk analysis, and in the April 4 issue of CreditWeek.

In conjunction with the special report, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services recently held a telephone conference call to discuss the outlook for global automakers (see replay information below).

The article predicts that hybrids and diesels will reach 9% of U.S. auto sales by 2009, and Toyota Motor Corp. will continue to lead this category in sales. Thanks in large part to increased production capacity, more than 70% of all new hybrid sales in the past two years have been Toyotas, although that number is expected to decline to 50% by 2009, reflecting the growth of new models from other automakers.

Consumer preference for diesel-powered engines is also growing.

As gas prices rise, diesels seem a natural solution for the U.S., especially for manufacturers with large operations in Europe, where diesel cars are already in large demand. For these carmakers, diesels provide a far more economical means than hybrids of improving CAFE averages. A vehicle with a modern diesel engine will have 30% better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. Plus, advances have made modern diesel engines perform similarly to gasoline engines in terms of noise, filtration systems, and drive quality.

Towards a Cleaner Tomorrow With Diesel Particulate Filters

Frost & Sullivan will host a conference call 22 March 2007 at 15.00 GMT to provide industry participants with an overview of the recently published study focusing on the Diesel Particulate Filters market.

As OEMs in the European market look towards equipping their diesel vehicles with DPFs, this study looks at the various technological choices they have and the outlook towards 2012. The study also features an analysis of supporting technologies which are likely to gain in importance as EURO emission norms tighten their grip on European OEMs and Suppliers.

Highlights of the briefing include: a DPF roadmap, analysis by technology, overview of supporting technologies and key conclusions.

Read free strategic insights at http://www.automotive.frost.com.

This briefing is based upon ongoing Diesel Particulate Filters market analysis and will benefit OEMs, suppliers and potential new entrants by discussing emerging trends and providing forward projections for the European DPF market. The report provides an insight into the dynamics guiding this market, and includes market challenges, drivers, restraints and avenues of opportunity for growth. The purpose of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of Diesel particulate Filters and its market revenue value.

During the next two to three years, new participants are expected to enter the European DPF market, which is likely to increase the DPF volumes available and so help OEMs. Apart from increasing competition, this is also expected to eliminate any potential shortage of filters, as experienced recently.

Frost & Sullivan will hold this conference call at 15.00 GMT on 22 March 2007, which will provide industry participants with an outlook on the DPF Market. To participate, please e-mail Michael Banks at michael.banks@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a registration link will be e-mailed to you.