Stop-Start Vehicle Sales to Surpass 55 Million Units Annually by 2022
Sales of stop-start vehicles (SSVs), which eliminate idling by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarting it automatically when it is time to move, are expected to surpass 55 million units annually by 2022.
These vehicles, which offer fuel economy benefits of hybrids at a lower price, are proving popular with consumers because of improved fuel economy and the engine silence when it is stopped at an intersection. In essence, stop-start technology is seen as a low-cost and highly beneficial investment for auto manufacturers. According to a new report from Navigant Research, worldwide sales of SSVs will grow from 8.8 million in 2013 to 55.4 million in 2022.
“The latest stop-start systems are beginning to adopt some of the features that were first developed for full hybrid vehicles, such as energy recovery through regenerative braking,” says David Alexander, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “The challenge for automakers is to get the biggest efficiency benefits from the smallest cost increment.”
One challenge for this market, according to the report, is that stop-start technology goes by many different names, depending on the region of the world and the automaker. Automakers tend to assume that most consumers do not want to know how their vehicles work to achieve fuel efficiency, so they focus on promoting positive outcomes instead.
However, some consumers would be more likely to ask about optional packages if consistent terminology were used in the descriptions and if the benefits were more clearly explained in marketing and advertising materials. Greater clarity across the industry in communicating the advantages of SSV technology could increase sales of SSVs for all manufacturers, the study concludes.
About Navigant Research
Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, and Smart Buildings sectors. More information at: www.navigantresearch.com and www.navigant.com.
Category: Engines & Drivetrains, General Update, Green
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