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Netherlands : Plug-in Vehicles to Lead the E-Powertrain Pack as Global Auto Sector Refocuses on Organic Growth: KPMG Auto Survey [TendersInfo (India)]
[January 08, 2014]

Netherlands : Plug-in Vehicles to Lead the E-Powertrain Pack as Global Auto Sector Refocuses on Organic Growth: KPMG Auto Survey [TendersInfo (India)]


(TendersInfo (India) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Plug-in hybrids will lead the pack among e-vehicles in the race to produce cleaner, more efficient vehicles, according to KPMG International s 2014 Global Automotive Executive Survey.

The rise of alternative powertrain technologies is one of several significant influences shaping the global automotive sector. Automakers are undergoing changes on many other fronts: a shift from partnerships and alliances to organic growth strategies, the continued emphasis of mobility solutions and technology as critical to OEM survival in the automotive value chain, and the increasing power of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). These issues are explored in-depth in KPMG s 15th annual auto survey, Strategies for a Fast-Evolving Market.



Continuing consumer concern with fuel efficiency and pollution is urging automakers to focus on plug-in hybrid and fuel cell technologies for the near future, said Mathieu Meyer, Global Head of Automotive and a partner with KPMG in Germany. Since the development of e-vehicle technology takes time, in parallel, automakers are also maintaining a strong grasp on downsizing the internal combustion engine to meet the needs of the current market place.

OEM strategy shifts from joint ventures and partnerships to organic growth Organic growth has overtaken joint ventures and partnerships as the most favored business strategy. In 2013, respondents placed joint ventures and alliances as the main approach, while organic growth now tops the list. This view is felt most strongly amongst OEMs from the TRIAD countries, with 84 percent listing organic growth as their main business strategy. This significant response may be a result of challenges that are being experienced in current partnerships such as effective integration and finding synergies.


Plug-in vehicles in demand Plug-in vehicles are expected to attract the greatest demand of any e-vehicle, for both the TRIAD and the BRIC markets. Fuel cell vehicles are also experiencing a rise in popularity with 69 percent of respondents considering this technology as critical to future growth.

Despite this confidence, the majority of investment from automakers will continue to be in downsizing the ICE, which could slow advances in e-vehicles, according to the survey. Seventy-six percent of respondents say that ICE downsizing and optimization is a key issue, compared to just 59 percent for battery-powered technologies.

TRIAD OEM s are twice as likely to invest in ICE downsizing, whereas BRIC countries are more focused on the various forms of e-mobility, like plug-in hybrids and pure battery electrified vehicles.

Technology driving change amongst automakers As automakers consider ways to grow organically, technology leadership could be critical to the survival of a company.

The demand for autonomous driving is leading automakers to become mobility solutions providers, said Mr. Meyer.

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