Can advanced drivetrain tech bring in buyers?
There's no doubt that there are a lot of advances in powertrain technology that will improve the efficiency of vehicles over the next few years. There are near-term features like direct fuel injection, turbocharging and dual clutch transmissions. Other features like start stop systems and electrification of accessory drives will help too. The problem is these features all add cost to the vehicle. If consumers don't buy vehicles equipped with this kind of technology, there is no net benefit. Ernie DeVincent VP of Getrag spoke at the SAE World Congress this week and said that automakers have to do more than just put the new features on vehicles, they have to market it as well. New technology has always been something that has helped sell vehicles and it's more important than ever now. While some of changes may not provide as much improvement as a diesel or full hybrid system, their lower cost means that far more buyers can afford it. The aggregate improvement from 7-8 million vehicles a year with a 15 percent improvement in efficiency is far greater than 300,000 cars that get a 30 percent boost.
[Source: Ward's Auto World]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Luke 4:28PM (4/17/2008)
Yes, me. I'm interested by two things:
1) How well does the vehicle fit my needs?
2) How interesting is the technology?
3) Price
That's pretty much what I look for in a vehicle.
But I don't run into very many people like me at the grocery store...
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mike 4:57PM (4/17/2008)
You can't get these Bozo's to simply ALLOW us the OPTION of Buying a SMALL engine! The only thing these BOZO's market is 400 hp Idiot Engines.
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Wildgoosechase73 5:20PM (4/17/2008)
It's going to come down to a cost to benefit ratio. Sure a car with advanced tech may get 45mpg but one if can get a conventional car that gets only 35 for half the cost that's what they will buy. Mainstream people cannot afford a car with a payment that is approaches their mortgage payment.
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steven 5:20PM (4/17/2008)
Let's not forget the Bozos that can't seem to add 200-300 pounds avoirdupois to almost every new model.
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rgseidl 7:57PM (4/17/2008)
The problem with modest, incremental improvements isn't marketing - it's culture. Americans are highly individualistic and those who want to go green demand some serious bragging rights in that department: 40MPG instead of 30 won't do, it has to be 100+. Those who don't buy Hummers et al. to proudly proclaim their defiance of what they perceive as an overbearing state and/or cultural elitism: single digit MPG + war on terror forever.
European and especially, Japanese consumers are prepared to "do their bit" for the environment - an asset held in common - but only if they see many others doing the same. For them, greenery isn't so much product differentiation as social obligation - within reason, of course. 45MPG rather than 40 will do nicely, thank you very much. 50 would be showing off.
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Michael Hippenhammer 2:45PM (4/18/2008)
All I want is manual transmission with more speeds. 6-7 speeds would be nice. It is a lot cheaper and I don't have to waste my hard earned money for something that may increase mileage by 1-2 mpg. Cars are getting so complicated, which makes them heaver and less efficient and makes the car skyrocket in price. Light weight, fewer frills and gadgets, and spend the extra on the safety cage of smaller cars. And for God's sake learn to drive with a small utility trailer behind your car instead of trying to look cool in a pick-up truck to haul garbage and furniture etc. You will save tens of thousands of dollars, and you will get the mileage of an economy car all the time.
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jim 9:34AM (4/18/2008)
In as much as the technologies will help the mfg meet their CAFE goals the buyer will not have a choice the tech will become standard equipment and the buyer won't have a choice.
In the not to distant future the available automotive market will looks something like this. Small, Chevy Aveo sized cars that exceed the CAFE average that are cheap, but will be powered by tiny engines, figure 1 liter and 50-60 HP. Small cars that that use technology that will deliver 2X the CAFE requirement using technology and mainstream sedans and MPVs that are near the CAFE average and use technology.
Adjusted for inflation the cheap ICE will cost about what it does today and the other classes of cars will cost 10%-30% more depending on what level of tech is used.
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mike 8:10PM (4/18/2008)
jim, That's just my point, but, they could build and SELL 1 liter engines TODAY. Yet, Nothing on the Market.
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