Research In Focus
Information summaries and extracts from just-auto's continually updated research portfolio.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Fuel tank systems
20 January 2012
Fuelled by the need to save weight and reduce evaporative emissions, a great deal of innovative design and materials work is going into vehicle fuel tank systems, writes Matthew Beecham.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Transmission trends
13 December 2011
As part of just-auto’s ongoing monitoring of trends in the transmission sector, Matthew Beecham talked with executives from BorgWarner, Getrag and Prodrive about how they see the future for electronically-actuated automated manual transmissions (AMTs), whether integrated into hybrid or electric powertrains or combined with a conventional internal combustion engine.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Key developments in tyres
21 November 2011
The UK tyre market is changing, with demand for high-performance tyres, 4x4 tyres, and innovative products such as run-flat tyres growing rapidly. Matthew Beecham talked with Goodyear Dunlop about winter tyres and run-flats.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Transmission trends
16 November 2011
As part of just-auto’s ongoing monitoring of trends in the transmission sector, Matthew Beecham talked with executives from Torotrak, BorgWarner, Prodrive and Getrag about how the global transmission market could evolve in terms of the split between manual and automatic transmissions.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Global oil demand to peak before 2020 – study
8 November 2011
A study by engineering services and consulting company Ricardo predicts that global demand for oil may well peak before 2020 and fall back to levels significantly below 2010 demand by 2035.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Glow plugs
7 November 2011
The popularity of diesel engines in passenger cars continues to fuel a number of innovations in the glow plug sector, writes Matthew Beecham.
RESEARCH SNAPSHOT: 'Stop-start' systems
25 October 2011
In this extract from just-auto's QUBE research on electric vehicle technologies, we take a quick look at so-called stop-start systems. Do you know, for example, that Mazda's solution does not involve the starter motor or that stop-start has been a non-starter in North America?
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Spark plugs
24 October 2011
There are three things a gasoline engine needs: air, fuel and spark. The spark plug ignites the air/fuel mixture, producing the combustion that powers the engine. Despite the fact that spark plugs have featured in vehicles for more than a century, Matthew Beecham finds that manufacturers are still pushing back the technical boundaries.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Exhausts and finding the right note
3 August 2011
Exhaust sound used to be simply a by-product of engine and vehicle development, but for today's sports and luxury cars, it is a carefully-manipulated 'product' that must fit in with the car's character and the brand's image, writes Matthew Beecham.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Review of roof systems
10 June 2011
A number of trends are emerging in roof design, reports Matthew Beecham. First is the sheer size and sophistication of the products.
Q&A with Astra Automotive: vehicle lighting
17 May 2011
Astra Automotive is the brand born out of Lampion & Co Ltd. The company has been serving the automotive aftermarket since the early 1980s. In addition to selling replacement light bulbs, the company supplies a range of wiper blades, electrical parts and vehicle maintenance equipment. just-auto talked with Leon Callahan, managing director and Robert Jones, director of Astra Automotive about some notable trends in the vehicle lighting sector.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Advanced driver assistance systems: information overload?
28 April 2011
Radar-based safety technologies such as advance collision warning and blind-spot detection are becoming common place as optional equipment on new vehicles. While the possibilities to “assist the driver” seem endless, is there a risk of information overload? Matthew Beecham puts that question to executives at Continental, Bosch, TRW, Delphi and Freescale Semiconductor.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Review of electronic braking systems
20 April 2011
Electronic braking systems are rapidly gaining share in the automotive industry as automakers look to benefits of improved performance at low cost.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Review of electrical and electronic distribution systems
28 February 2011
The feature content of new cars is increasing on a daily basis. Yet features like multimedia systems, cell phones, rear seat entertainment, remote keyless entry and tyre pressure monitoring systems all consume more energy. As part of just-auto.com’s annual rolling review of electrical and electronic distribution systems, Matthew Beecham asks how is this trend impacting on vehicle electrical and electronic architectures?
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Review of exhaust systems
25 February 2011
As each new emissions regulation swings into force, more and more content is added to the exhaust in order to comply. Matthew Beecham talks with executives from Katcon Global, Tenneco Automotive, Bosal and BASF Catalysts about the ways in which they are meeting each regulation.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Advanced automotive batteries: are we nearly there?
18 February 2011
For some time, manufacturers have been pushing back the technical boundaries of batteries used for hybrid electric vehicles. Matthew Beecham asks executives of three leading advanced battery makers -- Western Lithium Corp, A123 Systems and SB LiMotive -- for their opinions on how this blossoming market is shaping-up.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Wiper trends
4 February 2011
For some time, the flat wiper blade has dominated the market driven by the need for improved product quality, comfort and aesthetics. Matthew Beecham reports on the implications for the aftermarket.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Powertrain cooling system trends
27 January 2011
Demands on powertrain cooling product performance, packaging and cost are continually increasing. As automakers expect economical solutions that help reduce emissions from cars and trucks, Matthew Beecham reports on how the leading suppliers are responding.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Mirror trends
27 January 2011
Tomorrow’s car rearview mirrors will feature fog sensing/signalling modules, gas sensing, occupant sensing, sign detection, and pedestrian detection. While more and more features are being packed into rearview mirrors, embedded camera technology is developing quickly. Matthew Beecham reviews some trends in the rearview mirror market.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Ignition system trends
26 January 2011
Ignition system technology has taken a number of twists and turns over the past fifty years. Matthew Beecham reports on some technical trends in the OE and aftermarket.
