Automotive OEMs Passenger Car and Light Duty Truck Lightweighting Strategies - Forecast to 2025

Average Vehicle Weight is Expected to Reduce by 20-25%, with Body-In-White (BIW) Expected to Lose Over 140kg by 2025, Due to Increased Adoption of HS Steel and Aluminium

The carbon emissions target for North America and Europe is to achieve below 100 g/km (97 in North America by 2025 and 95 in Europe by 2021). Advances in powertrain technology are expected to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, but alternate methods must be employed in order to assist a fuel-efficient powertrain. Lightweighting strategy is expected to help reduce CO2 emissions. In 2016, the average vehicle weight in Europe was around 1,380 kg and the average vehicle weight in North America around 1,800 kg. Increasing SUV sales implies the need to reduce weight in order to achieve the CO2 emissions target before the deadlines.

Research Scope

This study provides a strategic overview of the lightweighting strategies of major global automotive OEMs and the advanced materials expected to be implemented in future models of their current lineup. The research delves into the CO2 emissions standards that are expected to be met by 2021 in Europe and 2025 in North America, and the weight reduction goals manufacturers have to set for the next few years. The research also deals with material trends and areas on the vehicle where such materials are expected to be implemented between 2017 and 2025, while also highlighting the different strategies employed in passenger vehicles and light duty trucks. The research extends to discussing the various trends major that OEMs are likely to follow, based on body styles and segments.

Research Highlights

This research identifies the weight reduction that can be achieved in key areas:

• Body Chassis including components such as body panels, liftgates and doors.
• Interiors including parts such as dashboard, seats and inner frames.
• Powertrain including components on the engine such as cylinder block, oil pan, pistons. Within the powertrain segment, the research elaborates on the impact of various alternate powertrains on the weight of the vehicle, while also evaluating the advantages of future battery chemistries.

Key Features

The study lists the strategies used by major OEMs for recent vehicle releases and the weight reduction achieved when compared to previous generation models. It also talks about anticipated lightweighting strategies likely to be used in future vehicles to be launched by these OEMs. The research includes information on major material suppliers and their OEM partners, in addition to a snapshot of lightweighting suppliers and their key focus areas.

Key Conclusion

In conclusion, the research predicts the weight of an average vehicle in the future, highlighting the weight reductions in key areas.