Abstract
Market Overview
Brake-by-wire Systems Expected to be the Most Successful Advanced Braking Systems in Future
Although over 95.0 percent of the European automotive market is currently
equipped with hydraulic braking systems, beyond 2009-2010, the industry is
expected to gradually shift towards more advanced braking systems such as
electro mechanical braking (EMB) systems and electronic wedge brake (EWB)
systems. Brake-by-wire systems such as EMB and EWB are expected to greatly
influence the braking systems market scenario in the next decade and have the
capability to replace hydraulic braking systems and become an industry
standard on passenger cars in the future. With regard to stability control
systems, the market is witnessing a strong growth, driven largely by the
increasing awareness among customers of the benefits of the electronic
stability program (ESP). Further, consumer feedback indicates that over 45.0
percent of end users across Western Europe will purchase a vehicle, if ESP
systems are offered as standard and the future of braking systems lies in the
integration of stability control systems with braking systems.
Considering the reliability issues associated with electro hydraulic braking
(EHB), hydraulic braking systems are expected to continue their dominance in
the market and maintain their market share until the end of this decade.
"While EHB systems are presently used in hybrid vehicles, alternative advanced
braking systems such as hybrid braking system, EWB system and EMB system are
still in the product development and testing stage and are expected to be
available in the market only by the end of this decade or early next decade,"
says Mr. Rajagopalan, Research Analyst with Frost & Sullivan. "Of these
advanced braking systems, hybrid braking systems are seen as a step towards
brake-by-wire, while EWB and EMB systems are identified as complete
brake-by-wire systems."
Reliability of the Electronic Circuits and Necessity for a Higher Voltage System Pose Challenges
Advanced braking systems such as EHB and EMB systems require a higher voltage
system in order to operate efficiently. One of the key reasons for the failure
of EHB systems is the poor reliability of the electronic circuit in the system
and this failure of the electronic circuit can be attributed to the absence of
a high voltage system in conventional cars. Hence, in the quest towards
advanced braking systems, reliability of the electronic circuits and the
necessity for a higher voltage system in the vehicle are likely to act as
major challenges for the European braking industry.
Currently, customer awareness of the benefits of advanced braking and
stability control systems remains low. Hence, adequate customer education
regarding the benefits of advanced braking and stability control systems could
develop as a crucial driver for these systems in the market. "The key to the
success of advanced braking and stability control systems is in designing a
reliable system, which offers maximum benefits to both the vehicle
manufacturers as well as end users," says the analyst. "Further, in ensuring
maximum market penetration, the system needs be priced strategically and
should cater to the needs of different vehicle segments."
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