Abstract
Structural and Technological Changes Pave the Way towards Globalisation of the
Market
The European commercial vehicles (CV) market is the scene of much activity
today. Ongoing technological advancements and new legislations are creating
numerous changes as this constantly evolving market moves towards
globalisation. The structure of the industry itself is altering, a trend that
is expected to continue until 2010. Rising operating costs in the EU will see
European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) increasingly outsourcing
their manufacturing processes to low-cost markets such as Asia. Similarly,
growing environmental and safety concerns will drive European governments to
implement congestion and emission measures while road freight regulations will
lead to substantial changes in vehicle and engine design.
This Frost & Sullivan research service examines the impact of key issues such
as technological developments, legislations and new markets on the European CV
market. It provides detailed technological roadmaps that map current and
future trends, discusses regulatory implications and examines the potential of
investing in various emerging markets. The study has been designed to enable
companies to formulate strategies with a view to staying a step ahead of the
competition.
Safety and Environmental Issues as well as Need for Globalisation Govern
Technology Innovation
European OEMs eastward shift to emerging and low-cost markets provides them
with strong economies of scale as well as significant global presence. The
need to reduce operational costs is the objective of almost every market
participant. Technological improvements are, therefore, now a basic
requirement as participants strive to differentiate themselves as well as
satisfy the increasing customer demand for vehicle safety and comfort. Safety
concerns combined with growing fears about environmental pollution are driving
European governments to introduce several legislations to ensure that all
commercial vehicles manufacturers install security systems as well as
fuel-efficient and environment-friendly engines.
"The European CV market is characterised by constant innovative vehicle design
to stay ahead of the competition as well as collaboration among participants
to gain greater overall market share and a stronger position," says the
analyst of this research service. Market trends reveal that companies are
increasingly turning to acquisitions and collaborative ventures with
participants in the emerging markets of China, India and Eastern Europe with
an aim to consolidate global presence as well as lower costs.
Emerging Markets Hold Huge Revenue Potential for European OEMs
The migration of the European CV market to the East has revealed the huge
potential existing in the large, untapped customer base in countries such as
China, India and South Korea. These offer new investment areas and hold
immense revenue potential, enabling European OEMs to implement innovative and
cost-effective methods of operation. At the same time, participants in these
emerging markets are likely to contribute significantly to the increase in
automotive vehicle volumes in the next few years. This suggests that there
will be a need for European vehicle expertise in these markets.
"New markets are also heavily dependent on the western market for exports,
thus proving that there is a huge investment opportunity for European OEMs,"
says the analyst. "This trend is likely to continue for the next few years,
indicating that emerging markets are starting to be a threat as well as an
opportunity to European OEMs, due to low prices and growing industry
expertise."
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