"Solving the Powertrain Challenge"

The automotive industry at the crossroads.

2007

Triggered by increasing pollution around the world and predicted climate change, western automotive manufacturers face intense public pressure to develop more environmentally friendly cars, especially in terms of CO2 emissions. Western OEMs, according to the public view, missed the trend toward more fuel efficient cars and focused too intently on horse power.

They have failed to find a trade-off between fuel consumption, emissions, brand values and customer expectations. With binding EU CO2 fleet emission standards of 130g/km looming ahead in 2012, carmakers have their work cut out for them.

Based on research and interviews with top executives from Europe's leading automotive manufacturers and supplier groups we have distilled the most pressing challenges the industry faces. We talked with executives from OEMs and suppliers for this project over the period January to May 2007.

This study describes the challenges the automotive industry faces regarding emission standards and the hurdles that must be surmounted.

We show how OEMs and suppliers should move forward and use the current challenges to their advantage. By doing that they will be able to meet the 130g/km emission target in 2012 and remain competitive.