Using Vehicle Specifications to Gain Insights into Different Automotive Market Requirements

Lemuel Paulraj; Saravanan Muthiah

doi:10.4271/2020-01-1283

Determination of vehicle specifications (for example, powertrain sizing) is one of the fundamental steps in any new vehicle development process. The vehicle system engineer needs to select an optimum combination of vehicle, engine and transmission characteristics based on the product requirements received from Product Planning (PP) and Marketing teams during concept phase of any vehicle program. This process is generally iterative and requires subject matter expertise. For example, accurate powertrain sizing is essential to meet the required fuel economy (FE), performance and emission targets for different vehicle configurations.

This paper analyzes existing vehicle specifications (Passenger Cars/SUVs - Gasoline/Diesel) in different automotive markets (India, Europe, US, Japan) and aims to determine underlying trends across them. Scatter band analysis is carried out for specifications such as vehicle kerb weight (WT), vehicle length (L), vehicle width (W), vehicle height (H), footprint area (FPA), engine cubic capacity (CC) and engine power (P). CC/WT vs FE, CC/FPA vs FE, P/WT vs FE, FPA/(LXW), CC/(FPAXH), FPAXH and WXH trends are analyzed amongst others.

It is interesting to note that similarities exist amongst vehicle fleets operating in diverse markets despite differences in customer preferences, demographic characteristics, driving behaviors, road infrastructure, traffic and economic conditions. As expected, market specific peculiarities also exist. For example, it is apparent that in Indian scenario, engine capacity (low end torque) is more relevant than engine maximum power because of driving and loading/usage conditions prevalent.

The trends identified in this paper can potentially help vehicle system engineers to select target vehicle specifications based on market requirements.

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Using Vehicle Specifications to Gain Insights into Different Automotive Market Requirements 2020-01-1283

SAE MOBILUS