A global market review of automotive steering systems - Just-Auto.com

Chapter 1 Introduction Page 3
‘transitionary’ technology - preceding the arrival of full EPS systems -
manufacturers now predict a strong growth path.
While EPS and EPHS have made significant inroads in Europe and Japan, US
vehicle makers have been reluctant to replace their proven hydraulic systems
with the more costly electric ones because they claim the benefits are largely
unnoticeable and the added cost unjustifiable to customers. The key benefit of
EPS is in the increased fuel efficiency obtained by freeing the engine from
powering the steering compressor, and demand would probably be far higher if
fuel prices in the US and Japan were as high as they are in the UK and
Germany, for example, where the fuel savings of EPS have sufficient impact to
offset the added cost of the system. As environmental concerns have gained in
importance over recent years, energy-efficient electric power steering
mechanisms have become more popular. So far, the systems have been
limited to use on mini-vehicles, but further development could mean they will
soon be found on larger vehicles.
Despite its promise, EPS is really the stepping stone to tomorrow’s full steerby-wire
(SBW) directional control. The theoretical benefits of SBW are
compelling. SBW will dispense with all mechanical linkages between the wheel
and the steering, freeing-up even more space in the engine compartment.
Although all the major steering system manufacturers have been developing
SBW systems for use in cars, some report on scaling back their development
activities until 42-volt emerges. “There is still a lot of work to be done in terms
of getting acceptance from the OE,” said an auto executive. “I’m sure the
market will come but with some sort of back-up system rather than full bywire.”
The recent recall of 680,000 Mercedes-Benz and Maybach models fitted
with electro-hydraulic brakes has raised alarm bells over SBW across the auto
industry.
Report coverage
In this second edition reviewing the key market drivers for passenger car and
light vehicle steering systems, we broaden the analysis, providing forecasts of
the six types of steering system:
○
○
Rack Drive Electric Power Steering;
Pinion Drive Electric Power Steering;
© 2004 All content copyright Aroq Ltd. All rights reserved.