Pulling power

The European industry is creating more (or at least as much) with less for the latest-generation powertrains.

Diesel sales in Europe are starting to peak, gasoline technology is fighting back, downsizing is on the up-but the customer still wants more space, specs, and safety, without spending more money Most of the rapid gains in improving emissions and fuel consumption for diesel engines may have been achieved. Now, the future for powertrain technology looks complex and costly, with a great deal depending on effective, integrated, and reliable electronics, which remain a development area. But all this must fit into a very big strategic, technology-based, economic and social picture.

The European powertrain market is in a state of flux. It is experiencing an increasing tendency to cross-link through major collaborative programs to offset punishing R&D costs, and it continues to face the seemingly endless dual difficulties of reducing emissions and fuel consumption in powertrain development.