Frost & Sullivan: Semi-Trailers in Western Europe to Get Advanced Chassis to Cope with Rising Fuel Prices

- OEMs and tier-one suppliers need to develop new semi-trailer technologies to cope with future regulatory changes

LONDON, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Demand for advanced trailer technologies is intensifying as trailer fleet owners are feeling the pinch of rising fuel prices and stricter regulatory environment. They are looking to own lighter semi-trailers that will allow them to reduce operating costs, improve fuel efficiency, and fleet safety as well as enhance mobile resource productivity and asset connectivity. These myriad demands will boost the proliferation and installation of advanced trailer technologies such as safety systems and telematics.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.automotive.frost.com), Strategic Analysis of the Western European Semi-Trailer Chassis and Connectivity Technologies Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $2.02 billion in 2011 and estimates this to reach $2.77 billion in 2018.

Customers are adding freight to semi-trailers to offset rising fuel prices and driver shortage. This trend could lead to new regulations that mandate advanced chassis systems to safely handle the extra freight. The market should also strategise for Euro emission regulation, type approval, and fuel-efficiency mandate for tractor-trailers.

The current recessionary environment, however, is dimming market prospects, as end users are demanding novel technologies at low prices. It is also compelling fleet owners to defer their new equipment purchases, thereby extending the average age of semi-trailers to an unprecedented high. This has reduced replacement demand, as fleets now seek new equipment and advanced technology to meet the changing demands of the trucking industry.

"OEMs will use advanced technologies to set themselves apart from their competitors," said Frost & Sullivan Automotive & Transportation Research Analyst Wallace Lau. "However, too many technologies chasing too few consumer dollars will make it difficult for OEMs to choose the right set of technologies for vertical integration."

Fleet managers' growing awareness of advanced semi-trailer technologies is heightening the demand for new trailer designs that help reduce the trailer form factor, enable connectivity with fleet management hubs, improve trailer safety, prevent theft, lower trailer downtime, and seamlessly integrate with tractor technologies. Trailer OEMs and suppliers must make the most of this demand to create lucrative revenue streams.

The government and the freight transport industry have strengthened their commitment to improving road conditions and easing traffic congestion for greater transportation efficiency, consequently ensuring long-term market growth.

"Overall, new industry regulations and high fuel prices are fostering a synergistic relationship between truck and semi-trailer OEMs, aimed at offering end users an attractive total cost of ownership for integrated truck-trailers," noted Lau. "In addition, this collaboration is expected to lead to innovative technologies that will further enhance the overall efficiency of a tractor-trailer combination."

If you are interested in more information on Frost & Sullivan's study Strategic Analysis of the Western European Semi-Trailer Chassis and Connectivity Technologies Market (M8D4-18), please send an email to Katja Feick, Corporate Communications, at katja.feick@frost.com, with your full contact details.

Strategic Analysis of the Western European Semi-Trailer Chassis and Connectivity Technologies Market (M8D4-18) is part of the Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan's related research services include: Electric Motor Technologies for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in China, Engine Downsizing Trends of North American Heavy-duty Truck Manufacturers, and Select Chinese Commercial Off-highway Vehicle Markets. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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Katja Feick
Corporate Communications – Europe
P: +49 (0) 69 7703343
E: katja.feick@frost.com
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