Platinum today: News/Automotive

Johnson Matthey launches new diesel particulate filter system

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Johnson Matthey has unveiled a new diesel particulate filter system which can operate at lower exhaust temperatures than its previous designs, it has been confirmed.

The Low-Profile CRT(+) product is described as a passive regenerating technology which has the ability to reduce particulate matter by more than 80 per cent and hydrocarbon and CO emissions by 70 per cent.

Furthermore, the company has claimed that the system is capable of reaching the NO2 limit of 20 per cent set by the California Air Resources Board.

The Low-Profile CRT(+) features a new rectangular, two-component design with a 'flow-through' platinum catalyst placed before and separate from the filter to shield it from soot.

In addition to being compatible with all engine sizes and ultra-low sulphur diesel or B20 biodiesel fuel, the system could be applied to stationary diesel generators for emergency or back-up power.

"It is compact, easy to install and has greater filtration capacity because it accommodates more filters in its smaller package," said Jeffrey Sherman, Business Manager at Johnson Matthey's Stationary Emissions Control group.

"Equally importantly, it provides easier access with its lower height (filters accessed from the clean side) and is offered in stainless or carbon steel with a high-temperature coating."

The news arrives after a report by Swiss government research lab EMPA concluded this month that diesel cars are more environmentally friendly than battery-powered vehicles.

Source:

JM Introduces New Low-Profile CRT(+) DPF System (01/09/10)

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Diesel vehicles 'greener' than battery-powered models

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Diesel cars are more environmentally friendly than their lithium-ion battery counterparts, according to a new study.

Swiss government research lab EMPA conducted tests which showed that the manufacture and disposal of batteries presents no obstacle to the concept of electric-powered motoring.

However, the group also concluded that there is also a major eco-burden involved in the burning of coal or gas to produce electricity which is not required by diesel vehicles.

"It is the operation phase that remains the dominant contributor to the environmental burden caused by transport service as long as the electricity for the [battery car] is not produced by renewable hydropower," read one section of the report.

"A break even analysis shows that an [internal combustion engined vehicle] would need to consume less than 3.9 litres/100km to cause lower [environmental impacts] than a [battery car]."

The study, which appears in the American Chemical Society journal and is entitled Contribution of Li-Ion Batteries to the Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles, noted that consumptions in this range are already achieved by some small diesel cars.

According to the EMPA, a small estate car such as a Skoda Fabia is more environmentally friendly vehicle than a battery-powered Volkswagen Golf.

Meanwhile, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed recently that sales of diesel vehicles in the UK have outstripped those of petrol models for the first time.

According to the body's figures, new diesel registrations accounted for a record 50.6 per cent share of the market in July.

Source:

Diesels greener than battery cars, says Swiss gov report (31/08/10)

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Diesel vehicle industry players urged to register for new briefing

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Experts involved in the diesel vehicle industry are being encouraged to participate in an online analyst briefing presentation next week.

Frost & Sullivan admitted that there are currently a number of challenges involved in persuading North America that diesel is a more viable option than hybrids.

However, the group noted that the recent economic problems across the globe have prompted a desire for more fuel-efficient technology and that diesel vehicles "fit the bill".

As a result, the company's Automotive and Transportation Group is calling on vehicle manufacturers, powertrain engineering firms and supplies to sign up to the briefing, which is scheduled for 31st August.

Highlights are set to include an analysis of the difficulties facing the diesel market in North America and the measures being used to combat them, plus a discussion of the key technologies and their benefits.

"Besides technologies such as diesel particulate filters and common rail diesel injection, Variable Geometry Turbochargers will also have a very high market potential," said Hariher Balasubramanian, Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan's Automotive and Transportation practice.

"It is interesting to note that some of the European original equipment manufacturers are betting very heavily on their diesel line-up for the coming years, hoping to benefit from the expected surge in sales of diesel passenger vehicles."

Diesel particulate filters are of particular interest to the pgm industry as they use the metals to help reduce harmful emissions from vehicles.

Anyone interested in participating in the event should email Monika Kwiecinska at monika.kwiecinska@frost.com.

A registration link will then be provided, as long as the request includes full name, company name, title, contact number, email, address, city, state and country,

Alternatively, a recorded version of the briefing can be received by supplying the same contact details.

Source:

The Changing Face of North American Diesel Powertrain (26/08/10)

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Johnson Matthey gains approval for four-way emission control system

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Johnson Matthey will offer the world's first four-way emission control technology for on-road vehicles, it has been confirmed.

The leading platinum refiner has received approval from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to roll out its new SCRT System.

Suitable for vehicles with engines manufactured between 1994 and 2002, the system is capable of reducing NOx emissions by 70 per cent and CO, HC and PM emissions by more than 90 per cent.

Marty Lassen, Director of Commercial Development and Marketing at Johnson Matthey, was delighted at receiving the verification.

"This is further confirmation that Johnson Matthey's technologies remain among the best choices for improving air quality," he said.

The next milestone for the system will be later this year or in early 2011 when it receives CARB verification, which will make it the only retrofit technology to help meet the body's private fleet rules.

Johnson Matthey is also expecting the SCRT design to gain approval for engines built between 2003 and 2006 before the end of 2010.

The company is currently operating more than 50 demonstration units in California and Texas, which have been shown to reduce NOx emissions by up to 84 per cent on both EGR and non-EGR engines.

Mr Lassen added: "The experience gained from these demonstration units, and from over 250 SCRT systems being installed via grants from the EPA's Emerging Technology programme, will give the market confidence in the SCRT system's performance and durability."

Johnson Matthey currently has three divisions, namely Environmental Technologies, Precious Metals and Fine Chemicals and Catalysts.

Source:

Johnson Matthey SCRT® System First Emission Control Technology Verified by EPA for On-Road Vehicle NOx Reduction (23/08/10)

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Automotive Roundup September 2010

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Japanese automakers report production recovery from battering a year earlier (27/07/10)

Japanese automakers enjoyed a strong first half of the year in terms of auto production, it has been confirmed.

Toyota produced 4.36 million units during the six-month period, representing a year-on-year rise of 46.8 per cent, with a 16.2 per cent jump to 739,683 vehicles posted for June.

Honda recorded a first-half rise of 36.7 per cent to 1.80 million vehicles, while global production in June was boosted by 17.7 per cent to 303,549 units.

According to the Associated Press, Mazda saw January to June production increase by 24.6 per cent to 115,146 vehicles and Mitsubishi witnessed a rise of 59.8 per cent to 92,324 vehicles.

Nissan Looks to Mexican Exports, U.S. Plants to Ease Impact of Strong Yen (28/07/10)

Nissan, which saw its global production increase by 38.8 per cent to 354,425 in the first half of 2010, has revealed that it will boost its annual output in Mexico to 700,000.

The company will spend $600 million to upgrade its existing facilities in the country and is considering increasing its exports from the US due to the strength of the yen at present.

"Based on the currencies, there is a point in time where the competitiveness of those exports is going to increase," Carlos Tavares, Nissan's Executive Vice President and Head of US Operations, told Bloomberg.

Volkswagen Posts Biggest Quarterly Profit in Two Years on Golf, A5 Demand (29/07/10)

Volkswagen posted a 16 per cent rise in deliveries in the first half, including a 46 per cent rise to 950,278 vehicles in China.

Europe's largest automaker is currently building two factories in the country as it aims to double production there to three million vehicles in the next three years.

Volkswagen also revealed that sales in the first six months of the year in the US - where it will open a new plant in Tennessee next year - rose by 29 per cent to 175,300.

Volkswagen Says Second-Half Car Sales to Drop as Government Incentives End (13/08/10)

VW warns on risk of decline in car market (13/08/10)

Volkswagen is targeting a second consecutive year of record deliveries in 2010 after introducing about 70 new models to its range.

However, the company has issued a warning that the second half of the year may prove tricky for the auto industry on a worldwide basis.

"Now that incentive programs have come to an end, the global automotive market is expected to decline in the second half," said sales chief Christian Klinger.

"[VW] will perform better than the competition. However, this will be a challenge, given an operating environment that is again becoming difficult."

Hyundai Profit Jumps 71% to Record as New Models Lure U.S., China Drivers (29/07/10)

Hyundai has confirmed that it delivered 916,507 vehicles to customers across the world in the second quarter, representing a year-on-year rise of 13 per cent.

However, the company's deliveries in South Korea, which is its most profitable market, fell by 18 per cent as government incentives came to an end and other automakers posted strong performances.

GM, Ford and Chrysler Sales All Lag Estimates (03/08/10)

General Motors (GM) recorded US deliveries of 199,692 during July, compared with a total of 189,443 for the same period 12 months earlier.

Ford also experienced a small rise, from 165,279 to 170,411, while Toyota posted a decline of 6.8 per cent, which bettered analysts' estimates for a 7.4 per cent drop.

Nissan posted a rise of ten per cent and Honda recorded a fall of 5.6 per cent, with both totals calculated on a seasonally-adjusted basis.

J.D. Power lowers U.S. auto sales forecasts (19/08/10)

JD Power and Associates has cut its US auto sales forecasts for the remainder of this year and 2011 amid worries about the pace of the economic recovery.

The group revised its 2010 forecast down from 11.7 million vehicles to 11.6 million, while also slashing a previous estimate for next year of 13.7 million to 13.2 million.

"While a sharper uptick in vehicle sales was previously expected for 2011, the reality of a prolonged recovery has driven a reduction in the forecast," Director of Forecasting Jeff Schuster told Reuters.

Ministry proposes 'assembly regime' changes (09/08/10)

Foreign carmakers occupy Russian markets (09/08/10)

Meanwhile, in Russia, experts now believe that 52.3 per cent of all cars produced are from foreign automakers, up from 46.9 per cent in 2009, RT reports.

Business daily Kommersant claimed that the industry and trade ministry intend to tighten the rules for overseas companies producing vehicles under the 'industry assembly regime'.

At present, the automakers can import parts at a lower customs duty rate if they commit to certain requirements in relation to their facilities.

However, the government is now keen to see the firms accept a new set of agreements, including eight-year preferences for imports of car components and reaching a 60 per cent level of 'localisation'.

Foreign automakers would have to create facilities capable of producing 300,000 cars and 200,000 engines per year, while also establishing a Russian car development centre within four years.

Maruti Expects to Start New Assembly Line Soon (09/08/10)

Maruti Suzuki has revealed that it expects to open a new assembly line at its factory in Manesar, northern India in September, seven months ahead of schedule.

The company is hoping to boost annual production at the facility by 250,000 cars from its current 300,000 capacity by April 2012, the Wall Street Journal reports.

India's largest automaker would subsequently increase its overall output to 1.25 million cars per year.

Chery set to build auto plant in Brazil (10/08/10)

Chery Automobile plans to invest $700 million to build a new plant in Jacarei city in Brazil, Gasgoo.com reports.

The new factory will offer an annual production capacity of 170,000 units when it comes online in 2013.

Mexico's July Auto Output Up 65% On Year, Sales Lag (10/08/10)

The Mexican Auto Industry Association has confirmed that auto production in the country increased by 65 per cent on a year-on-year basis in July to 180,083 units.

A 58 per cent rise in exports to 143,521 vehicles contributed strongly to the increased performance, with a 52 per cent increase reported for the US, which is Mexico's largest export market.

Mexico is now set for a record year in terms of production and exports, as the former reached 1.26 million between January and July, representing a 77 per cent jump from the same period in 2009.

China will Produce 15 million Green Energy Cars in 2020 (10/08/10)

China will produce 15 million clean-energy automobiles per year by 2020, according to a new report published by the Xinmin Evening Post.

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers also predicted that the world's largest auto market will produce 16.5 million vehicles this year, a rise of more than 20 per cent from the 2009 total of 13.79 million.

Geely-Volvo China HQ settles in Shanghai (20/08/10)

And finally, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group has received the green light to build a new production facility in Shanghai for its Volvo models.

The company confirmed that the new facility, which will cover about 800,000 sq m in the Jiading Industrial Zone, will offer annual production of about 300,000 units.

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China and US auto sales rise in July but analysts urge caution

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Passenger car sales in China increased in July as consumers took advantage of new subsidies for fuel-efficient models and discounts from dealers.

Figures produced by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center suggested that 822,300 vehicles were sold during the month, representing a year-on-year rise of 15.4 per cent.

This compares to growth of 10.9 per cent in June, but the group told Bloomberg that the upcoming months could be more problematic as inventories are building up.

Unsold vehicles increased to almost 1.5 million units in the first seven months of the year, up from just under one million units in the period between January and April.

Sheng Ye, Associate Research Director for Greater China at Ipsos, predicted that the remainder of the year will be tough for the world's largest auto market.

"Auto sales have always been slow in the summer. But an extraordinary strong 2009 and worries about the economy are also to blame," he said in an interview with Reuters.

"We might see more traffic at showrooms by autumn, but it won't be anything close to the packed showrooms and explosive sales we saw in 2009."

Separate statistics published by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed that 1.24 million vehicles were sold in the country during July.

This represents a 14.42 per cent rise from the equivalent period in 2009, but a decline of 11.9 per cent from the total for June.

According to the body, cars with engines of 1.6 litres and below accounted for 65.38 per cent of overall passenger vehicle sales - the fifth month in a row this figure has been lower than last year's average of 69.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, the US enjoyed its best month for auto sales since the 'Cash for Clunkers' incentive scheme in August 2009.

Figures from Autodata revealed that 1.05 million vehicles were sold in July, up by five per cent on a year-on-year basis, with a seasonally-adjusted annual sales rate of about 12 million units.

Although the body claimed that this was the second highest volume since the start of the economic crisis in September 2008, it is also noted that lower-priced fleet sales played a major part.

Jesse Toprak, an analyst at auto pricing website Truecar.com, explained that automakers "can't get out of first gear" at present as consumers largely stay away from showrooms.

"Clearly there's hesitation from consumers to pull the trigger," he told CNN Money.

"There are signs of life in these numbers, but it's plankton, not anything big."

General Motors posted an overall sales improvement of five per cent, with a 25 per cent rise for the four brand it continues to sell - Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.

Ford also enjoyed a five per cent jump, although the figure was short of analysts' forecasts and does not include a 32 per cent drop in sales at Volvo, which it recently sold to Chinese automaker Geely.

Chrysler, the other Detroit-based 'Big Three' automaker, recorded a five per cent rise as well, mainly as a result of great sales of its Jeep vehicles, and the Wrangler in particular.

Toyota posted a sales decline of three per cent, while Honda revealed a fall of two per cent, Nissan reported a 19 per cent rise and Hyundai witnessed a 19 per cent increase.

"People are being cautious," said Jessica Caldwell, Senior Analyst at Edmunds.com, in an interview with CNN Money.

"Unless they have to buy a new car, they are not wanting to spend money. There were good deals this month, but they're just watching to see where it goes."

Elsewhere, the Japan Automobile Dealers' Association revealed that 333,403 vehicles were sold in the country in July, representing a year-on-year rise of 15 per cent.

Japan has now witnessed 12 straight months of sales improvements, with Toyota and Honda leading the latest increases.

In India, which is one of the world's fastest-growing auto markets, domestic car sales rose by 38 per cent to a record 158,764 units, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

The impressive performance is being attributed to strong demand in rural areas and the growing willingness of banks and finance firms to provide credit for buying cars.

Darius Lam, an analyst at JD Power, explained that global automakers are also increasingly viewing India as an ideal market for their small cars.

"There are a lot of new models in the B segment, like Volkwagen's Polo, Nissan's new Micra and Ford's Figo, and it has really given a big boost to the numbers in the first six months of this year," he told the Financial Times.

Moving to Europe, 136,446 new cars were sold in the UK last month, which was 13.2 per cent lower than the figure for July 2009 and the first drop for a year.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) claimed that the disappointing total can partly be attributed to the conclusion of the car scrappage incentive scheme.

However, January to July sales reached 1.24 million - a year-on-year rise of 15.1 per cent - and the body said it expects full-year sales to increase by 1.2 per cent to 2.02 million.

"A drop in private registrations compared to the scrappage-fuelled months of 2009 was expected and has brought the first market decline for 12 months," said SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt.

"Subdued consumer confidence and a still fragile economic recovery make the outlook for the remainder of 2010 challenging, but a stronger than expected first half means full-year volumes are still forecast to exceed 2009's total."

Meanwhile, the CCFA carmakers' association revealed that new passenger car registrations in France declined by 12.9 per cent to 169,804 units.

The figures were again influenced by the country's scrappage scheme, which was cut further from €700 to €500 on July 1st.

Spanish new car sales were down by 24 per cent to 82,167, with ANFAC - the body which supplied the data - predicting a fall of more than 30 per cent in the second half.

Transport ministry statistics in Italy showed that sales were 25.97 per cent lower at 152,752 units, while Belgium recorded a 9.5 per cent improvement to 39,909 units.

In the continent's largest auto market, Germany, new car registrations fell by about 30 per cent, a source close to the VDIK foreign carmakers' group told Reuters.

With the country's incentive scheme also now finished, registrations in the first seven months dropped by 29 per cent in comparison to the same period last year.

The picture was far more positive in Russia, where car sales reached 173,171 units, which was narrowly below the June total of 174,838 but 48 per cent higher than the July 2009 figure.

According to the Association of European Businesses (AEB), the improvement can be explained by the extension of the country's scrappage scheme and its ongoing economic recovery.

However, Martin Jahn, Vice-President of Volkswagen and a member of the AEB, warned that such impressive results may not continue for the remainder of the year.

"In August and September there may be some slowdown due to holidays on the majority of Russian factories as well as emergency weather conditions in several regions of central Russia," he told Reuters.

And finally, Fenabrave, the Brazilian national automobile dealership association, announced that auto sales in the country rose by 15.27 per cent to 285,299 vehicles.

Brazil's economy has been recovering well in recent months and consumers have been taking advantage of automaker discounts and the greater availability of credit.

In a report quoted by the Wall Street Journal, a team of Goldman Sachs economists described the figures as "encouraging".

"It shows that vehicle sales are rebounding after a temporary decline in the second quarter driven by the removal of IPI tax breaks," they said.

"The recovery in demand for vehicles is supported by abundant credit availability [at low rates and lengthy maturities for auto loans] and solid labour market conditions."

Brazilian auto sales in the first seven months of the year reached 1.67 million, which was a rise of 6.82 per cent from the equivalent period in 2009.

Sources:

Passenger-Car Sales in China Increase 15.4% to 822,300 Vehicles Last Month (02/08/10)

Toyota, Honda Lead Gains in Japanese Auto Sales as Subsidy Boosts Demand (02/08/10)

U.S. Auto Sales May Reach 2010 High in July as Closeout Deals Lure Buyers (02/08/10)

China and Japan lead Asian car sales rises (02/08/10)

Europe car sales drop in July as govt aid phases out (02/08/10)

German July new car sales down 30 pct - source (03/08/10)

Brazil July Auto Sales Rise On Discounts, Credit (03/08/10)

U.S.A.: Most automakers post July sales gains (03/08/10)

U.K.: July sees fall in new car sales (05/08/10)

China July auto sales slow; India at record high (09/08/10)

Russia July car sales soar 48 pct, may slow (09/08/10)

Rural demand drives India car sales record (09/08/10)

China: Low emission cars not finding buyers (10/08/10)

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SA catalyic converter industry and DTI reach stalemate over incentives

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

South Africa's catalytic converter manufacturing industry is facing a major headache as it has reached an impasse with the government over incentives.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has suggested that it cannot improve its current offer under the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP).

However, the Catalytic Converter Interest Group (CCIG) has now warned that contract losses and plant closures will ensue if a more suitable arrangement cannot be thrashed out.

At present, the industry receives incentives as part of the Motor Industry Development Programme, but this is set to be replaced by a new deal when the APDP arrives in 2013.

CCIG Chairman Paul Thompson, who is also Johnson Matthey's Commercial Manager for South Africa, revealed that R10 billion in new contracts has already been lost in the past 12 to 18 months.

He explained that a number of major replacement product sourcing decisions are on the horizon in the next three to six months, with South Africa set to lose out if it has insufficient support.

Nimrod Zalk, Deputy Director General for Industry Policy at the DTI, confirmed that the APDP will not offer the same level of incentives as the MIDP has provided.

However, he also told Engineering News Online that the DTI is prepared to meet the catalytic converter industry halfway and now needs the sector to demonstrate more competition.

South Africa exported 9.9 million catalytic converters - which reduce harmful emissions from automobiles with the help of pgms - in 2009, which was a decline of 43 per cent from the previous year.

Source:

Catalytic converter industry and DTI at incentives impasse (05/08/10)

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UK diesel car sales outstrip petrol models for first time

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sales of diesel vehicles outweighed those of their petrol counterparts for the first time ever in the UK last month, according to new figures.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that new diesel car registrations accounted for a record 50.6 per cent share of the market in July.

According to the RAC, the increasingly rapid shift away from petrol models, which are about 15 to 20 per cent less fuel efficient that diesel, is a sign of the economic times.

"People are clearly taking the overall cost of motoring into account when they buy a new car," a spokesman for the breakdown cover group told the Guardian.

"If you just want a car to pop into town then [diesel is] not going to be right for you, but if you use your car regularly and over relatively long distances you get a lot more mileage."

The SMMT statistics revealed that overall car registrations declined by 13.2 per cent in July, representing the first monthly decline for a year.

However, the burgeoning popularity of diesel vehicles, which tend to be about £1,000 more expensive than an equivalent petrol model, is good news for alternative fuel technology.

New generations of hybrid vehicles are likely to be pricey when they are initially commercialised, but motorists' desire for longevity and plenty of miles per gallon may work in their favour.

Source:

Diesel car sales overtake petrol in UK for first time (05/08/10)

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