Hybrid Manufacturing and Sales Expected to Surge
Prices at the pumps are soaring. With OPEC recently promising to cut oil production even further, oil analysts suggest that gas prices will continue to move up and up. As a result, Americans are turning to more fuel-efficient alternatives, and hybrid cars are leading the list.
Since 2000, hybrid sales in the United States have grown at an average annual rate of 88.6%. And within the last year, there were 43,435 U.S. registrations for hybrid vehicles, a 25.8% increase from 2002, according to figures from R.L Polk & Co., the firm that collects and interprets automotive information.
So what does all this mean for the metals fabrication industry? According to Matt Napier, Sales and Marketing Manager of
AFT's Composites Division, creating parts for both the electronic and gasoline engine components of hybrid automobiles offers the potential for new business and growth. Currently, he said that AFT is producing high-performance, high-reliability heatsinks and thermal coolers for the electronic portion of the hybrid's powertrain.
"Right now, the majority of our work in this area is with several European hybrid developers," Mr. Napier said. "The U.S. is still way behind in developing hybrid powertrains, but that will change as every major automaker is coming out with hybrid models in the next two years."
The relatively new technology of hybrid automobiles would seem to be a perfect match for the new technologies being developed in metal injection molding and metal matrix composites—especially in the area of AlSiC™ (Silicon Carbide Reinforced Aluminum) being used in performance electronic components.
Hybrids draw power from two different energy sources, typically a gas or diesel engine combined with a rechargeable electric motor. Key to hybrids' growing popularity is the incredible gas mileage they offer, averaging between 40 and 50 mpg combined city/highway driving. When accelerating, hybrids use the battery to provide extra power when needed. Furthermore, when the car is stopped in traffic, hybrid gasoline engines can shut off and run off their electric motor and battery.
Currently, hybrid sales account for only a fraction of the total vehicles sold in the U.S., with sales in 2003 numbering 16.7 million. However, that figure is expected to change. While hybrids made by Honda Motor Co. (Insight and Civic Hybrid) and Toyota Motor Corp. (Prius) are the only versions available in the U.S., nearly every automaker is investing in hybrid technology. Among the large U.S. automakers set to introduce hybrid vehicles is Ford Motor Co. The automaker has announced plans to market a hybrid version of its compact Escape sport utility vehicle this summer, as well as another hybrid SUV and midsize sedan in the next few years. Luxury brand Lexus is also planning a hybrid SUV. Among the hybrid leaders, Honda plans to introduce a hybrid version of its midsize Accord passenger car this year and Toyota said that it will step up its production of the Prius.
Compiled and edited from various media sources.
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