The global light truck and sport-utility vehicle (SUV) manufacturing sector represents a mature industry and encompasses manufacturers of light trucks and utility vehicles, including SUVs, pickups and crossover-utility vehicles (CUVs). Companies operating in his market also produce light truck and utility vehicle chassis.
Other industries relying on the global light truck and van industry include construction, retail and manufacturing. These sectors’ use light trucks and vans for the transportation of commodities, goods and passengers. Commercial vehicles also play a vital role in the distribution, logistics and passenger transportation industries. Global Industry Analysts estimates world demand for commercial vehicles will rise to 22 million units by 2017. State investment in infrastructure projects such as construction, mining and power generation will help spur market growth. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be a leader in driving market expansion.
Market Trends
Light truck and SUV manufacturers are meeting consumer demand for more environmentally friendly vehicles with a range of hybrid and crossover-utility vehicles, which continue to encroach on SUV market share, without leading to additional demand. In the short-term, automakers will concentrate their efforts on offering crossover-utility vehicles and trucks with improved fuel efficiency. Automakers will also be able to boost revenue by adding powertrain options like clean diesel and hybrids.
IBIS World predicts the industry’s economic contribution in the US will maintain yearly growth of 2% through 2017. Over the past five-year period, light truck and SUV sales have been slowed by environmental concerns and rising gas prices.
Regional Market Share
- The Asia-Pacific truck manufacturing sector exceeded $269 billion in 2011, having recorded 8% yearly growth for the four preceding years, reports MarketLine. Industry production volumes witnessed close to 6% yearly growth over the same period to reach almost 8 million trucks in 2011. Market growth is expected to accelerate to a yearly rate of more than 8% between 2011 and 2016, which would see the industry surpass the $395 billion mark.
- North America’s truck manufacturing market was worth close to $162 billion in 2011, according to MarketLine. Industry growth is expected to rise from 0.1% over the four-year period ending 2011 to almost 6% for the five-year period ending 2016. Industry output volumes fell at a yearly rate of almost -3.5% between 2007 and 2012. The North American truck manufacturing industry has a forecast worth of almost $213 billion in 2016.
- Truck manufacturing represents a $33 billion industry in India. The country’s truck manufacturing sector witnessed 13% yearly growth between 2007 and 2011. In terms of industry production volume, the industry grew at 13% a year over the same period, reaching almost 883 thousand trucks in 2011, reports MarketLine. Market growth is expected to slow, bringing the industry to just more than $33 billion in 2016.
Industry Leaders
Prominent names currently active in the global light truck and vans manufacturing industry include Volkswagen, Ford, Chrysler, Navistar, Toyota, Scania, Tata, Nissan, PACCAR, Isuzu, Hyundai, Hino, Mitsubishi, Honda, Volvo, Daimler, General Motors, UD Trucks, Fiat, and MAN Truck & Bus.
Market Outlook
Over the coming years, light truck and van manufacturers are expected to avail of venture capital funding to invest in innovative automobile technologies, reports Global Industry Analysts. Comfort, safety, elegance and efficiency will be among the most important vehicle features, receiving significant attention from automakers.
An ever-increasing number of commercial vehicles will be equipped with telematics, which will enhance value-added Transport Information and Control Systems (TICS) services. These services include traffic and travel information (like route guidance and pre-trip information), emergency management features (like incident and hazardous materials notifications), electronic payment, and traffic management features (like traffic control and transportation planning support).
Leading Industry Associations
