Mediaroom

The penetration of automotive air conditioning systems continues to grow, and has reached near-saturation levels in the developed markets, with uptake continuing to climb in the developing markets. Automatic and multi-zone systems are now filtering down from larger, more luxurious vehicles, to even the very smallest cars.

The growth of the electric and hybrid vehicle segment has spurred further development of systems designed for use with these new drivetrains. The implications for HVAC suppliers are significant; this growth will create new opportunities and technical challenges for HVAC manufacturers for systems that can operate efficiently in this environment.

But perhaps the most significant factor impacting the HVAC market in recent years has been the European Union (EU) legislation banning the refrigerant R134a used in automotive HVAC systems. While the same legislative pressure is not taking place in North America and Japan, these markets are following the lead and moving to replace R134a as well.

And although it looked as if vehicle manufacturers had finally reached consensus over a new replacement refrigerant, recent concerns over safety have once again created uncertainty – seemingly putting HVAC suppliers back in the position of having to develop equipment for two different systems.

Report coverage:

Chapter two analyses product trends and fitment levels for HVAC systems in passenger cars in each major vehicle producing region through to 2020, and reviews manufacturer market shares in each major region.

Chapter three reviews the technical trends and challenges that the sector currently faces. The great refrigerant debate is analysed, along with new trends such as the integration of control functions into a single centre console.

Chapter four provides brief profiles of the major automotive air conditioning equipment manufacturers:

– Behr

– Calsonic Kansei

– Delphi Thermal Systems

– DENSO

– Halla Visteon Climate Control

– Valeo

– Sanden

Source: Research and Markets