Market Research

Updating Suspension Study for 2019 & 2020 Model Years, Stay Tuned.

AUTOMOTIVE SUSPENSION & WHEEL-END STUDY

2017 Model Year

This is a study of wheels, brakes and suspension components and the materials and manufacturing processes currently used in the light duty automotive market.

Manufacturers:

The study will help you quickly identify which technology is winning and where your opportunity lies.

STUDY HIGHLIGHTS:

89 vehicles across 16 brands
24 cars
38 cross-overs & SUVs
15 pick-ups
Design and materials for knuckles, wheels, suspension arms and brake calipers

BRANDS

The study presents the data, including pictures of each model, front and rear, and an analysis by each market segment – car, performance car, crossover & SUV, pick-up truck, mini van and work van.

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

Performance vehicles versus mainstream on material usage of like components.
Material selection of the range-limited hybrids & EV’s versus the IC engine cars.
Compare premium EVs to mainstream.
In lightweighting, engineers like to stay in their comfort zone (IE in the materials they know), as long as possible.
Safety, the IHS offset barrier test. Which materials consistently pass?

FEATURE ARTICLES

Metal Casting Design & Purchasing – “Application of Castings on Wheel-End and Suspensions”

Lightweighting World magazine – “A Look at 2017 Safety Component and Options for Future Lightweighting.”

COMPONENTS

Did you know there are 6 different ways to produce a lower control arm?

Front Lower Control Arm
welded steel construction

Front Lower Control Arm
forged aluminum construction

Knuckles – A safety critical component, yet a nice weight-saving opportunity. Which vehicles already use aluminum?