DOHA THE global light vehicle (GLV) market will continue to be dependent on aluminium and in 2012, GLV sales are holding in positive territory.
In 2013 the forecast is that it would be steady with moderate risk, said Director of JD Power Automotive Forecasting David Cutting.
He was speaking at a panel discussion on, ‘Automobile Industry outlook in economic slowdown,’ at the Arabal conference, on Thursday.
“GLV growth is forecast to be steady with moderate risk. If there is one trend in the global automotive industry besides platform consolidation, however, it is uncertainty,” Cutting argued.
The GLV market is predicted to break through the 100 million barrier by middecade, almost doubling in size since the end of the 1990s. Emerging markets, led by China, India, Brazil and Russia, have driven much of the recent growth and are expected to remain key drivers to future growth.
Light vehicle production growth in Asia is expected to significantly outpace the other regions (with share of output increasing from 48 percent in 2011 to 53 percent by 2016).
“Scale brings fragmentation and a new definition of platform”, he said, pointing to how platforms have changed beyond recognition in the last 20 years.
Senior Expert at Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting Shambhu Prasad, noted that aluminium usage has increased to 140 kg/car in 2011 - predominantly in drive train, chassis and suspension and body. The automotive industry is the largest market for aluminium castings, and these account for more than 50 percent of aluminium used in cars.
Later in the day, Sustainability Manager at Qatalum, Mufeed Odeh speaking on the subject, “Aluminium Perfection, Sustainable Resource & Process”, said, “Sustainable development is one that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations”, was the definition he gave, saying that it includes within it recognition that the needs of the less fortunate should be given priority. It also comprises the idea of limitations caused by current technology and social organisation on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.
“Sustainability is transition, from short term to long term thinking, from a linear flow of resources to a systems’ flow, from fossil fuels to integration of alternatives, and seeing environmental, social and economic challenges as not separate and completing, but as interconnected and complementary.
“Our strategy is to reduce, reuse and recycle”, he said, emphasising tight controls on processed water, green surroundings, controls on emissions, all in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 pillars – which emphasise social and environmental development too.
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