Demand for Stop-Start Systems to Surge

Worldwide installations of automatic engine stop-start systems will surge to 41 million units per year by 2020, about 10 times the current pace, says Pike Research LLC.

The Boulder, Colo.-based market research firm says Europe will remain the largest market for stop-start technology which boosts fuel economy by shutting off the engine under normal idling conditions through 2018. Then Asia Pacific will overtake Europe, even though the percentage penetration may be lower.

Pike says North America's volume will grow to equal Europe by about 2021. It opines that America's adoption of the technology will be relatively slow because the Environmental Protection Agency's test cycle includes virtually no idling time. Thus carmakers who equip vehicles with stop-start systems in the U.S. market will get little credit for the resulting fuel-efficiency improvement.

Pike notes that most stop-start systems activate only when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Newer systems also can shut down the engine during coasting conditions but are suitable only for vehicles equipped with electric brakes and steering that don't require engine power.