Global Output of 3-Cylinder Engines to Jump 73%

Worldwide production of engines with three or fewer cylinders will surge to nearly 10.7 million units by 2015 from 6.2 million this year, predicts IHS Automotive Inc.

The research group also forecasts steady growth for four-cylinder engines. But it expects volume to be flat or lower for larger powerplants as carmakers rely on smaller turbocharged engines to meet lower emission and higher fuel economy targets.

China will drive global growth in engine production for light vehicles, surging from 17.8 million engines this year to 24 million units in 2015 and 23.3 million by 2019. Output in south Asia will jump 29% to 9.1 million engines by 2015 and reach 11.6 million units in 2019, according to IHS.

Production in mature markets will expand more slowly. IHS expects engine output in North America to grow 8% to 14.8 million units between this year and 2015. Over the same period, production in Europe will climb 19% to 24.1 million engines. IHS expects output in South America to rise 20% to nearly 4.5 million units in three years.