Stop-Start Systems May Capture 55% of Market in 10 Years

Systems that automatically stop an engine when the vehicle stops and restart it when driving resumes will grow in application from 22% of light-vehicle sales worldwide in 2015 to 55% by 2024, predicts Boulder, Colo.-based Navigant Research.

The growth will create a worldwide market of nearly 59 million vehicles compared with 19 million this year, according to Stop-Start Vehicles.

The spread of stop-start systems, already popular in Europe, is being driven by rising fuel economy standards. The study says acceptance of the feature in the U.S. will hinge on refinements that result in smoother and faster operation.

The report notes the "on-demand" philosophy of stop-start technology is spreading to other vehicle systems such as air conditioning and steering and brake assist also in the name of greater efficiency.