Turbo Sales to Jump 67% in N. America

Annual demand in North America for turbochargers in passenger and commercial vehicles will surge from 3.9 million now to 6.5 million by 2018, predicts Honeywell International Inc.

The company estimates that the engines in about 17% of vehicles sold in North America this year will be equipped with a turbocharger. In five years, it expects that proportion to reach 31%.

Honeywell says the U.S. market for turbochargers will expand 22% this year. The company notes that its own turbos will be used next year by 20 brands in more than 60 models sold in America.

Turbochargers are increasingly popular among carmakers because they enable more fuel-efficient smaller engines to produce the same power as larger naturally aspirated powerplants when needed. Analysts agree that demand will surge as vehicle manufacturers strive to meet tougher fuel economy and emissions standards.

Overseas, Honeywell expects turbocharger penetration by 2018 to double in China, reach 67% in Europe and advance two percentage points to 48% in India. It forecasts worldwide penetration will rise from 30% today to 38%.