Obtain the data you need to make the most informed decisions by accessing our extensive portfolio of information, analytics, and expertise. Sign in to the product or service center of your choice.
Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) is the first big car show
for the year for the European automotive market. Showcases pointed
to a renewed product focus on performance and sports cars, as well
as high-end SUVs. This trend has been visible across other global
shows this year, such as 2019 NAIAS.
GIMS 2019 hosted automakers offering improved electronic
suspensions along with high performance brakes to cater to sport
models. EV offerings with regenerative braking were peppered across
the show as European automakers gear up to meet stringent emission
norms this year, after they failed to do so in the previous
year.
Particularly within the suspension component segment, automakers
introduced a combination of adaptive dampers with an independent,
multi-link suspension set-up for optimum sporty ride and handling
balance. With a gamut of chassis component improvements, automakers
also showed their focus on lighter vehicles, with carbon fiber and
aluminum dominating chassis body compositions. Another means to
incorporating the lightweighting requirement was platform sharing.
Modular platforms accommodated varying body types across different
segments and propulsion systems.
It was apparent from the show that the inclusion of electronics
is becoming increasingly important, not just from a performance
basis, but also to distinguish a vehicle from the rest. Meanwhile,
semi- or fully-active damping technology (adaptive tech) is quickly
becoming a means to better control the chassis through dynamic
suspension settings on performance vehicles. These damping systems
are also key to accommodating modular platforms, as their dynamic
nature allows them to be applied to everything from sedans, to
performance hatchbacks, and SUVs. While the show highlighted how
chassis components can be tuned through electronics to improve
performance, adaptive suspensions have shown capabilities across
comfort as well. This has helped automakers strike a positive
balance between comfort and performance, which was previously seen
only in a niche category of vehicles. Several automakers included
rear steering for an even more track-focused ride.
Read more articles like this one. Subscribe to
SupplierInsight
The above article is from SupplierInsight by
IHS Markit. SupplierInsight provides a wealth of original thought
leadership, data, and analysis on a broad spectrum of automotive
industry topics and sectors. Content includes news and analysis,
topical reports, supplier profiles, and an automaker-supplier
relations database across 13 domains. Visit SupplierInsight to
view all our offerings.
