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Consumer expectations, government regulations and industry competition
are all driving forces in the determination of which technologies
get introduced and when. Orbital has been in the powertrain industry
for decades and has been part of the evolution and revolution of
technology in the various product segments – automotive, motorcycles
and marine.
The automotive industry has always been the
pinnacle of refinement and technology within the powertrain market
place. Though managed on a global scale, regional requirements often
see the all too well known tradeoffs between performance, fuel economy
and legislated emissions capability being challenged. High technology
is common place, and the market is constantly expanding as manufacturers
from low cost economies enter the industry.
The motorcycle industry must compete in a very
cost sensitive market and thus faces unique challenges with the
advent of more stringent emissions. Further, these challenges can
differ very significantly on a geographic basis where for example
the focus fuel economy objectives may conflict with emissions control.
The marine industry has taken up the technical
challenge since the progressive introduction of emission standards
in the USA dating back to 1997; with more recent and more stringent
rules now coming into effect in California and Europe. The high
load operating cycle and salt water environment often necessitate
unique solutions to be adopted.
Click on the product categories below to view
a more detailed synopsis of market and regional specific issues.
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