Skip to main content

Innovations in micro-vehicles will help boost mobility

Global congestion presents a serious barrier to economic growth. Some estimates suggest this costs the world economy close to US$1 trillion in lost revenue. However key economies including Europe, North America, Japan and China are amongst those preparing for green commuting. Some 16 of the key Automotive OEMs are working on more than 110 short distance vehicles, with approximately 50 models being already production ready. The remaining 60 are in concept stage, but expected to become production ready by 202
April 4, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Global congestion presents a serious barrier to economic growth. Some estimates suggest this costs the world economy close to US$1 trillion in lost revenue. However key economies including Europe, North America, Japan and China are amongst those preparing for green commuting. Some 16 of the key Automotive OEMs are working on more than 110 short distance vehicles, with approximately 50 models being already production ready. The remaining 60 are in concept stage, but expected to become production ready by 2020. The emergence of such micro-mobility vehicles is expected to fight congestion, ease parking space identification and aid in faster commutes in crowded city centres. These will primarily be used for commutes of 1.5-25km, but may be used for longer journeys of up to 72km. Over 70% of these unconventional mobility models are expected to be electric.

Frost & Sullivan is holding a web conference, entitled The Rise of a Next-Generation Sustainable Mobility, taking place on Tuesday, 17th April 2012, at 3 pm GMT. This will introduce key participants in the global market for micro mobility solutions and the models they are planning with vehicle characteristics such as speed, driving range, vehicle homologation and seating arrangements. It will also present insights into why global key OEMs have already invested more than $300 million in this market, as well as drivers and restraints related to current market dynamics.

Automotive OEMs will have to prepare for intense competition in an emerging segment while planning to offer an integrated mobility beyond cars. China is seen as a major market for such vehicles given its fast growing economy. It features many congested cities with narrow roads and a growing difficulty for parking.

Related Content

  • Milling machine developments to boost efficiency
    October 20, 2016
    A series of developments in the milling machine market will give customers both greater choice and performance – Mike Woof writes. Competition is heating up in the market for milling machines, which has been dominated for many years by Wirtgen. The German firm still retains a strong share of this market, but is now facing much tougher levels of competition from key rivals, and Atlas Copco, BOMAG, Caterpillar and Roadtec in particular. Meanwhile the market is also seeing the return of another familiar nam
  • Rajasthan Mega Highways boost trade, tourism
    February 17, 2012
    Rajasthan is one of the most favoured tourist destinations of India for both domestic and international traffic on account of its rich array of historical forts, palaces, art and culture.
  • Commencing on major new US highway link
    February 23, 2016
    Work is now commencing on the US Route 301 project, which will cost US$635 million and is intended to reduce congestion and benefit commerce in the Northeastern United States. “When completed, the project will link to I-95 and support the economy of not only Delaware but also one of the nation’s largest regions,” said US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “It will increase access to economic opportunity by making it easier for people to commute to jobs in the fastest growing region of the state.”
  • Expectations for growth of UAE infrastucture
    February 9, 2012
    The INTERMAT Middle East event is being launched at a pivotal time of major infrastructure development in the region. As with most sectors, the highways industry has not had a fantastic 18 months in the Gulf. Not only has the recession impacted the delivery of projects across the board, GCC Governments' attention have been switching increasingly to rail, as plans to roll out a Gulf-wide rail system gather steam. GCC countries will invest over US$119.6 billion in infrastructure projects over the next decade