ALL-WHEEL DRIVE(AWD)AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE(4WD) MARKET

KEY FINDINGS

1. In Japan, 43 out of the top 45 best-selling vehicles, offer 4WD at least as an option. E-4WD is getting increasingly popular on higher variants of hybrid vehicles 
2. The US is the single largest market for AWD globally, followed by China and Europe
3. The rise of intelligent AWD and E-AWD is the biggest trend fuelled by the growth of compact and mid-size SUV/crossovers
4. In Europe, less penetration of AWD/4WD cars in major automobile markets such as Germany, the,e UK and France has resulted in rather modest numbers of AWD in the entire Europe region
5. 4x4 adoption in India is among the lowest compared to major markets as the budget models sub $15k dominate the top sellers category

OEM`S IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM

Toyota’s newly developed 4WD system has a front and rear variable driving force system enabled by a multi-plate clutch. It transfers the new engine's power to all four wheels with minimal loss. Toyota also started offering E-AWD for the first time in the US market on the Toyota Prius Sedan.The E-AWD doesn`t require a center differential or other torque-splitting device, like front to rear driveshaft.

It has an independent electric, motor (without magnet) to power the rear wheels from 0 to 10 kph,  up to 43 mph. It can also sense when AWD is not required.

Audi`s new and improved Quattro, wheel-selective torque control enhances handling by ensuring additional traction across each axle through individual-wheel braking, whereas on the 2020 RS7, drive forces are distributed to the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio via the mechanical center differential.

In 2019 Q5 The Q5 55 TFSI, the all-wheel drive with ultra technology is used in combination with an electric motor. The all-wheel-drive system’s intelligent control also works predictively i.e. always looking ahead via sensors and the continuous actuation as per data collected on driving dynamics and driver behavior.

Mercedes`s new 4MATIC can send from 0 to 100% of the engine's torque to the front or rear axle. A transfer case with a multi-disc clutch can vary the torque distribution as per road conditions.

Cadillac introduced a new twin-clutch design AWD in the US market on the 2017 XT5. The AWD system is capable of transferring up to 100% of available torque to either the front or rear axle.On the rear axle, the electronically controlled differential can provide up to 100% of available torque to either wheel.

4-WHEEL DRIVE(4WD) MARKET SEGMENTATION

AWD MARKET DYNAMICS

To up its technological game, Tata Motors intends to introduce four-wheel drive in its upcoming all-electric SUVs, which will sit above the Nexon EV lineup.None of its internal combustion engine SUVs currently available offer 4WD, a feature offered by Mahindra and other competitors in the market. Recently, Maruti Suzuki added all-wheel drive to its Grand Vitara mid-size SUV.

4-WHEEL DRIVE(4WD) MARKET SIZE AND FORECAST

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH

• VW launched its new electric SUV in the US as the ID.4 AWD Pro, an all-wheel-drive model. In the US, Volkswagen introduced the ID. 
• 4, its first brand-new car built on its new MEB platform, but it was only available in a "First Edition" variant with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain choice.
• As promised, the German automaker is finally introducing its new all-wheel-drive ID.4 AWD Pro, an updated version of the electric SUV, to the US.
• With the introduction of the new Volkswagen ID.4 AWD electric SUV, Americans will have yet another incentive to adopt environmentally friendly transportation.
• The ID.4 AWD offers performance with two electric motors, a maximum of 295 horsepower, and a predicted 0-60 mph time for the AWD Pro model of 5.7 seconds.
• In addition to superior traction, the new version of the vehicle also has faster acceleration, and higher towing capacity, and the new electric motor only slightly reduces the range of the electric SUV, which now has a range of between 240 and 249 miles on a single charge, depending on the version.
• The ID.4 AWD Pro can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in an estimated 5.7 seconds thanks to its instantaneous torque.

When using a braked trailer, the towing capability increases to 2,700 pounds, up from 2,200 pounds for the rear-wheel-drive 1st Edition model. A tow hitch and an electrically heated windscreen are standard on the ID.

4 AWD. The 82 kWh battery pack, roomy interior, and IQ of the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 are all present in the AWD version. Driver software is called Driver assistance technologies.

Up to four new SUVs from Tata Motors were introduced with AWD. Comparing the thinking of Tata Motors now to that of just a few years ago when it comes to product positioning, there has been a significant change.

Tata Motors was right to note that there wasn't a sizable market for 4x4 or AWD SUVs; with only 2 to 3 percent of SUV buyers willing to pay more for a four-wheel-drive variant of their SUV, and with most SUVs now being pavement-prawlers, Tata Motors also had to justify their choice to launch the current-generation Safari with FWD rather than 4x4 or even RWD.

Sticking with FWD allowed the Safari to be more reasonably priced to purchase, more car-like to drive in terms of dynamics, and, aside from a small group of enthusiasts who took their SUVs outdoors, the buyers who flocked to buy Safaris had nothing but praise for their SUVs when they were driven around in the city or on the highway. 

For individuals who live in remote areas, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive may be a requirement, but it also makes it possible for novice off-road fans to get their start in the sport. 

Consider the influence the new Mahindra Thar has had on the off-roading scene. It boasts 4x4 and an automated gearbox for ease.

RECENT TRENDS IN THE GLOBAL AWD MARKET

RECENT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION

Based on the new Ranger ute, the second-generation Ford Everest SUV will feature a tough ladder-frame chassis, a dependable four-wheel-drive system, and potent diesel engines. It adopts the F-150's front fascia, just like the new Ranger, and the top-tier model comes with a potent turbo-diesel V6.

The Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, and even the Toyota LandCruiser are among the targets of the Ineos Grenadier.Both gasoline and diesel engines will be available for the large SUV, with the former producing about 212kW/450Nm from a 3.0-liter inline six and the latter about 185kW/550Nm. An eight-speed automatic transmission will be mated to both, and a permanent four-wheel-drive system and three locking differentials will be available for when the going gets tough.

Entegra Coach is the smoothest ride in a Class B vehicle to date. It is built on the Sprinter 4X4 Premium Mercedes-Benz chassis with on-demand four-wheel drive and equipped with E-Z Drive. Despite being luxurious, it has a standard 48V 210 amp hour smart lithium battery and 200 watts of roof-mounted solar panels, so it can handle your off-grid adventures. 

As Vehicle electrification is a prominent trend globally,  Borg Warner optimized the latest generation of its all-wheel drive (AWD) coupling with a compact brushless direct current (BLDC) motor and highly integrated electronics.It also includes an integrated electronic control unit (ECU) which reduces cost and improves packaging.

South Korea-based Hyundai- WIA supplied AWD on various Hyundai and KIA models.

With the growing demand for electric drive modules:

• BorgWarner is supplying its GenV AWD coupling to the German auto manufacturer BMW. AWD coupling employs a hydraulic actuator to apply variable force to the clutch package using hydraulic pressure and a working piston.
• BorgWarner’s electric drive module entered serial production in Jan 2019. The fully integrated drive module (iDM) also includes developed power electronics which can be integrated either at the front or the rear axle of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles depending on the architecture and the application
• DANA is supplying its Spicer AdvanTEK M180 all-wheel-drive axle to the new, Volkswagen Crafter 4 Motion panel van. It is also supplying  Spicer SmartConnect disconnecting all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems for the global 2019 Ford Edge. 
• Jaguar's first all-electric production vehicle, the I-PACE, features American Axle & Manufacturing's all-wheel-drive front and rear e-Drive units.