Autoparts Tools Building Cosmetic Electrical Fashion Hardware Machinery
The more computerized our lives become, the more indispensable computers are to us, and needless to say what Internet brings us,– the convenience and efficiency. However, in my opinion it is this fast and massive information uploading characteristics that take us even more time when searching through the Internet for information we really want! How conflicting!
The other days when I was doing my research about general ideas of exhibitions held around the world by first key in” global exhibitions” in some famous search engine, page of page information kept coming out like rain pouring from the sky, it seemed to be cheering, but getting annoyed little by little when I realized how disordered these information can be. Not until did I glance at these few words” ttnet.net , ” that I change my mind to give up, many may wonder what ttnet.net really is just like I first did. It’s a B to B platform, an on line marketplace, and a paradise for business men all over the world. Although it sounds quite exaggerating, but it’s the way I feel after I get to know it. It has website in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese which is designed for globally browsing. Unlike traditional information providing websites’ being complicated, it creates a clear and users friendly interface with simple colors for users to get the whole ideas of ttnet.net’s website easily and efficiently in searching of trading information. One of it’s main function “ Global Exhibition Center” provides me with first hand exhibition information through it’s several sub-functions. “Show by Classification” allows me to search different kinds of exhibition by month, industries, or locations, meanwhile, another sub-function called” Show Management” gives show organizers a space to raise their shows public profiles, such as the show schedules and main exhibits. What makes me even more impressed is this “ Featured Organizers, ” this is for show organizers to have company front page of their own under ttnet.net’s website which information about shows can be immediately updated.
In my opinion, ttnet.net systematically organizes all those huge and chaotic business information and data into one uses oriented website, which not only offers an online platform between buyers, manufacturers, and sellers but also being a carrier of world’s trading trends and opportunities. And this really overthrows my opinions toward media companies!!
Automotive electronics are generally categorized into four sectors: entertainment, communications, information and productivity. The major items include in-car bluetooth handsfree devices, satellite radio subscribers, DVD entertainment devices, telematics tracking devices and GPS navigation. Also included are collision warning devices, drowsiness monitors, night visions, tier pressure warning devices, lighting, rain sensing wipers, HVAC, window lifts, electronic sunroofs, power seats, electronic mirrors, power doors, body control modules, trip computers, head-up displays and even more. In 2006, the market demands for bluetooth handsfree sets were 3.68 million sets and are expected to soar to 11.4 million sets by 2010; satellite radio subscribers were 11.9 million sets and are expected to jump to 19.8 million sets by 2010; telematics tracking devices were 3.2 million sets and are expected to surge to 16 million sets by 2010 and GPS navigation were 10 million sets and expected to climb to 17.7 million sets by 2010.
The global market for non-entertainment automotive electronics was expected at US$36.8 billion in 2005 and is estimated to hit US$52.1 billion by 2010. By the survey, the strongest demands come from the emerging markets such as Asia and Central Europe. North America will indicate an average increase of 5.1% each year in the period to 2010, with the market growing from US$13.2 billion in 2005 to US$16.9 billion in 2010. Electronic braking, steering and driver information products are seeing a robust demand in North American market. Passive restraint system, particularly side impact airbags, will be steady on upside path. Body & chassis electronics tend to post a modest growth as 9.4% each year through 2010, with the world market rising from US$4.0 billion to US$6.3 billion during the period. Body controllers, multiplexing/electrical distribution and navigation are seeing market stepping up due to robust demands. GPS navigation, incorporated with audio and entertainment will devour the lion’s share as the fastest-growing sector in the automotive electronics market. In addition, the sales of driver assistance systems like collision avoidance, night vision and lane departure warning will keep moving higher due to strong demands.
As major automakers continue to reduce the number of suppliers to reduce costs, a new round of consolidation is started. Such a trend is expected to influence across all tiers of the industry, so do the automotive electronics suppliers.
Car Theft-proof Device & Safety System
The unit cost of a car is still high for an average family to purchase. Therefore, car owners are investing heavily on accessories not only to keep their automobiles smarter, but more importantly ensure the protection of their property. By a survey, most of car owners would prefer to protect their property by installing automobile anti-theft system than anything else. Therefore, automotive security devices market segment has been experiencing the healthiest sales among car electronics field for these years. A recent survey reveals that anti-theft system market will jump to US$6.8 billion by 2008 at a quick pace of compound annual growth rate of 14%.
Car safety systems such as air bags, ABS systems and tire pressure monitoring systems are still on fire. Overall airbag system is integrated with the development of intelligent and multiple air bags. The up-and-coming electronic stability program system steals the hearts of most car drivers. Promising car safety systems also include automatic collision avoidance systems, adaptive driving systems, night vision, lane departure warning devices, drowsiness monitors, tier pressure warning devices, etc.
GPS Navigation & Telematics
Global Positioning System ( GPS ) device has evolved from singly navigation system into easy to installation. The compact GPS, which can be easily installed on any car, is the most popular portable handheld devices. It can be removed and served as personal GPS by just plug into the cigarette lighter source. Now, such a device is incorporated in new technology such as Bluetooth Enable system, MP3 audio decoder and possibly to play any of the latest video formats such as MPEG4 or DiXV or coming with optimized solution or value-added applications such as television, electronic maps and any other possible applications.
Telematics is the system that joints global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and other wireless communication systems for automatic roadside assistance and remote diagnostics in consumer-oriented car. It refers to the provision of two-way voice and data communication between the vehicle and information service providers.
Telematics enables a greater sense of security through the use of remote vehicle diagnostics systems that monitor performance and engine outputs. With just a touch on a display panel, telematics allows drivers to access information on location and direction of travel, emergency assistance and even nearby entertainment facilities. The ultimate aim of telematics is to provide a much more functional atmosphere in the vehicle for a lot of people to do things that they would normally do in their homes or in offices. In the future, telematics systems are likely to serve as docking stations for PDAs and cell phones. The advantage with these systems is they enable in-vehicle telematics to integrate with a consumer’s personal telematics–a capability that will become more and more crucial as telematics expands beyond vehicle safety and security.
Telematics along with recent developments such as voice-activated controls, on-line mapping systems and in-vehicle access to e-mail, will dedicate to making automobiles more than a mode of transportation- it will be a mobile communication and entertainment center as well. The latest telematics involves in managing vehicle and customer data and voice information to give car owners more insight into performance of the vehicle and its immediate environment such as traffic, weather and business events. It also enables car owners to have continual connectivity with their vehicles through the Internet, potentially transforming every vehicle into a voice browser.
The value of telematics will reach US$15 billion by 2007 and US$33 billion or even US$100 billions by 2010.
Article from ttnet.net
For recent years, carmakers have been fighting for price reductions from customers and surging gasoline price, material costs, along with shadowing global inflation. The mounting cost pressure forces them to gain components from offshore manufacturers, which has been reshaping the global landscape of auto parts sourcing. US automotive downturn is mainly triggered by diminished consumer purchasing power and the burst of the “mortgage bubble”. US sales of new cars and light trucks are predicted to drop below 16 million units in 2008. Light trucks, such as SUVs, CUVs, pickups, minivan and vans, made up 53% of the sales mix in 2007, could shrink to a 10-year low of 15.8 million units. The slowdown is spreading to other markets, particularly in Western European countries. But Eastern Europe will continue to expand at a rapid pace, with 4.3% compound annual growth by 2011. Russia will become the largest automotive sales market for new cars in Europe by 2010 as the larger European markets remain stagnant. Growths in the burgeoning markets, especially China, Brazil, and India, keep on and are still likely to lead global growth. In 2007, there were 8.7915 million vehicles sold in China, grew by 1.576 million or up by 21.84% compared to 2006 and will reach to 10 million vehicles by the end of 2008.
The auto parts industry is mainly for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) market and the replacement parts market, or aftermarket. The global aftermarket industry approximates $300 billion while the light truck aftermarket accounts for $190 billion values. In US, the sales of light-truck performance parts and accessories have doubled over the past decade years, hit $13 billion in 2007, supporting 232 million vehicles on the road. Vehicles are becoming more and more durable across all vehicle types as those over 10 years old continue to comprise the lion¡¦s share of dollars spent, reaching more than $80 billion.
Tuning, Do-it-yourself on the Rise
There are more vehicles on the roads, more cars look similar, and, therefore, the more and more motorists tend to individualize their own cars. Gen-Y drivers are most enthusiastic to personalize their vehicles with audio-system upgrades, aftermarket exhaust systems, tires and wheels and exterior styling accessories as the top alternatives. Apart from aesthetics, safety is certainly a major concern. Here, we’re also seeing a booming DIY market. By a survey, over 53% of motorists, male and female alike, are interested in repair works and feel they are personally capable of doing light maintenance involved in installing parts such as brake shoes, pads, headlamps, batteries, wiper blades and alternators to save repair expenses. Among them, 13% motorists feel they are capable of performing medium maintenance and repair works, which is require the higher knowledge and level of expertise such as replacing fuel injectors and head gaskets.
In-vehicle Consumer Electronics
According to a survey by the Consumer Electronics Association, the sales of in-vehicle consumer electronics are expected to increase at a rate of 13% in 2008 to exceed $12.8 billion. The most popular items are remote vehicle starters, in-dash navigation systems and car alarms, required for flexibility and multi-location use. Motorists also prefer to outfit their vehicles with the latest in-vehicle information and entertainment technology like satellite radio, HD radio and DVD players to make their driving on the road safer and more enjoyable.
“Going Green” Concern
Motorists are more aware of worsening global warming and other environmentally-conscious issues. The carbon dioxide concentrations have soared record-high levels in the atmosphere after increasing at an accelerated pace in the past years. In response to this, automakers are urged to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles and fossil fuel reliance. They are developing innovative emission and idling reduction technologies to elevate fuel economy, launching plug-in hybrids and providing a broad technology portfolio of series solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Automakers claim that such a goal will be realized through the use of alternative fuel autos (AFAs). Now, there are sixty models of AFAs available and more are in development, including hybrid-electric, clean diesel, ethanol capable and others. Advanced vehicles need advanced fuels, including ultra low sulfur diesel, E85 ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen and electricity. However, the more bio-fuels such as ethanol and bio-diesel, are used, the more corns, more soy bean and more sugarcane are consumed not as foods, which continues to fuel the price hikes of grains and meats.
Fighting for Spiraling Gas Price
Recently, global demand for oil and gas keeps increasing at an unprecedented rate. Skyrocketing gas price over a record $4 a gallon signals a possible hike over the next few months. To combat spiraling gasoline price, more and more new-vehicle shoppers are looking for more fuel-efficient vehicles and car drivers are managing to control their monthly energy bills by employing energy-efficiency measures or resort to the state-of-the-art fuel-economy technologies. Fuel efficiency becomes dominant factor on influencing their vehicle maintenance decisions, surpassing dependability and safety. Motorists are seeking fuel efficiency through vehicle maintenance. In fact, by properly maintained, vehicles are not only more fuel efficient, but also safer and more environmentally friendly. That also enables a tremendous marketing opportunity for aftermarket service and parts businesses.
Better Fuel Economy Solutions
Most attempts to enhance fuel efficiency spotlight on ancillary technologies like refinements in the fuel injection, ignition or valve timing. Some technologies such as the gasoline-electric hybrid and “clean diesel” are being applied for better fuel economy. In 2007, new hybrid vehicle sales reached over 350,000 units in 2007, even though the fuel efficiency capabilities of hybrid vehicles seem to be somewhat overestimated. For better fuel economy, there is an improvement on engine efficiency with associated reduction in heat lost from the combustion process. Since longer idling time wastes fuel, spoils engines and produces unnecessary extra emissions into the air, here comes a new technology to generate heat so quickly as to delete these unwanted situations. For less power consumption and longer longevity, LEDs now are used with xenon headlamps, even with double light output but only a third less energy than halogen bulbs. By the uses of LEDs for full-functions forward lighting on vehicles, it is feasible to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Crash Avoidance Technology
By a statistics in the US, total collision repair industry sales grow 5.8% to about $40 billion per year. By this, motorists are looking for the latest blind spot detection technology to avoid collision. Blind spot detection is a system that can identify vehicles or objects within a vehicle’s blind spots and provide an audible, visual warning or vibrate the vehicle’s steering wheel or seat as a lane change is doing. Lane departure warning system functions when a car is wandering out of its lane, without a turn signal being activated, and gives a warning to the driver.
Electronic components are at the core of all electric and electronic products and systems. The active components and passive component make the whole picture of electronic industry. The former typically encompasses semiconductors such as transistors, diodes, microprocessors, memories, power devices, as the latter include resistors, capacitors, ferrites, inductors, low and high frequency filters. Overall, the industry lasts to remain very innovative, competitive and ever-changing.
Active Component Market
Semiconductors
2004 was a fruitful year for the semiconductor industry, with global value of $213 billion, a rise of 28% over 2003. However, in 2005, the growth of semiconductor sales shrank sequentially in all geographic regions except the Asia-Pacific region, which inching up by 8.1%. Yet, in the second quarter of 2005, capacity utilization showed somewhat improved, with overall utilization rising to 89% from 86% of the first quarter.
In DRAM sector, cost reductions owing to increased production at advanced plants using 12-inch wafers, and some supply limitations owing to DRAM makers shifting production to flash memory, should elevate companies’ profitability in the third quarter of 2005. According to a new survey by Gartner, global semiconductor capital equipment sales are on pace to decrease about 12% to $33.1 billion in 2005, while last year equipment sales increased sharply to correct a serious under investment in equipment in the face of strong semiconductor demand. Now production capacity exceeds demand, and equipment manufacturers are seeing weaker demand. Worldwide wafer fab equipment spending is projected to decline 9.6% to $25.5 billion in 2005 and predicted to decline in 2006 as well and come back to positive growth in 2007.
TFT-LCDs
The global shipment of large-sized thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels celebrated their record-high sales of about 50 million units (global revenue as US$9.6 billion) in the second quarter of 2005, up 16% from the previous quarter, according to DisplaySearch. The increasingly stable prices and increasing shipment tend to boost the total global third-quarter revenue of large-sized panels to a new quarterly high of about US$11.1 billion. The second-quarter global revenue was US$9.6 billion. Notebook PC panel shipments inched up 9% quarter to quarter and 30% year-to-year to 13.9 million units in the second quarter of 2005. LCD monitor panel shipments jumped 17% Q/Q and 45% Y/Y to 28.3 million units. The 17-inch monitors are still king, rising to over 60% in the second quarter of 2005.
The shipment volume of 19-inch LCD monitor panels exceed its popularity over 15-inch with its share rising to 22%, while 15-inch panels dropped to 14%. LCD monitor panel revenues grew 19% Q/Q, but fell 12% Y/Y, to US$5 billion. LCD TV panel shipment soared 39% Q/Q and 84% Y/Y to six million units. 32-inch 1,366X768 pixel panels replaced 20-inch VGA as the dominant panel size with a 106% Q/Q growth. LCD TV panel revenue rose 41% Q/Q and 40% Y/Y to US$2.3B, overtaking notebook panels for the first time.
Passive Component Market
Generally speaking, the demands of passive components are often driven by those of active components. For example, every new semiconductor, even replacing some of the passive functions, generates new requirements in volume and performance for passive components. And a state-of-the-art processor typically demands 350 passive components around it, and digital TV shows more wanting needs for passives. Passive components continue to incorporate and integrate new functions, increase performance and minimize in sizes to adapt to the compact devices. The miniaturization of passive components has been even stronger than that of semiconductors over the last eleven years.
Passives are big deals, representing over $30 billion business worldwide. Mainland China and Taiwan are two major production centers as the former has nearly 1,200 makers and latter about 500. The both together manufacture about 980 billion units of passive components, basically in the form of capacitors, resistors and inductors. The output of capacitors in China reached 222 billion units in 2004 and estimated to grow 20% in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Taiwan accounts for about 8% of world capacitor output and 30% of MLCC(multi-layer ceramic capacitors), marking US$923 million in sales turnover for capacitors in 2004. Sales revenues are predicted to climb to US$1.02 billion and US$1.13 billion in 2005 and 2006 respectively, according to the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).
Unit production is forecast to reach 276 billion by 2005 and 330 billion in 2006. Passive components represent 7 billion Euros sales in Europe, yet only accounting for 2% of the value of electronic equipment and systems, namely a small percentage in value, yet in a large percentage in number, about 70% of the components used in electronic equipment and systems.
The global passive-component industry will grow 12-15% in 2005. However, the excess inventory can be worked off by the end of this year. In the first quarter of 2005, growing demand for handsets in Japan and China fueled the momentum for passive components.
Annual global production of plastics is estimated at 273.3 billions pounds. The plastics processing industry is prominent in every aspect of modern life. As new polymers and composite materials
are introduced by the chemical industry , so the industry is constantly refining and adding products to those that have been made over many decades. In its early years, the plastics industry greatly benefited from the substitution of plastic for other materials including various metals , wood , paper, glass, cardboard and natural fibres, etc. However, as a mature industry, the possibilities for substitution are limited, leading to greater dependence on economic growth and the expansion of demand in plastic’s existing markets. The industry is also vulnerable to volatility in the global price of oil and gas feedstocks, used by the chemical industry to produce its raw and semi-finished materials.
Plastics Largely Demanded from Vehicles
Plastics are widely used in automobiles today. According to statistics, automobiles contain some 100 plastic parts of different size and materials, weighing 10-15% by weight with a clear tendency to grow. In past two decades, the use of plastics in cars has jumped by 114 percent. It is surveyed that without plastics today’s cars would be at least 200 kg heavier. Plastics are loved mainly due to their lightweight property, which enable the automobile industry to save weight and thus, build energy-efficient automobiles. By statistics, 100 kg of plastics parts in cars reduces oil consumption by about 12 million tones each year in Europe, reducing CO2 emissions by 30 million tones a year.
In China, it is predicted that there is a 400 percent increase in vehicle production between 2004 and 2020, and those vehicles will need a lot of plastic parts. Thanks to exploding demand for plastic materials in recent years, China has become the world’s top market for plastics production machinery, accounting for 16.4% of the worlds’ total consumption. As demand for plastic products has increased, the plastic processing industrial sector has grown in response. The demand for high-tech, high precision plastic production machinery has risen. Local products cannot meet the rapidly growing demand in terms of quality and technology. China needs to import a great deal of equipment annually, accounting for around 56% of the total market. China’s importation of plastics production machinery has remained high in recent years.
US Plastic Container Sales Expected to Exceed 165 Billion Units in 2008
Plastics features lightweight, resistance to breakage and affordability, which makes them superior to glass, paperboard and metal as containers. Thanks to the property in packaging application superior to paperboard, metal and glass, plastic container demand in US is predicted to surpass 165 billion units in 2008, namely requiring more than 14 billion pounds of resin. By 2008, the demand for plastic bottles will approximate 110 billion units, universally boosted by the fast penetration of plastic bottles into smaller container sizes because of advances in barrier properties and consumer preferences for convenient and portable containers.
Besides, cans, squeeze tubes and trays also have promising prospects. Plastic cans are favored from wider applications like coffee, snack food and paint packaging, with a trend to take the place of metal ones. Plastic cups, bowls and tubs, mainly in polypropylene are increasingly demanded basically in single serving forms, such as fresh fruit, gelatin, pudding, dry snack foods, cereal, baby food and soups.
Among resins, HDPE, mostly-applied plastic container resin, continues to decline while PET and polypropylene celebrate robust growth due to speedy expansion in beverage applications. Polypropylene, with cost and weight reduction advantages over HDPE in dairy product containers and even cheaper than PET, is becoming more and more popular as the fastest-growing resin, widely applied in tubs, cups and bowls, trays, bottles and cans. The advantages of polypropylene bottles also include good clarity, natural translucency, moisture and impact resistance, chemical inertness, lightweight, durability and excellent dimensional stability. The demand of polypropylene resin for container production is predicted to climb 6.3% per year to 965 million pounds in 2008.
Global Plastic Pipe Output to Hit 6.3 Billion Meters by 2007
The building and construction (B/C) industries are major pipe users. Due to its low cost, durability, strength and easier for extrusion, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) lasts to govern plastic pipe market as the most-frequently used resin, enjoying over two-thirds of plastic pipe demand. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes celebrate robust demand all over the world, favored by increasing uses of small-diameter pipe in natural gas transmission, as conduit for electrical and telecommunications applications, and as corrugated pipe for drains and sewers.
Global demand for plastic pipe is predicted to grow more than 4 percent per year through 2007, topping 6.3 billion meters. Although battling with other materials such as concrete, metals and vitrified clay thanks to its durability, ease to install and low cost, plastic pipes will continue to outpace growth for overall pipe demand, accounting for 47 percent of the total. General speaking, the growing momentum comes from some developing regions such as Latin America, Africa/Mid-east and the Asia/Pacific region due to ongoing infrastructure development. U.S. is the biggest consuming nation, with demand expected to increase 2.5 percent per year through 2007 to 15.5 billion feet, spurred by improved fixed investment activities, continued highway and street construction, and the rehabilitation of aging or obsolete sewer, drainage and municipal drinking water systems. In EU, the spending on construction will bode well thanks to improved economic conditions. Farewell to zero economic growth, Japanese plastic pipe demand will pick up, reversing years-long declines. China has become the world’s pipe manufacturing center, and is a major exporter of products to the U.S., as are other Asian producers.
In recent years, consolidation, restructuring and retrenchment in manufacturing and other industries also have adversely affected the pipe industries.
While the electrical market lasts to mature, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), original design manufacturer (ODM) and moulders confront mounting pressure to reduce costs as struggling to achieve the optimal balance of functionality, appearance, productivity and cost reduction. However, dangers sometimes come with chances. Up-and-coming global outsourcing tide brings hopes to contract manufacturers. In facing the changeover, they react with mingled mood, half caution and half relief.
Motors Sizzling with Growing Replacement Demands
Although motors fix to their traditional design architecture, the innovation of miniature DC drive systems never ceases as industrial players continue to combat in achieving the next level of miniaturization, power to volume, and precision. Manufacturers work hard to customize to clients’ needs by providing a wide spectrum of custom and semi-standard options, including special bearing systems and lubrication, special commutation and brush systems, special coil voltages, extended temperature range versions, custom lead wires connectors, and cabling, modified shaft configurations, thru-shafts, and hollow shafts and modified motor geometry. Large IEC frame motors, which consist of frame sizes IEC80 to IEC500, account for the biggest share of market revenue and over the next few years is predicted to remain the major revenue contributor. Motor continues to be a sizzling market. According to the latest statistics from IMS Research, the low voltage segment of this market in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) is expected to reach $1.7 billion. A crucial factor that contributes to this market’s overall robustness is the high proportion of motors that are made each year for replacement.
Battery Powered up 6.6% through 2008
It is predicted that world demand for primary and secondary batteries will climb 6.6% percent per year through 2008 to $65 billion. The growth momentum mainly comes from some developing regions such as Africa and the Mid-East, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia/Pacific, boosted by regional robust economic growth. Especially, China, Argentina, India, Iran, South Korea and the Ukraine will play the crucial roles too grab the best gains. The markets in industrialized countries like U.S. EU and Japan will also benefited from higher income levels, which result in mounting sales and use of many battery-powered products.
In the past decade years, there were several new batteries launched such as nickel-metal hydride, secondary lithium, zinc-air designs, rechargeable alkaline and lithium-ion, widely applied in portable computers and portable cordless hand tools. First developed in the 1960s and commercialized in 1970s, lithium batteries now have six lithium battery types, approximately 30 commercialized electrode couples, and over thousand specific designs. The new generation of lithium batteries has large scale of sizes available from king-size cells used for powering vehicles or storing significant amounts of utility power to queen-size cells capable of powering micro-electromechanical gears. The lithium battery technology takes the place of once-popular alkaline batteries and NiCad batteries and some tentative uses of NiMH batteries because of its inherent higher energy density, compact and longer operational time to meet the demands of next-generation portable electronics.
The sales of consumer-orient battery will outpace other market segments, spurred by soaring demand for products used to power high-drain portable electronic devices. The demands of non-lead-acid secondary batteries tend to outpace that for primary and lead-acid secondary types through 2008, fueled by the popularity of multifunction handheld devices with reduced recharging time. Lead-acid batteries keep gaining market in terms of value thanks to stronger growth in automotive output as the uses rise from the population of some applications like backup power supplies and industrial motive power.
Relays & Switches Get Minimized
Relays and switches continue to get minimized as jog switches and joy sticks are shrinking in size in offering more sophisticated user interface with cell phones, PDA’s, and other consumer electronics. The trend toward smaller loads, voltage, and amperage signal a more significant design challenge to switch and relay manufacturers than minimizing their physical size. Two of the prime drivers heading to smaller loads are portable, rechargeable devices and the nearly ubiquitous. Switch sales improved 17% in the first half of 2004 and soared largely in Q2 2004 as compared to the same period of last year, yet the market has declined in Q3 and predicted to further slow down in 2005. Still the switch market should still outperform the overall economy in 2005.
OEM & ODM Booming with Globalization Outsourcing
It’s difficult to find any company that completely manufactures its own products as most manufacturers in Europe and the United States make use of outsourcing to lower overall product cost. In response to changing global economic climate, world major players focus on giving the OEM greater flexibility, improved cost effectiveness, reduced cycle time, reduced time to market, and sustained or higher quality. In this case, outsourcing must be a valuable component of manufacturing strategies. Especially when demand is stable, inventory-holding costs low and labor a high proportion of total costs–overseas production in low-wage countries is a very attractive idea. In addition, when in changing economic situation, outsourcing can minimize the risk of dramatic change on business circle. Industry players could free themselves to spotlight on their core competencies and tighten R&D capability.
The original design manufacturers (ODMs) market grows stronger than OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) thanks to they will diversify their product offerings to their OEMs customers. ODMs also tends to outpace the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) market by about 11.5% annually and climb from about $40 billion in 2003 to $101 billion in 2008 while ODMs expand globally by adding product offerings and strengthening their design capabilities. Nevertheless, the EMS market will keep growing while its sales increase from about $92 billion in 2003 to more than $160 billion in 2008.
In recent months, the sluggishness in house prices, and consumer confidence, hammered by ongoing mortgage market crisis especially in the US and the UK, has taken a toll on home improvement expenditures. Although the US government manages to restore consumer confidence and revive the overall housing market by announcing a plan to freeze rates on certain adjustable-rate sub-prime mortgages, the homeowner spending for home improvement and remodeling activities will be thereby influenced with a certain ripple effect.
A Mild Upturn in Home Improvement
By a survey, in the US, homeowner remodeling spending for 2007 dragged and is projected to be 2.3% lower than 2006 while homeowners become increasingly jittered about falling house prices and a slowing economy. They spent nearly $233 billion on home remodeling in 2007, marking a modest 1.9% increase from the record $228 billion spent in 2006. The growth is bolstered by a lag time of three to six months when remodeling activity follows home building. Homeowners can¡¦t delay a major repair like a leaky roof or a broken faucet after the houses are purchased. In 1997, the home improvement marketplace was estimated to be a $135 billion industry. However, that number has increased to $185 billion in 2007. Some economists predict that remodeling activity in 2008 is expected to grow by 2.8% and may reach another record-breaking year by 2009.
DIY Tools Smile with Growing Female Users
As mounting new houses are built, here come in a renewed passion for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. As we¡¦ve mentioned before, it is women that drive 75% of the home improvement purchasing decisions in a household. The trend of single women purchasing homes is one of the most notable in real estate market. They regard their houses as valuable long-term investments, which require upkeep and renovations. Instead of hiring a worker to replace a faucet or put up drywall, most female homeowners prefer to do it themselves and save money. We are seeing increasing female shoppers to join the queues in front of home centers. More and more women are getting stuck into DIY than ever before. According to a survey, as purchasing holiday gifts, 48% of U.S. women choose home improvement items, such as hand tools, compared to 39% prefer apparels or jewelry. Now more end-consumers, either male or female, are tackling the work themselves and enjoying doing their own home repairs and renovations. Meanwhile, tool suppliers are adding more features and functions to their products, brainstorming new ideas to make DIY tools more comfortable, easier to use, efficient and safer and aiming for greater productivity, higher quality work and less stress on the users. Experts expect that a real estate slump would reduce the purchase power of professional tool users, but the DIY market would remain higher growth as ever.
Go Home and Do It Yourself
“Homing” trend is still on the move. People is poised to make their home a warm and cozy place furnished with recreational equipments and ambience-oriented materials such as decorations, a flat-screen TV integrated in a piece of furniture, printed screens or elegant lighting fixtures that are inevitable to the taste and quality of modern lifestyle. In the other hand, Always, things in home will break and need repair. And quick, inexpensive and user-friendly DIY tools not only fix the problem, but also add the beauty of a home. Beside the price, DIY tool quality is increasingly promoted to value-added professional tool grades and comes with growing focus on ergonomic, intelligent and long durability designs.
Hand Tools- Practice Makes Perfect
DIY projects by hand tools are often time-consuming. But many of the tasks are traditionally done exclusively with hand tools as much more efficiently and quickly than with power tools. DIYers believe doing your own home improvement projects gives them all the control, and can ensure the project turns out exactly as you want it only for pennies on the dollar. They also have fun and enjoy a sense of achievement when their projects are finished by continuous practices and improving skills. Nowadays, there are so many reference resources available for the do-it-yourselfers, including popular print and web-based resources and classes at home improvement stores. Apart from an increasing use on home improvement projects, vehicle average lifespan is longer also promote the sales of hand tools in automobile after-sales market. Electronic products forging tools are in great demand, especially adjustable wrenches. The common problem of annoying “external rust” on tools has spurred the application of special stainless steel on tools, which is underlined by innovations such as a novel combination spanner series without galvanized surface treatment and welded fully from stainless steel screwdrivers and bits.
Power Tools- Smarter Ideas for Housing Renovation
Powered by electricity, batteries or air for use in building, construction and home improvement, power tools are can accomplish almost any task a hand tool can do and improves the speed and efficiency of the craft. The differences between DIY power tools and professional power tools are on function and design. Basically, the professional models have increased power and the ability to perform under more stress than consumer tools and can withstand heavier workloads. Power tools are big business. In the US market, the sales are predicted to surpass $11 billion by 2010 by driven by strong demands on electric saws and pneumatic nailers and cordless power tools. The technological improvement and innovation spotlight on dust collection, laser-enabled products, ergonomic enhancements, high-tech anti-theft technologies, the inclusion of lithium-ion batteries, and redesigns allowing multiple tools to share the same battery source. Advances in Lithium-Ion technology have revolutionized cordless power tools making them lighter, more powerful and more reliable.
In the recent months, people are watchful to what happens to the U.S. housing market, which is hammered by a downturn in sales and prices owing to the meltdown of sub-prime mortgages. Soaring energy prices, declining home values that make American people feel less wealthy, and a gloomy outlook for the US labor market all figure into more caution on the part of consumers. Economists are warning that the oncoming US economic slowdown will possibly bring a domino effect on the export growing momentum from China, Europe and Japan and other developing countries, hold back years of robust growth in these countries and also terminate the boom in commodity prices that benefited them over the past years. By this, it is expected that the troubled U.S. economy will finally deepen fears of a global recession in 2008.
Locking Systems
Security system is crucial to home safety. According to a survey conducted by Practical World Cologne, the top-2 items for effective burglary prevention are key cylinder in their home’s front and back doors, lockable windows and balcony doors. It is also important to the use of a security service and the installation of steel doors. Innovative lock cylinders make break-ins tougher than ever, by higher tamper-proof resistance with profile cylinder series incorporating an internal key stop. A brand-new electronic door-lock system is designed to reduce the risk of the “electro picking” which burglars use to open mechanical profile cylinders. The system also makes locking up easier and more convenient from inside and outside by the use of the rotary grip.
Pipes & Fittings
Strong growth in utilities construction will fuel pipe and valve demands. Global demand for plastic pipes is predicted to grow more than 4% annually, topping 6.3 billion meters. Pipes are the heart of household plumbing system. Steel pipe is used basically for carrying water, steam or gas in both black and galvanized finish. Galvanized pipes are usually used for water systems as black pipes for natural gas. Plastic pipes are popular among do-it-yourselfers since they are easy to work with, lightweight and durable. One of the major benefits of plastic pipes is that it will not rot or corrode. Couplings are used to connect all standard sizes of pipes. Bushings are inserted inside a coupling to reduce the size of the pipe. Elbow is used to change direction of pipe.
Industrial Valves
Demand for industrial valves is forecasted to rise 3.2% annually through 2011 to $16.3 billion. Steel and steel alloys will keep dominating as major valve construction materials due to their good performance in high temperature and high stress applications. Gate valves have a sliding wedge that is moved across the waterway, usually by a threaded spindle or stem. Globe and angle valves are used while a valve must be opened and closed frequently under high water pressure. Globe valves are used to control volume of flow. Similar to a globe valve, an angle valve has its ports at right angles and is installed at a turn in piping to reduce the necessity of an elbow. Check valves allow flow in one direction only and are used to prevent water pumped to an overhead tank from flowing back when the pump stops.
Bearings
Bearings are primarily applied to ease friction between moving parts or to carry load in certain industries such as those that handle materials. They are largely used in automobile industry, followed by general engineering, electrical industries, heavy industry and railways industry. The average bearing lifespan has largely prolonged thanks to the use of improved product designs, superior quality materials such as cleaner, stronger steels and better lubricants. Ball, roller and plain bearing demands are expected to grow 3.2% per year through 2011 to $11.0 billion. An upturn in nonresidential investment expenditures will help boost demand for bearings used in both original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and maintenance/repair/operations (MRO) applications.
Industrial Fasteners
Industrial fasteners are primarily used in automobile, aerospace, electric appliance, electrical and electronics industries. In the U.S., auto industry consumes about 42% of the industrial fasteners. The consumption of industrial fasteners is also related to the construction of commercial buildings and infrastructure. Spurred by healthy growth in nonresidential construction and aerospace equipment, US demand for industrial fasteners is expected to reach $12.9 billion in 2011. The demand for application-specific standard fasteners will continue to grow at a quicker pace than other standard fastener types, as more original equipment manufacturers replace commodity items with specialized designs. China demand for industrial fasteners is projected increase 9.4% annually through 2010 to RMB 40.2 billion, outpacing growth in most other regions of the world, driven by fast growth in industrial machinery, automobiles and electrical and electronic products.
To fastener manufacturers, raw material cost accounts for a large proportion of overall manufacturing costs. In the recent years, we’re witnessing a sustaining upswing on the carbon steel, alloy steel, along with alloying elements including aluminum, titanium, nickel, copper and the cost of most forms of energy used in the manufacturing process. This will impose a heavy pressure on most of industrial players.
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The data is provided by the Organizer.
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The data is provided by the Organizer