Dual Clutch Transmission Market: Western Europe will Emerge as the Most Lucrative Market by 2020

Dual clutch transmission (DCT), also known as semi-automatic, double-clutch, and clutch transmission, offers the function of two manual gearboxes in one. The credit for inventing dual clutch transmission goes to Frenchman Adolphe Kégresse, but difficult circumstances before World War II meant that Kégresse was unable to build a working model. It was eventually developed in 1980s by a team at Automotive Products under the guidance of Henry Webster, the creator of the iconic Triumph cars.

DCT Can be the Future of Transmission

DCTs have been hailed as the future of transmission, as they offer the best of both manual and automatic transmission systems. The advantage of dual clutch transmission is that greater power is transferred from the engine to the wheels. DCT also eliminates the shift-shock, a forward thrust experienced particularly in manual transmission systems when the driver shifts the gear. This, coupled with the ease of driving have endeared DCT engines to a section of OEMs and consumers. It is anticipated that by 2020, the global dual clutch transmission market will be worth US$ 15 billion; the market was valued at US$ 8 billion in 2014.

Western Europe will Emerge as a Key Region for DCT Market

Western Europe remains a lucrative market for the dual clutch transmission market, and according to the research conducted by Future Market Insights, the Western Europe market will be worth US$ 5 billion - roughly one-third of the value of the global DCT market - by 2020. Although a majority of vehicles in Western Europe are manual transmission based, increasing awareness about the convenience and fuel efficiency of cars that have dual clutch transmission systems has provided an impetus to the DCT market. According to estimates, the DCT penetration in Europe will reach approximately 13.5% by 2016.

The improvement in living standards in many countries, especially in the emerging economies of China and India has pushed the demand for automobiles that offer comfort and safety. As more consumers become aware about the convenience of driving a vehicle with DCT, the demand will subsequently increase. OEMs are also aware of the immense advantages that DCTs can offer, and this is one of the prime reasons that even budget car makers, such as Hyundai are betting big on the DCT technology.

High Cost Can be a Challenge for Adoption of Dual Clutch Transmission Technology

In spite of its numerous advantages, widespread adoption of DCTs will require standardisation and overall drop in manufacturing and installation costs. Also, OEMs will need to aggressively market DCT vehicles to raise greater awareness about the technology among their target audience. The development of electric cars is anticipated to provide an alternate to manual transmission vehicles, and this can be another challenge for the growth of the DCT market. However, innovation in hybrid car technology can open up new opportunities for the DCT market.

DCTs are used in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The demand for DCTs is anticipated to be robust in both these vehicle segments, with FMI’s analysis predicting an 11.7% for passenger vehicles and 10.3% CAGR for commercial vehicles.

As discussed previously, Western Europe will emerge as a key region for the global dual clutch market by 2020. In addition to Western Europe, the DCT market is also anticipated to flourish in North America and Asia Pacific. Concerns over fuel- emissions and efficiency is anticipated to augur well for the prospects of the dual clutch market in these regions.

Browse Full "Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020"  Report at http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/details/dual-clutch-transmission-market