Automotive Test Systems

HORIBA’s emission measurement systems command the top position in the industry with an 80%(*) worldwide market share and have been adopted as the primary standard by national certification bodies in many countries. We have increased sales in this segment by responding to rising demand to measure emission characteristics of alternative fuels such as biofuel, and the requirement to measure emissions in more diverse applications such as construction machinery, ships, locomotives, and general purpose engines. (*HORIBA’s estimate)

Thanks to increased investment by Asian automotive manufacturers in 2010, HORIBA’s sales of emission measurement systems increased. However, overall segment sales and earnings decreased from the previous year because of investment cuts by automakers in Japan, Europe, and the Americas. In 2011, we are expecting a surge in investment by automakers worldwide thanks to improved earnings. Japan may be the exception as investment plans may be delayed due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake. In the meantime, we anticipate a long-term steady recovery in demand, triggered by the European Commission fuel efficiency requirements that will be implemented in Europe in 2012 and various new emission standards likely to become regulation requirements in 2014-2015. We intend to be prepared for the expected market growth by strengthening our development and production systems.

The acquisition of the MCT (Mechatronics) business of Carl Schenck AG in Germany, in September 2005, has allowed us to broaden our market that entails supporting the full scope of automotive development, including engines, hybrid vehicle development, driveline components, wind tunnel balances, and brakes. This capability is critical for developing all-electric cars that do not require emission measurement. By achieving increased market share in developed markets and enjoying new demand in emerging markets, we expect to grow our business and improve profitability.

2010 can be defined as the year of the electric car, with the launch of electric or plug-in hybrid cars by automakers in many countries. We expect that automakers will allocate part of their development spending to all-electric cars, for which HORIBA’s MCT business provides essential measurement systems to evaluate power-train efficiency and aerodynamic performance. In the meantime, development of hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars that use engines, motors and batteries requires new features in emission measurement systems. Emission measurement is becoming increasingly important in this area. Moreover, high demand for emission measurement systems is expected in emerging markets, which is in line with increased need for local development amid the accelerated growth in automotive sales.

Development of new car models and engines, finished vehicle certification and QC, in-use vehicle inspections.

Automobile manufacturers, motorcycle manufacturers, automotive component manufacturers, multi-purpose motor manufacturers, government agencies, oil companies, automotive maintenance and repair centers

Emission measurement systems, in-use automotive emission analyzers, on-board emission measurement systems, driveline test systems, engine test systems, brake test systems, drive recorders.

Products overview

The global automotive industry's shifting investments for research and development