Vehicle Retarders: Analyzing the Growing R&D Investment Trends in the Industry

Key takeaways:

• Introduction
• Increased preference for vehicle retarders
• Innovative product launches in the sector

Vehicle retarders are specialized devices used for improving the functionalities of regular braking systems. Also called brake retarders, these systems are sometimes even used to replace conventional friction-based brakes. While retard brakes are commonly used in heavy commercial vehicles such as trucks, lorries, and containers, they are also deployed in railways in some cases. The primary aim of vehicle retarders is to enhance the safety of the vehicle and to act as a backup, in case the main braking system fails during long drives and dangerous terrains. These systems do not necessarily bring the vehicle to a halt but help the primary braking system in lowering the speed of the vehicle. Also, these retarders take over the traditional brakes in scenarios where the disc or drum brakes fail due to overheating.

Over the years, two main types of brake retarders have emerged, designed specifically to suit the diverse set of demands of various heavy commercial vehicles. Hydrodynamic retarder is the most popular variant in the vehicle retarder industry and mainly works on the principles of hydraulics. This system features two rotors which are powered by oil, just like most other automotive hydraulic solutions. On the other hand, electrodynamic brake retarders operate through electrokinetic induction in which the magnetic field around the rotor creates a current to power the system.

Increasing integration of vehicle retarders in modern automobiles helping the industry flourish

Over the years, several multinational automobile manufacturers have started introducing vehicle retarders in their heavy commercial cars to cater to the growing demands for driver safety. In the last few decades, the number of road accidents has increased exponentially, especially in metropolitan cities and urban areas. As per a survey done by the Federal Highway Administration in the US, there were more than 42,000 deaths reported from vehicle crashes in the country in 2022. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in its annual report, highlighted that there were more than 4 lakh accidents across the country in 2022. To counter this problem, governments across the globe have enacted rules and regulations mandating automotive manufacturers to install vehicle safety devices in their new variants.

Another important factor influencing the growth of the vehicle retarder industry is the ability of brake retarders to reduce the wear and tear of main braking systems. The installation of vehicle retarders helps in distributing the load that is applied on the main brakes, thus reducing the pressure on the conventional systems. Moreover, retarders handle most of the mechanical friction that is faced by the primary brakes. Ultimately, this brings down the rate of corrosion of various components, thereby increasing their lifespan significantly. In addition, engineering studies have shown that the use of vehicle retarders improves the operational efficiency of the automobile in the long run. The flexibility offered by these secondary deceleration systems helps the driver to control the vehicle better, optimizing fuel usage.

Apart from these factors, the increased usage of heavy commercial vehicles by logistics and supply chain companies has led to the expansion of the landscape of vehicle retarders. The sector, which accounted for $2.7 billion in 2023, is anticipated to gather a revenue of $5.5 billion by 2033, citing a CAGR of 7.4% during 2024-2033. The overall growth in the mining and construction industries is also predicted to play a major role in helping the sector flourish.

Increasing investments in R&D activities impacting the sector positively

In the last few years, several key players in the vehicle retarder industry have made significant investments and introduced innovative products to solidify their position in the market. For instance, in November 2021, Voith, a sustainable technology solutions developer, announced that it would be providing supply retarders for Ford Otosan’s Ecotorq Euro 6 engine. The partnership is expected to help both companies expand their revenue share in the coming period. Similarly, in September 2024, Accelera, an EV solutions manufacturer, unveiled an advanced endurance braking system for commercial EVs. As per the press statement, the product has been developed keeping in mind the gradual transition toward electric mobility.

In conclusion, the vehicle retarder industry is anticipated to experience huge growth in the near future due to the increasing popularity of retarder brakes among the leading heavy commercial automotive manufacturers. The rising investments in R&D activities are estimated to open new avenues for growth in the sector in the coming period.

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