Auto enthusiasts are aware of the benefits of electronically controlled suspensions, but most vehicle buyers are not.
The systems have been available on a variety of cars and trucks since 2000, but market studies show that except for purchasers of expensive performance and luxury cars, consumer awareness is low and the average take rate is less than 5%.
Suspension supplier Tenneco is hoping to increase market penetration by raising awareness of the advantages of the systems among mainstream consumers, car dealers and its OEM customers.
With this goal in mind, the supplier recently hosted a multi-day event at the Waterford Hills Raceway here to showcase its advanced suspension technologies to customers and journalists on a variety of vehicles, from a European version of the Volkswagen Golf to the ’15 McLaren 650S supercar.
Tenneco’s “intelligent” suspension systems combine electronics with hydraulic valves to adjust shock absorber damping levels to road conditions, as well as speed and cornering inputs, to achieve an optimal balance between ride comfort and vehicle handling. The systems typically have three or four settings that range from a cushy comfort-oriented ride to tightly controlled sport handling.
Regardless of mode, intelligent systems typically provide better wheel-to-road contact, which prevents sideslip and oversteer, especially during cornering on uneven road surfaces, says Tim Jackson, Tenneco chief technology officer.
They also improve vehicle stability and reduce body movement during lane changes and avoidance maneuvers, which increases the driver’s feeling of comfort and safety, Jackson says.
In the early years of development, the technology was unimpressive and gimmicky, with the “sport” setting just delivering a harsher version of “comfort.” But more recent systems have proved their value to driving enthusiasts. Virtually all supercars with prices ranging from six to seven figures use intelligent suspension systems and about 25% of performance-oriented luxury buyers also choose the option, Tenneco says.
A recent study commissioned by the supplier shows that if mainstream consumers are given the chance to test-drive intelligent suspension systems back-to-back with conventional systems, they recognize the value of the technology and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Research subjects cite the ability of semi-active/adaptive suspensions to reduce vehicle-body movements, provide greater stability during emergency maneuvers and improve handling on uneven road surfaces as reasons for purchase consideration.
The study also found drivers of mainstream vehicles such as SUVs, compact cars and higher-priced family sedans all rate the driving experience with semi-active suspensions significantly higher than those with conventional suspensions.
“The research results confirm intelligent suspension systems deliver benefits that consumers notice and prefer, most notably that there is no need to compromise between ride comfort and handling,” Jackson says. “Consumers feel that intelligent systems reconcile these differences to give drivers the benefit of both, and they value the ability to vary their ride at a touch of button.”
The study also reveals a lack of awareness of the technology and its benefits as main reasons intelligent suspensions are not a more popular option.
Source:http://m.wardsauto.com/suppliers/tenneco-hopes-mainstream-intelligent-suspension-systems
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