A preliminary analysis is presented for projecting curb weights of automobiles for four import manufacturers -- Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, BL Ltd. These manufacturers may have difficulties meeting U.S. fuel economy standards for the 1978 through 1985 model year period due to their limited offering of luxury and or sports vehicles with low fuel economy ratings. An overview of their product plans, financial and production status was developed from publicly available sources, highlighting fuel economy efforts. Even with expanded use of diesel engines (development of which is subject to stricter emissions standards) and turbochargers, substantial weight loss would probably be needed to meet legislated goals. An analysis of potential weight reduction through the mid-1980's was performed based on engineering analysis and the manufacturer's known product plans to the extent available. Individual manufacturer's strategies of weight loss due to (1) all new vehicle design, (2) major sheet metal change, and (3) component redesign and material substitution were formulated, drawn in part from weight reduction successes achieved by U.S. manufacturers. Results are presented at the detail level by manufacturer and model and at the summary level by series and EPA market class. Weight loss potentials from eleven to thirty-two percent (depending on vehicle size and engine type) were estimated from 1978-1986.
Abstract