All-Wheel Drive (AWD) refers to a vehicle transmission system that allows power to be distributed to all wheels on the vehicle, either equally or with a power bias towards one set of wheels. Over the last few decades, AWD vehicles have gained popularity for their ability to offer enhanced traction, stability and handling capabilities in adverse weather and road conditions compared to conventional two-wheel drive vehicles. With continual improvements in technology, an increasing number of passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturers now offer AWD variants as standard or optional features.
Market Dynamics:
The global AWD market is driven by increasing demand for vehicles with better handling capabilities during acceleration, braking and cornering. Consumer preference for safety, control and performance even in severe weather conditions has boosted the sale of SUVs and crossovers with standard AWD. Stringent emission regulations in several nations have also prompted automakers to focus on developing fuel-efficient AWD powertrains. However, the additional components required for integrating AWD systems make vehicles pricier compared to two-wheel drive models. Higher development costs and complexity in packaging are key challenges for established as well as new players in the industry. Meanwhile, advancements in lightweight transmission technologies are creating new opportunities to offer AWD functionality at lower costs.
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