In Europe, valves from Danfoss are number one on the market; number two on a global scale. Now the target is to be on the winner’s podium by 2010, says Senior Director Andreas Dobratz.
"We produce 100,000-120,000 valves each year and the goal is to double that number by 2010," he says.
Currently, Danfoss supplies valves to three of the four largest manufacturers of petrol pumps – next year it will be producing valves specifically designed for the American market.
New fuels
Danfoss valves are already used for filling up with gas and before the turn of this year, a valve will be launched which mixes ethanol and petrol. There is a significant demand for this fuel all over the world - e.g. in Brazil, Sweden and California, and an increasing demand in Europe.
Furthermore, Danfoss is the only worldwide supplier of valves which are treated with a patented special coating that provide trucks with a special additive to reduce the harmful NOXs contained in exhaust gas.
Currently, the petrol pump market is growing by 7-8% in Asia, whereas in Europe and North America, the markets are experiencing stable growth. However, Andreas Dobratz expects these markets to develop.
He expects this to take place at the same time as demand increases for petrol with a larger proportion of bio fuel – in line with EU policy in this area.
In the future, Dobratz predicts that cars will use hydrogen and compressed natural gas. "For this we are talking at least 2010 but, generally, more fuels will require more valves," he says.