I have attached a literature review and have received a comment from the lecturer saying that it is an account on vechiles but not a literature review. Aspects you should discuss couble be product development, innovation and market launch..Please help me in changing the literature review…
Introduction
Four wheel drive refers to vehicles whose drive train makes it possible for all the vehicle’s wheel to accelerate simultaneously after being powered by the engine (Widman, 2001). These vehicles are those that are mostly associated with motor racing, rough roads, of generally for sport utility. All wheel drive and four wheel drive are synonymous terms that are often used to refer to those vehicles whose wheels can supply a moment of force to the four vehicle tyres (Hillier & Coombes, 2004).
Brief History of Four Wheel Drives
The history of four wheel drive can be traced back in the year 1893 when Bramah Diplock obtained a patent for a 4 wheel drive system that comprised of 3 differentials and a 4 wheel steering. The main idea behind this kind of a system was to come up with a strong system that could be used in rough roads (Massey, Titus & Wilson, 2008).
Initially, the idea by Diplock was to come up with an engine system that would decrease the damage caused to roads. In the year 1899, another development to the four wheel drive technology was brought by Ferdinand Porsche who came up with an electric car that was 4 wheel drive under the firm; the Hofwagen Ludwig Lohner and Company. This model was initially presented to the public the following year at Paris (Erjavec, 2010).
In the year 1903, Hendrik-Jan Spijker and Jacobus came up with the first ever seen 4 wheel drive car that had an inbuilt engine system. This was known as the spyker and it was a sport utility vehicle (Hillier & Coombes, 2004). Presently, this vehicle is still being exhibited in Netherlands and was the first car to have an engine system with 6 cylinders. From that time onwards, different designs and, models for the four wheel drive cars have continued being made (Widman, 2001).
Basically, the initial four wheel drive vehicle was created in order to facilitate movement to the moon. Up to now, these vehicles are highly regarded as they are associated with high purposes such as for military purposes (Massey, Titus & Wilson, 2008). However, recent developments in technology have made it possible for four wheel drive vehicles to be developed for use by the average people in the society.
Due to recent technological changes and developments, more developments in the four wheel drive vehicles are expected to be made. Also, different manufacturers have ventured into the motor industry and therefore more advanced four wheel drive vehicles are expected to be manufactured with the latest technology (Widman, 2001).
Four wheel drive vehicles are basically vehicles that are considered to be for high profile persons as they tend to be much more expensive compared to the ones with a two wheel drive system (Erjavec, 2005). This is due to the ability of the four wheel drive vehicles to pass through very rough and rural roads that are normally impassable by two wheel drive vehicles, the ability to pass through very icy or muddy roads without getting stuck and also the high safety levels associated with them (Hillier & Coombes, 2004).
Benefits of four wheeler vehicles
The four wheel drive vehicles have several benefits to the users and they include; they provide powerful traction through their powerful wheels. This feature helps the driver to enjoy being in full control of the vehicle even when on very poor rough country roads (Widman, 2001). Other advantages include; their high performance capability, good distribution of the weight which helps to place some level of balance to the vehicle’s engine, and their powerful capabilities when off road. In times of emergency, towing services can be provided by this vehicle and therefore, this can even help another person who is stranded somewhere with his vehicle that has issues with the engine. It is therefore a communally helpful vehicle (Erjavec, 2005).
Four wheel drive vehicles are also known to be secure. This means that the safety level of a four wheel drive compared to a two wheel drive cannot be compared as a four wheel drive has additional features such as the Anti Lock Braking System among others. This can be used to explain why the cost of a four wheel drive is much higher compared to the other ones. For the people who love adventure in the deep bushes, may be in animal parks where they have to drive deep to see the animals, this is a recommended vehicle especially due to attributes such as the tuff country lift kits (Widman, 2001).
Comparison between two wheeler vehicles and four wheeler vehicles
Two wheeler vehicles on the other hand are suited to tarmac roads and cannot work well on rough terrains or roads that are rough and muddy. This is the main difference between two wheeler vehicles and four wheeler vehicles. In terms of the costs involved in purchasing the vehicle, the four wheeler vehicles are far much more expensive compared to the two wheeler ones (Erjavec, 2005). Additionally, four wheel drive vehicles tend to be high fuel consumers and are therefore quite expensive to work with (Widman, 2001).
Market for four wheeler vehicles
Over the past decades, the four wheeler vehicles were not used by the average person but due to technological advancements, this has changed. The current population and market has a great demand for these vehicles after many models have been created and after people have learned the importance of vehicle safety which is mostly offered by four wheeler vehicles (Erjavec, 2005).
Additionally, changes in tastes and preferences have led people to demanding more four wheel drive vehicles and indifferent models. Different manufacturing companies have also ventured into the motor industry leading to a lot of competition whereby more advanced vehicles are being created everyday with competitive prices (Widman, 2001).
Therefore, consumers are finding it easier to acquire four wheel drive vehicles due to their availability. In a place like Nepal, introducing four wheeler drive vehicles would be a good idea as people are increasingly asking for them; either for personal use or for investment purposes in their businesses such as in the tourism sector which is the main consumer for these vehicles (Erjavec, 2005).
Conclusion
For wheel drive vehicles are increasingly becoming a common man vehicle that can be bought by anyone. This is because of the competition that exists in the motor industry. However, features that make the four wheel drive vehicle need to be improved with changes in technology to ensure that safety is guaranteed to the users. Additionally, manufacturers need to add more features to make these vehicles more attractive as the market demand increases in order to ensure that they make most sales while providing affordable, safe and rough road vehicles that will satisfy the needs of the consumers in the market.
References
Erjavec, J. (2005). Automotive technology: A systems approach. Australia: Thomson/Delmar Learning.
Erjavec, J. (2010). Automotive technology: A systems approach. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar.
Hillier, V. A. W., & Coombes, P. (2004). Hillier’s fundamentals of motor vehicle technology. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.
Massey, P., Titus, A., & Wilson, J. (2008). Nevada trails, western region. Castle Rock, Colo: Adler Pub. Co.
Widman, V. (2001). 4WD driving skills: A manual for on and off road travel. Collingwood, Vic: CSIRO.
