Implats has published new analysis on its website that emphasises the key areas likely to drive pgm demand in the coming years.

The platinum firm - the world's second largest - said that it expected the automotive market would prove one of the key areas in boosting demand.

"Strong growth from heavy duty vehicles and diesel cars could boost demand in [the platinum] segment close to 1 million ounces by the end of the decade," the firm said.

It also alluded to "strong Asian vehicle sales", which it predicted would serve the palladium market, with demand "set to exceed its previous peak of 5.5 million ounces".

It is also confident that "rest of world" vehicle sales are "set to grow strongly".

Meanwhile, the need for a heavier concentration of rhodium in catalysts - known as loadings - is likely to quicken as a result of stricter legislation.

Implats says that it expects this to result in demand reaching 900,000 ounces by 2010.