Sensing the possibilities

Innovation and new opportunity are driving development of automotive sensors.

A steadily growing global market tor automotive electronic systems is driving demand for accurate and reliable sensor components that provide the essential input data for these systems. “Nearly every aspect of modern automotive design, from the powertrain to emissions reduction to cabin comfort, has been affected by the electronics revolution,” said Technical Insights (a division of Frost & Sullivan) analyst Kathy Austin. “Integrated electronics and sensor systems are becoming a reality for automotive systems designers and consumers alike.”

The sensors market is largely controlled by government mandates and market pressures. Cost reduction, consumer demand, increased efficiency, weight reduction, standardization, and system diagnostics are all deciding factors for OEMs and suppliers in their efforts to compete in the marketplace. Automotive sensors and electronics analysis by Technical Insights reveals that despite a small overall increase in world vehicle production, the market for automotive electronic systems continues to steadily grow. Analysts from Strategy Analytics concur with this assessment, forecasting average annual growth rates in various regions of the world of about 5 to 30% in units and 2 to 26% in revenue (Tables 1 and 2).