Low-cost MEMS sensors drive automotive integration at all levels

November 8, 2011 — The automobile industry is a "lucrative" sensor integration market globally, as sensors that enhance comfort, fuel-efficiency, and safety are integrated by vehicle manufacturers. Micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) sensor production costs are set to drop, which will bring automotive sensors into the price/benefit range of every level of automobile, says Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

In recent years, post 2008-2009 recession, MEMS sensors have gone into vehicle safety and control products en masse: anti-lock braking systems (ABS), airbags, engine emissions control, etc. In developed nations, opportunities now exist for driver visibility and traffic assistance, such as aftermarket back up warning sensor/reverse parking sensors.

As MEMS production costs fall in the coming years, and regulatory changes make vehicle stability control and other sensors mandatory, all types of new cars will use these sensor systems.

The automotive industry jumped out of recession in 2010 thanks to significant government stimulus, and globally, government incentives will continue to drive new vehicle development. MEMS pressure sensor sales jumped with the automotive industry in 2010, used in tire pressure monitoring systems, among other applications.

Alternative vehicles will also see government backing. Even in traditional vehicles, a focus on vehicle fuel efficiency and improved powertrain performance features will result in secure gains for sensors, such as oxygen (O2) sensors, aftermarket ABS sensor, tire pressure monitoring sensors, aftermarket coolant temperature sensor, Wiegand effect sensors in aftermarket high-performance ignition systems, among numerous others.

Europe and Asia-Pacific account for a major share of the global automotive sensors market, GIA notes.

By segment, engine & transmission automotive sensors is the largest contributor to global market revenues. Global market revenues for safety & security automotive Sensors are expected to surge at a fastest CAGR of 9.2% over the analysis period.

Major players in the global marketplace include Allegro MicroSystems Inc, Analog Devices Inc, Aptina Imaging Corporation, Autoliv Inc, Bosch Sensortec GmbH, Bourns Inc, CASCO, Continental AG, Corrsys-Datron Sensorsysteme GmbH, CTS Corporation, Custom Sensors & Technologies Inc, Delphi Corporation, Denso Corporation, ELESYS North America Inc, Freescale Semiconductor Inc, GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies, Hamamatsu Photonics KK, Hamlin Electronics LP, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co, Hitachi Automotive Systems, Honeywell Sensing & Control, Infineon Technologies North America Corp, Magneti Marelli Holdings SpA, Melexis Microelectronic Integrated Systems NV, Micralyne Inc, Micron Technology Inc, NGK Spark Plugs USA Inc, NXP Semiconductors, Novotechnik US Inc, Omron Corporation, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH, Sensata Technologies, SSI Technologies Inc, TRW Automotive Holdings Corp, TT electronics plc, Universal Sensors Inc, among others.

“Automotive Sensors: A Global Strategic Business Report” provides a comprehensive review of market trends, issues, drivers, company profiles, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities. The report provides market estimates and projections (in US$ Million) for major geographic markets including the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), and Rest of World. End-use segments analyzed include Engine and Transmission, Chassis, Safety and Security, Body and Other Applications.

For more details, visit http://www.strategyr.com/Automotive_Sensors_Market_Report.asp. Global Industry Analysts Inc. (GIA) is a leading publisher of off-the-shelf market research.

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