New ABI Research Study Finds Increasing Presence of Military Technologies In The Vehicle

OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--Dec. 1, 20031, 2003--Most people are familiar with vehicle navigation systems and how they read GPS signals from US military satellites to determine location. However, other military defense technologies are continuing their life cycles in the automotive platform, according to a new study from technology research firm ABI.

Automotive systems such as head up displays, originally developed for combat planes, are becoming common on a growing list of vehicles, from Buicks to BMWs. Additionally, new lidar and radar-based systems are being installed in vehicles to detect surrounding vehicles and objects. In the near future, these systems will be able to track pedestrians, scan vehicle blind spots for hazards, and ensure that the vehicle stays in its lane.

"Many Tier One automotive suppliers have engaged in strategic partnerships with defense technology providers," notes Frank Viquez, ABI's Director of Automotive Research. "The result is a host of highly sophisticated automotive safety and convenience systems to be introduced over the next few years."

According to research findings, current and emerging applications will eventually converge to offer an unprecedented virtual safety cocoon around the vehicle. Collectively, these systems have the potential to create a market worth $10 billion by 2008.

The new ABI study, "Vehicle Safety Systems: World Markets for Stability Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Other Next-Generation Technologies," offers insight into several automotive safety applications, including adaptive cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, adaptive front lighting, and pre-crash safety systems. The study also provides a comprehensive player profiles section, and concludes with a detailed list of international market participants.

ABI is a N.Y.-based technology market research firm founded in 1990. ABI publishes market research and technology intelligence on wireless, automotive, electronics, broadband and energy industries. Details can be found on the web at abiresearch.com or by calling 516-624-3113.