Comfort, Convenience and Safety Will Drive Car Sensor Sales, says Frost & Sullivan

    SAN JOSE, Calif.--July 23, 2001--As automobile manufacturers strive to differentiate their cars from those of their competitors, they will emphasize comfort, convenience and safety to attract customers.
    Automakers are installing more electronic systems to provide the comfortable driving experience consumers demand.
    Automotive sensors, which monitor and help control car functions, from powertrain operation to airbag deployment, will become increasingly important components in new automobiles.
    New analysis by Frost & Sullivan (www.transportation.frost.com) "North American Automotive OE Sensor Market," reveals the total market reached $1.39 billion in 2000. Growth is expected to continue through the 2001-2007 forecast period. The total market comprises temperature, position, pressure, torque, motion and yaw-rate sensors. Revenues in 2007 are forecast to be $1.75 billion.
    "Because of the price-sensitive nature of the original equipment (OE) automotive components market, suppliers must maximize the efficiency of their operations to remain competitive," says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst, Prince De. Production automation, employee training, inventory reduction, quality assurance and waste reduction programs are effective means to achieve this goal.
    "Finding new applications for existing technologies will help overcome price pressures," says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Joerg Dittmer. "Motion and yaw-rate sensors, which are used in stability systems, could be utilized in rollover detection and anti-theft systems. Meanwhile, sensor suppliers could find new automotive customers overseas."
    Frost & Sullivan presents the 2001 Marketing Engineering Awards to companies that have worked diligently to make a positive contribution to the automotive sensor industry. These market specific awards are presented to: BI Technologies Corporation, Breed Technologies Inc., Heraeus Sensor-Nite, MicroSensors Inc. and Schrader Electronics Division.
    Frost & Sullivan is a global leader in international strategic market consulting and training. This ongoing research is part of the Automotive Original Equipment Market Subscription, which also includes market analyses on North American Automotive OE Chemical Sensor Markets and North American Automotive OE Electronic Control Module Markets. Frost & Sullivan also offers custom consulting to a variety of national and international companies.
    Executive summaries and interviews are available to the press.

    North American Automotive OE Sensor Market
    Report: 7933-18