MEMS Driving Innovation in Automotive Sector

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 28 -- Despite the considerable
opportunity that the automotive sector offers for many different uses of MEMS
technology, In-Stat/MDR ( http://www.instat.com ) reports that only a few
devices have, to date, been integrated in high volume in a small number of
applications.  The slow rate of integration of the technology into cars to
begin with, and the amount of time it takes for the trickle down effect to
take place, has meant that the potential for MEMS in this sector has barely
been tapped.  However, the high-tech market research firm reports that a
number of current niche-level applications are now reaching a higher volume
threshold and, as a result, the number of MEMS per car will nearly double to
an estimated 9.1 per vehicle in 2007, up from an average of 5.0 per vehicle in
2002.
    "The next wave of MEMS devices that will have a major impact on this
sector are now making their way into cars.  Even better is that it appears the
impetus behind the integration of MEMS technology into cars is evolving as
well -- from technology push to market pull," says Marlene Bourne, a Senior
Analyst with In-Stat/MDR.  "As a result, it appears that new applications may
reach high volumes at a faster rate then their predecessors, and are helping
to drive worldwide revenues for MEMS in the automotive sector from just under
$1 billion in 2002 to nearly $1.5 billion in 2007."

    In-Stat/MDR has also found that:

     --  The areas in which MEMS will play a key role over the next five years
         include: electronic stability control and rollover systems, occupant
         detection, and tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).  The demand
         for TPMS is certainly being helped by current US legislative
         mandates.  Regulatory efforts under consideration may also have a
         similar effect for electronic stability and occupant detection
         systems.

     --  Two applications of note that are looming on the market's horizon are
         biometric sensors for comfort programs and keyless entry, and optical
         MEMS for heads-up and entertainment displays.  Beyond that, it won't
         be long before RF MEMS find their way into cars, as the convergence
         of GPS, satellite radio, and other telematics programs will be a
         strong driver.

    The report, "MEMS in Automotive: Driving Innovation" (#IN030598EA), takes
a look at the successes of 2002, addresses the factors behind the market pull
that is emerging, discusses the market hurdles that suppliers face, and looks
at both device and application trends that are providing increased opportunity
for MEMS technology in the cars of tomorrow.  Comparisons of MEMS devices and
their manufacturers are included, as well as extensive discussion of "Where
MEMS Fit" and the opportunities that lie ahead.  Worldwide forecasts of unit
shipments, ASPs, and revenues (by major device category) are provided through
2007.  To purchase this report, or for more information, please visit:
http://www.instat.com/catalog/cat-esa.htm or contact Erin McKeighan;
emckeighan@reedbusiness.com at 480.609.4551.  The report price is $3,495 USD.

    About In-Stat/MDR
    In-Stat/MDR ( http://www.instat.com ) offers a broad range of information
resources and analytical assets to technology vendors, service providers,
technology professionals, and market specialists worldwide.  The company
stands alone in its ability to integrate both supply-side and demand-side
research methodologies into a single comprehensive view of technology markets
and products.  This capability relies on a unique ability to cover the entire
value chain from engineering-level technology, through equipment,
infrastructure, services and end-users.
    In-Stat/MDR is part of the Reed Electronics Group, a division of Reed
Elsevier ( http://www.reedelsevier.com ), a world-leading publisher and information
provider.  With over 38,000 employees worldwide, Reed Elsevier operates in the
science & medical, legal, education and business-to-business industry sectors,
providing high value and flexible information solutions to professional end
users, with increasing emphasis on the Internet.

    For further information please contact:  Marlene Bourne, Senior Analyst -
MEMS Markets & Technologies, +1-480-609-4541, mbourne@reedbusiness.com ; or
Kirsten Skedd, Marketing Manager, +1-480-609-4534, kskedd@reedbusiness.com ,
both for In-Stat/MDR.