Research and Markets: Electrical and Electronic Content of Cars Continues Its Upward Trajectory

DUBLIN, Ireland--Feb. 2, 20051, 2005--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c12998) has announced the addition of A Global Market Review Of Vehicle Exterior Electronics, 2nd Edition to their offering

The electrical and electronic content of cars continues its upward trajectory with estimates that by 2010 some 40% of a vehicles cost base will be accounted for by its electrical power and control systems.

So far as body engineering is concerned, this increase is being driven by a number of different dynamics, which can be broadly split into the two sectors of ecology and safety. The former is geared to providing the optimum fuel efficiency from an engine, allied to the sometimes-incompatible need to minimise harmful or undesirable compound gas emissions. The latter is a broader-still spectrum, which encompasses such elements as suspension and braking stability, speed-distance control systems, and advanced steering systems.

At the same time that electrical and electronic content is being increased, there is a symbiotic demand from auto makers to reduce the kerb weight of vehicles, and one way that this is being achieved is by increasing the amount of electrical/electronic control in place of mechanical connections. Replacing the traditional mechanical-hydraulic power steering pump with an electronically controlled, electrically actuated power assistance unit reduces engine load, but more significantly reduces not just vehicle sprung weight but also reduces complexity of installation on the production line.

Was it not for a mandated requirement for the steering wheel to be physically connected to the road wheels, it would be possible to take the technology a stage further, and eliminate the steering column linkage. Similar legal requirements are in place, which constrain the amount of development allowed in braking systems, which at present must retain physical connection between the driver and vehicle hubs.

This report represents independent analysis of automotive electronics, and covers the following vehicle areas: 42v, engines, hybrid and electric vehicles, remote diagnostics, transmissions, braking, suspension, steering and lighting. It concludes with brief profiles of the major systems suppliers, namely: Aisin Seiki, Bosch, Continental, Delphi, Denso, Mitsubishi Electrical Automotive, Motorola, Ricardo, Siemens VDO, SY Technologies, TRW Automotive, Valeo, Visteon

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c12998