ABI Research Scrutinizes `Workhorse' Automotive X-by-Wire Application

OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--Aug. 2, 20052, 2005--The recent launch of Citroen's ambitious C5-by-Wire hatchback, with its electronically-controlled brake, throttle, and radical steering system, marks yet another high-profile advance for so-called "X-by-Wire" automotive systems that replace traditional mechanical linkages with electronic/mechanical ones.

Yet according to ABI Research senior analyst Robert LaGuerra, the humble parking brake will be the most likely part of new vehicles to reap the benefits of X-by-wire. Electronic parking brakes (EPB) engage automatically to prevent, for example, a car stopped at a traffic light on a hill from rolling backwards when the accelerator is released.

Calling it "the workhorse X-by-Wire application", LaGuerra points out that "Unlike electronic power steering, which simply replaces a mechanical system with an electronic equivalent, EPB actually adds new functionality to the vehicle, and can be installed in cars of any size and power."

EPB will prove more popular in Europe than in the US or Asia, ABI Research believes, because of the prevalence there of manual transmission cars, with their greater risk of rolling back on hills. Europe's frequently hilly environments and its technological lead in active safety systems should also drive earlier adoption.

X-by-Wire braking adds a measure of safety to the vehicle, since it can also form part of pre-crash systems that reduce vehicle speed when sensors detect an impending collision.

ABI Research's study, "X-by-Wire: Market Strategies for Electronic Power Steering, Brake-by-Wire and Electronic Parking Brake Systems" presents regional forecasts for the period 2004-2012, and discusses legislative and implementation issues, as well as the implications of rising fuel costs and hybrid vehicles. The study also offers detailed profiles of all the major industry players.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations supporting annual research programs, intelligence services and market reports in automotive, wireless, semiconductors, broadband, and energy. For information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.