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Dynamic Automotive Sensors Market Forecast to Grow

24 March 1999

Frost & Sullivan - Dynamic Automotive Sensors Market Forecast to Grow Due to Emerging Products

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 23 -- Today's cars are equipped
with numerous sensors, ranging from mature to emerging products.  On the one
end of the spectrum are several long-used devices such as fuel level, vehicle
speed, oil pressure and coolant temperature sensors.  Emerging sensors include
oil condition, torque and yaw rate sensors.
    According to upcoming strategic research conducted by Frost & Sullivan
(http://www.frost.com), North American Automotive Sensor Markets, revenues in the
original equipment market totaled over $1.9 billion in 1998.  Although weaker
demand for new vehicles is anticipated in the near term, vehicle production is
forecast to grow from 2002 on. Revenues in the automotive sensors market
should grow again, despite pressure for lower prices from automakers.
    The automotive sensors market is dynamic even in terms of mature
applications.  Additional position sensors are being used for pedal and
steering position sensing in drive-by-wire systems that replace mechanical
linkages with electronic systems.  Hall effect and magnetoresistive speed
sensors that provide more information to electronic control modules are
challenging variable reluctance devices.  Systems such as stability control
are generating demand for additional pressure sensors, and for new devices
such as yaw rate sensors.
    Other market trends are the anticipated use of more functional oxygen
sensors and the rapid transition from electromechanical to electronic
accelerometers for crash sensing.  Better oxygen sensors (known as universal
exhaust gas oxygen or UEGO sensors) will help the engine electronic control
module better manage the air/fuel ratio, fuel injector timing, spark timing
and exhaust gas recirculation.  Electronic accelerometers have reduced the
cost of airbag systems not only because they are less expensive, but also
because fewer are needed and because they simplify airbag system design and
installation.
    This upcoming study by Frost & Sullivan, North American Automotive Sensor
Markets, details position, speed, pressure, temperature, oxygen, oil
condition, torque and yaw rate sensors, as well as high- and low-G
accelerometers.  Provided in the study are revenue forecasts, market and
technology trends, competitive issues, and strategies.
    Frost & Sullivan presents Market Engineering Awards to recognize companies
that have made positive contributions to the automotive sensors industry.
Winners are selected from an in-depth analysis of market competitors and
interviews with the companies that make up the industry. The 1999 Market
Engineering Product Innovation Award is granted to Continental Teves for its
development of tires that act as sensors. The 1999 Market Engineering
Entrepreneurial Company Award is given to Siemens Automotive for development
of innovative technologies such as a side-impact airbag system triggered by
pressure sensors and an occupant position sensing system based on under-seat
strain gauges.
    This automotive industry research has integrated the Market Engineering
consulting philosophy into the entire research process. Critical phases of
this research include:  Identification of industry challenges, market
engineering measurements, strategic recommendations, planning and market
monitoring. All of the vital elements of this system help market participants
navigate successfully through the automotive sensors industry.
    Frost & Sullivan is an international marketing consulting company that
monitors the automotive industry for market trends, market measurements and
strategies. This ongoing research is utilized to update a series of online
research subscriptions such as the Automotive OEM Custom Subscription, and to
support industry participants with customized consulting needs. Free executive
summaries of all Frost & Sullivan reports are available to the press.
    Visit Frost & Sullivan's Web site:  http://www.frost.com

    North American Automotive Sensor Markets
    Report: 5919-18  Publication Date: April 1999  Price: $3950