The automotive industry has been a major source for sensor applications, with sensors being used in electric and electronic system in the automobile industry.
Advanced electronic elements are being widely used to provide safety and comfort in automobiles. These developments have in turn increased the demand for automotive sensors that are used in systems such as anti-lock braking (ABS), emission control and airbags. There was a drop in sensor sales during 2008-09 period due to economic decline when consumers opted for low price automobiles.
The future projections however seem bright for automobile sensor sales, which will be fuelled by reduction in the cost of production of MEMS sensors and stability control being made mandatory for all vehicles. During 2010, however MEMS sensor sales grew rapidly due to economic support from the Government and banks towards the automotive industry. MEMS sensor sales was boosted by the increase in the passenger vehicle production and improved inventory replenishment. In the vehicle manufacture process the focus is now more on fuel efficiency and powertrain features, which indirectly creates demand for oxygen sensors, back-up warning sensors, aftermarket ABS sensors and parking sensors. The automobile sensor market will catch up in Europe, Asia-Pacific region mainly. Going by the sensor segments, Engine and Transmission Automotive Sensors are expected to peak in the sales and the revenue from Safety and Security Automotive sensors is expected to reach a CAGR of 9.2%. Some of the leading players in the industry that have been mentioned in the report are CTS, Honeywell Sensing & Control, Infineon Technologies North America, Bosch Sensortec, Bourns, TRW Automotive Holdings, TT electronics, Universal Sensors etc.
Source: http://www.strategyr.com/