Automotive Electronics Market Continues Its Healthy Growth Reaching a Market Value of $173.7 Billion by 2013

Montreal, Canada, March 01, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Electronics.ca Publications, the electronics industry market research and knowledge network, announces the availability of a new report entitled "2008 Automotive Semiconductors."

The newest market report reveals continued healthy growth for the automotive electronics market. The current forecast calls for annual growth of 9 percent on average, reaching a market value of $173.7 billion by 2013, from estimated sales of $114.5 billion in 2008. Growth in Driver Assistance, Safety Systems, and Entertainment is expected to be particularly strong, while the Consumer Retail, Powertrain, and Body Electronics segments are forecasted for slower growth.

The Consumer Retail application is expected to continue to hold the highest market share; however, its market share is expected to decrease substantially: from 27.8 percent in 2007 to 21.0 percent in 2013. The Safety Systems and Entertainment applications also hold large shares of the market, although these applications are expected to gain market share. Body Electronics currently holds over 15 percent of the automotive electronics market, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7 percent.

With 2007 revenue of $13.4 billion, and expected 2013 revenue of $32.9 billion, Driver Assistance is expected to be the fastest-growing application. This segment includes systems aimed at increasing safety such as electronically-controlled steering and suspension. Major players in this segment include Dana Corp., Magna, and Tenneco.

The Powertrain segment, which includes hybrid and alternative fueling technology, is the lowest in terms of revenue and second lowest in terms of 2008-2013 CAGR; however, this segment is quite interesting as it has much room for growth. As automakers try to reduce dependence upon the gasoline engine, and as the technology develops, the sales of hybrid and other alternative energy vehicles are expected to increase.

The clear leader in hybrid automakers is Toyota, while Honda is making a strong push to take some of Toyota's share. In the U.S., General Motors has the broadest portfolio in the hybrid market, although it is far behind the competition in terms of sales. As hybrid technologies are improved and manufacturing costs decrease, the Powertrain segment should experience periods of higher growth, as these technologies are more electronically dependent than were traditional Powertrain systems.

Details of the new report can be found on Electronics.ca Publications' web site: http://www.electronics.ca/reports/semiconductor_applications/automotive_semiconductor.html

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