During the past 60 years, the automobile has evolved from a crude conveyance having no computers and simple point/condenser ignition to a sophisticated and capable traveling machine with twenty or thirty computers that control everything from ignition to heat and air conditioning, door window position and analog-style instrument panel. Manufacturers such as BMW, Porsche, GM, Honda, Audi, Ford and Toyota produce cars with a dazzling array of performance, features and options including safe and comfortable cabin, high-performance low-polluting engine, computer-controlled ignition, -transmission and -lighting, engine diagnostics, communications and entertainment, navigation, safety and emergency reporting. Today’s sophisticated automobiles are available in a wide range of sizes, configurations, styling, color and finish.Despite this technological progress, greater changes loom on the near horizon. The change is driven by the economic growth in emerging countries that threatens to turn the automotive industry upside down.This paper covers some of the important aspects of this enormous change and its implications for the automobile industry.Download the white paper from the Electronica 2010 website.
Profound Changes Affecting Worldwide Automotive Electronics Market
