The total Chinese market for OEM automotive electronics is forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 14.2%, from $1 billion in 2003 to $3.5 billion in 2012. That would make China the fastest-growing region for automotive electronics, according to Research and Markets, which noted that the average electronic content per light vehicle in China is forecast to increase from $300 in 2003 to $500 in 2012. Research and Markets pegs powertrain as the largest automotive electronics sector, with driver assistance enjoying the highest growth.

India’s low-cost, highly skilled manufacturing base makes it a favored location for global outsourcing, and the automotive industry is at the center of the country’s new global dynamic, according to the research firm. India could emerge as a global hub for small car manufacturing and an outsourcing center able to offer global automotive industry solutions high up in the value chain. Research and Markets’ management briefing reviews the current status and future prospects of India's automotive industry.

Research and Markets forecasts that the electrical/electronic content of cars will climb from approximately 25% of a vehicle’s cost base now to 40% by 2010. That growth results from the need to differentiate vehicles by installing more cabin equipment and systems; however, the gear presents a potential weight problem. One way to solve that problem is to make it easier for drivers to bring their own gear, such as mobile phones and PDAs, with them. Wiring harnesses are also a potential problem for designers, according to the research firm, and the problem will only get worse as the industry enters the 42 V era. The report covers driver interfaces, connectivity/Bluetooth, audio/navigation, climate control and safety/security.

Markets for integrated MEMS technology are expected to grow eventually, according to Research and Markets, but bottlenecks such as process standardization remain to be overcome. The MEMs report describes current applications as well as market and technology trends for integrated MEMS.

The report on Siemens VDO Automotive is part of a series of profiles of Tier One suppliers under way at Research and Markets.