Abstract
Research Overview
Growing Importance of Consumer Electronics and Portable Devices in Western Europe to Spur Demand for Automotive Wireless Technologies
With the growing emphasis on portability and consumer electronics in the
telematics and infotainment market, vehicle manufacturers in the western
European automotive industry are deploying new wireless technologies in
different domains such as safety and core telematics usage. Other potential
growth areas include entertainment and voice applications, tracking functions,
inter-vehicle communication as well as remote monitoring and diagnostics. With
greater availability of portable devices such as the Apple iPod, Sony Xplod
and Creative portable music players, portable device connectivity as well as
plug-and-play telematics are expected to offer significant growth
opportunities. Further, the shift from fixed, stand-alone device-based
navigation to portable devices such as PDAs, Smartphones and mobile phones has
increased the use of wireless technologies in navigation and location-based
services applications.
Legislations in Europe to Aid in the Promotion of Bluetooth Technology
Currently, Bluetooth technology is the established standard for wireless voice
applications in Europe. This can be attributed to the implementation of
legislations that enforce mandatory hands-free telephony while driving. The
growth of mobile phones equipped with Bluetooth is providing vehicle
manufacturers with the impetus to provide Bluetooth functions in the
automotive domain. Vehicle manufacturers are likely to implement upcoming
Bluetooth applications such as remote vehicle diagnostics and wireless control
of rear seat entertainment (RSE) systems to replace infrared (IR) technology.
Consequentially, the Bluetooth-equipped vehicles market is expected to grow at
a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.1 per cent from 2005 to 2010.
"With the development of different wireless technologies likely to take place
after 2010, Bluetooth technology will remain the key wireless technology",
says the analyst of the research service. "Hence, vehicle manufacturers will
need to focus on offering a greater number of applications with their existing
Bluetooth module, while also investigating the scope of other wireless
technologies."
Emerging WiFi, UWB and Zigbee Technologies to Offer Greater Scope for Wireless Automotive Applications
In addition to the growing implementation of Bluetooth technology, BMW's
likely introduction of WiFi technology in its premier car models (the BMW 5
and 7-series) in 2008 is expected to accelerate market growth. The increasing
use of WLAN technologies such as WiFi will enable Internet connectivity for
music downloads, video streaming and off-board services related to navigation
and entertainment. However, it will become imperative for vehicle
manufacturers and suppliers to actively strive for WiFi implementation and
price the WiFi service model nominally to effectively promote its uptake.
Further, UWB penetration is expected to grow with the impending adoption of
UWB standard by Bluetooth SIIG. Market demand will also be supported by the
rise in demand for Zigbee technology due to its low power requirements and
sensor expertise.
"In spite of the growing market potential, vehicle manufacturers should
include wireless carriers as important participants in the value chain and
obtain their involvement in devising feasible and low-cost service models",
remarks the analyst. "Improving their marketing efforts to provide customers
with extra functionalities at an optimal cost to promote their advanced
value-addition products will be crucial to success."
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