Boston, MA - January 17, 2006 -- The new Strategy Analytics study, "Automotive Sensor Demand Forecast 2003 - 2012," indicates that the market for automotive sensors will reach $10.1 billion in 2006, a year-on-year growth of 11 percent. This analysis shows that planned vehicle performance, feature and safety enhancements will drive automotive sensor revenues up to $15.8 billion by 2012, ensuring steady growth for sensor vendors throughout the decade. The largest growth was for silicon-based sensors.

Light vehicle production is expected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3.6 percent over the period 2004 to 2009. Over the same period, Strategy Analytics expects automotive sensor revenues to grow by 10.1% CAGR, as car makers respond to tightening environmental and safety legislation as well as consumer expectations, by introducing electronically controlled innovations for enhanced performance, comfort and convenience.

"The automotive industry has made great strides toward improved performance in mature electronics applications. Powertrain and safety systems continue to grow, creating new demand for sensors reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions while making safer vehicles, " says Simon Schofield, Senior Analyst, Automotive Practice.

"Added functionality and the growing software content of new systems drives the need for additional sensor types. For example, we are seeing the first applications of lane departure warning in mass produced vehicles, which has created new demand for infrared optics and cameras. Sophisticated control and diagnostic requirements are driving integration and advances in smart sensing strategies. Our analysis shows that a combination of new sensing applications and the migration from passive to active devices will result in silicon-based sensors exhibiting the highest component growth rate."

Sensor Applications ($M)	CY2006
Powertrain	5759
Chassis	2116
Safety	1459
Body	549
Security	134
Driver Information	62
Total ($ Millions)	10080
Source: Strategy Analytics