Automakers Compete with Safer Models
Boston, MA - September 8, 2011 – Strategy Analytics forecasts that automotive RADAR will grow annually by 47 percent, rising to 28.2 million units worth $1.2 billion by 2018. The report,
Automotive RADAR: Design Trends Point Towards Performance and Affordability, tracks design trends that are necessary to meet OEM safety and marketing strategies. Aiming to raise the safety levels of their models, automotive RADAR vendors are:
- Integrating components together, to reduce cost and module size;
- Using multiple beam antennas with digital beam forming, to enhance FOV (Field Of View) and resolution;
- Enhancing component performance; and
- Developing design strategies that lower power consumption, such as “duty cycling” and “smart partitioning”.
Kevin Mak, analyst in the Automotive Electronics Service (AES) at Strategy Analytics, said, “The growing number of vehicles on the world’s roads could equate to a greater risk of collisions. Consumers are demanding higher levels of safety and so ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is expected to be a growth area for automotive manufacturers, as previously discussed in another Strategy Analytics report,
Blindspot Detection and Night Vision Systems Pique Automotive Consumer Interest. Further, crash testing agencies and insurance companies have incentivized makers of ADAS systems, resulting in growing competition among auto makers. Previously dismissed as being too costly, recent developments in RADAR have raised the profile of this sensor.”
Mak continued, “Cost reduction in RADAR is necessary for OEMs to promote their models. For example, the 2012 Ford Focus compact will be offered with an adaptive cruise control system. Such systems were previously only offered on luxury sedans. When prices are half of what they are now, then we are likely to see a more widespread adoption of automotive RADAR. However, RADAR still faces competition from other sensors, such as LIDAR.”