Cockpits with advanced user-friendly features and innovative technologies are prevailing norms in the automotive industry. The growing connectivity, high-speed wireless bandwidth, and increasing software content prompted original equipment manufacturers to push boundaries to attract new-age car buyers with distinct features. This trend is further accelerated by the proliferation of electric vehicles that are getting tech-laden cockpits. Among the impressive list of new features finding their way...

ZF's steer-by-wire (SbW) innovations and future market projections: ZF showcased advanced X-by-Wire technologies at IAA Mobility 2023, encompassing SbW, brake-by-wire (BBW) and active damping. These technologies collectively create a highly integrated and responsive vehicle control system, marking a significant leap toward software-defined vehicles. ZF’s SbW systems enable full autonomous control for shuttles and robo-taxis, with added features such as retractable steering wheels and imp...

The automotive industry is currently undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a relentless pursuit for enhanced performance, weight reduction and the electrification of vehicles. This paradigm shift is reshaping materials and manufacturing processes, with notable implications for the entire supply chain. One prominent shift is the anticipated decline in the usage of mild steel, making way for higher-strength materials such as steel alloys, aluminum and advanced composites. Advanced hig...

In mid-October, Nikkei reported that Japanese city Kashiwa is testing a technology that will allow electric vehicles (EV) to recharge wirelessly while being driven on public roads. Japan has joined a growing list of countries in Europe, mainland China and North America, where such projects are underway to gauge the safety, reliability and commercialization aspects of the technology. In the Japanese project, where charging coils have been embedded in the road surface at traffic signals, tests are...

Braking beyond boundaries: The electromechanical brake (EMB) breakthrough The landscape of braking systems in modern automobiles reflects a dynamic interplay between innovation, safety and environmental consciousness. The evolution of brakes, once primarily mechanical, has taken on a new dimension with the infusion of electronic components and a keen focus on intelligent, integrated systems. In the realm of safety, the integration of electronic features, such as automatic braking systems (...

Mainland China-based battery-cell maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd. (CATL) is already one of the leading lithium-ion (Li-ion) cell suppliers to the automotive industry. Established in 2011, CATL catered to more than 29% of the demand of Li-ion batteries from the light-vehicle segment in 2022. The company competes with suppliers such as LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and Panasonic. In 2022, CATL Group (including all its joint ventures) supplied more than 187 GWh of Li-ion cells to th...

The automotive industry is currently experiencing profound shifts, ranging from electrification to the introduction of innovative vehicle features. Central to these transformations is the escalating importance of semiconductors. Traditional computing capacities housed in electronic control units (ECU) based on microcontroller units (MCUs) are rapidly becoming inadequate in the face of the expanding computational demands brought on by advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), communication proto...

According to S&P Global Mobility, the production of electric light vehicles in mainland China is expected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% between 2023 and 2030, reaching a total of 19 million units. The electric vehicle industry in mainland China has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, firmly establishing the country as a global leader in the EV sector. China holds the distinction of being the world's largest EV market, contributing to over half of g...

The IAA Mobility is an annual auto show held in Munich, Germany, encompassing various automotive trends and technologies. Held at the Munich Exhibition Center from September 5 to September 10, the show attracted more than 500,000 people from all over the world. This edition saw more than 300 world premieres and innovations from about 750 exhibitors. While autonomous and electric mobility inevitably grabbed the attention, there were numerous interesting developments covering the vehicle’s inter...

During the life cycle of an electric vehicle (EV), battery cell manufacturing and raw material mining has the biggest contribution toward CO2 emissions. The other major challenge is with the supply of critical raw materials, such as cobalt, nickel and lithium. As EV uptake picks up pace, production of lithium-ion battery cells will also have to expand in line to meet the demand. This is expected to put huge pressure on the raw material supply chain of these materials. Along with availa...

Autonomous Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) is a vision of future transport that involves driverless vehicles providing on-demand and personalized transportation services to users. Autonomous MaaS has the potential to offer many benefits, such as lower costs, higher convenience, improved safety, reduced emissions, reduced downtime and increased accessibility. However, there are also many challenges that need to be overcome before autonomous MaaS can become a reality. MaaS and robo-taxis are nonet...

Recently, Tesla announced that it will transition its electrical and electronics (E/E) architecture from 12V to 48V. The purpose behind this decision is to structurally improve power efficiency and further advance vehicle lightweighting. The decision is in line with Tesla's strategy to pursue architectural and modular innovation, and signifies the strengthening of its component ecosystem. During Tesla's Investor Day in March, the company hinted at the adoption of a 48V-based E/E architecture....

Think of any popular car on sale today equipped with a modern sound system — evidently, mounted with anywhere between 15-20 or more speakers, occupying sizable space and adding considerable weight to the overall vehicle. What if the customer gets the same immersive audio or an even better experience without the speakers? A win-win proposition; however, it appears the industry is taking time for this technological shift toward truly speakerless audio. But can the rise of electric vehicles prope...

Semiconductor exhibitions recently witnessed a resurgence in participation, with attendee and sponsor numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The TSMC Symposium and SEMICON West are two such notable events that concluded a few months ago revealing several clear industry trajectories. Paramount among these is the automotive sector's emergent dominance within the semiconductor landscape. It is no longer just about in-car entertainment; we are witnessing a seismic shift as vehicles evolve into tech...

After a week into the persisting standoff with the Detroit Three – General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Stellantis – the United Auto Workers (UAW) announced on September 22 that it is expanding the ongoing strike to 38 parts distribution locations across 20 states in the US. In its second wave, the UAW strike aims to target the aftersales and service facilities, which is expected to have a direct and immediate impact on the carmaker’s dealerships, and therefore customers. While the UA...

Organic LED (next-generation display technology OLED) is finding takers in the automotive industry. From taillights to interior lighting, automakers are warming up to the idea of using OLED as their light-based applications. OLED is made from organic materials such as carbon and uses multiple layers of organic semiconductors. OLEDs contain two electrodes, one of which is transparent. Low voltage (about 4 V) causes the semiconductor layers to emit light. The color depends on the molecules within ...

The world of cellular communication is entering the advanced fifth generation that promises to take the wireless mobile network to the next level with its low latency and higher speed. The automotive industry, which now heavily relies on connectivity and communications, is going to benefit in the shift toward 5G Advanced and 6G mobile communication technology, much like the previous generations.  The 5G network infrastructure is being set up globally and is expected to reach its full pot...

The automotive industry is currently undergoing a profound transformation driven by evolving consumer preferences and mounting concerns about climate change. Key challenges include reducing vehicle weight, improving crash performance and lowering construction costs. Composite materials, known for their superior strength-to-weight ratio, are emerging as a key solution for designing lightweight automotive components. This shift toward composites is primarily driven by their potential to signifi...

According to S&P Global Mobility, hybrid and electric light vehicle production in the United States is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% between 2023 and 2030 to 9.8 million units. This is also going to drive demand for EV motors (e-motors) in the country, which we forecast will grow at a CAGR of 20% over the same period to 14 million units. Besides its application in other industries, electrical steel is also used in the manufacturing of e-motors and charger...

The gradual trend toward higher vehicle speeds observed in recent decades has brought about the requirement for novel service brakes. These brakes must possess substantial potency to facilitate rapid deceleration within limited braking distances. Furthermore, they must maintain a compact form factor to seamlessly integrate within the spatial confines dictated by contemporary suspension and steering geometry configurations. Simultaneously, the ongoing shift toward vehicle electrification has u...

Lumotive's optical semiconductor solutions enable advanced sensing and perception capabilities in next-generation consumer, mobility and industrial automation products, such as mobile devices, autonomous vehicles and robots. On July 27, Lumotive announced that it has entered a commercial agreement with camera-module specialist Namuga, which will leverage Lumotive's Light Control Metasurface (LCM) chipsets to develop solid-state lidar module solutions for a range of 3D-sensing applications in aut...

The automotive industry has been diligently working toward the realization of fully automated vehicles, ushering in an era of transformative mobility and unprecedented safety on the roads. Although the industry is making progress in ensuring that the technology is secure, the regulation that could enforce safety requirements is largely absent or outdated in many geographies. For better or worse, the same is true for regulations governing the testing and use of autonomous vehicles and mobility...

The instrument cluster (IC) is known for its vital function of providing consistent and accurate information about the vehicle to the driver. The automotive market is now predominantly moving toward analog-digital and fully digital ICs. This trend is driven by an increasingly connected and digital cockpit, propelled by the proliferation of electric vehicles.  According to S&P Global Mobility data, in 2022 the analog IC share of 12% (9.4 million units) is likely to drop to 5.6% (4.9 m...

NXP Connects is an annual conference organized by tier-1 semiconductor supplier NXP Semiconductors. The conference brings together industry professionals, engineers, designers and technology enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in the world of semiconductors, embedded systems, and internet of things (IoT) technologies. NXP Connects provided a platform for attendees to gain insights into NXP's cutting-edge products, solutions and technologies. The conference featured keynote presenta...

In July, an important piece of legislation related to electric vehicle charging received a boost in Europe. Members of the European Parliament (MEP) approved and adopted the new proposed rules under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). The AFIR, in essence, is the successor to the original Directive 2014/94/EU on alternative-fuel infrastructure, called the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Directive (AFID). The directive created a framework for deployment of infrastructure net...

Europe grapples with the management of over 6 million end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) annually, resulting in environmental issues and economic losses. The automotive industry's heavy reliance on primary raw materials exacerbates the problem, necessitating a sustainable solution. To combat this, the EU has unveiled its ELV regulation, revising 3R Type-Approval (3RTA) directives on ELVs and reusability, recyclability and recoverability. The primary goal is to promote circularity by reusing and recycli...

Access to charging stations is one of the main priorities for electric vehicle buyers. According to the 2022 E-Mobility consumer analysis conducted by S&P Global Mobility in late 2022, most respondents believe that the existing charging infrastructure was insufficient for their charging needs. This opinion differs by country with Japanese respondents coming in at the lowest end with only about 7% believing the infrastructure was sufficient, while those in mainland China were the highest a...

With the rapid rates of electric vehicle adoption continuing in major markets globally, legislative agendas supporting aggressive transitions to phase out mainstream internal combustion engine (ICE) usage, and supply chains gearing up accordingly, the narrative around electrification technology is shifting toward one of maturity and scale. Click the link above to download the full article.

The automotive industry's focus on lightweighting with aluminum has become crucial in the pursuit of reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. The rise of electrification has further driven the demand for aluminum as it allows for lightweighting electric vehicle components and offsets the weight of batteries. This aligns with the industry's sustainability goals, as aluminum is highly recyclable. One significant factor contributing to the growing usage of aluminum in automobiles is the...

Everyone likes a simpler life, not least OEMs that would like to reduce complexity in their in-vehicle audio offering by deleting AM radio reception. AM radio itself harks back to simpler times at the start of the 20th century, but the OEMs’ best laid plans to simplify their offering are under threat of disruption. The AM radio, considered fundamental to America’s National Public Warning System, is now being dropped by automakers in their new electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. Interven...

The global boom in electric-vehicle production will have a significant impact on copper mines, as the demand for copper in the automotive sector is set to skyrocket. This surge in demand is primarily due to the exceptional properties of copper that makes it indispensable in the EV sector. Copper's remarkable conductivity, comparable to silver, and its ability to withstand temperature variations makes it ideal for high-speed data wires in vision systems and sensors. Additionally, copper plays ...

The global semiconductor industry has become a critical battleground for economic dominance, particularly between the US and mainland China. Mainland China will impose export controls on two metals used in semiconductor chip production to "safeguard national security and interests", the Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs said in a notice on July 3. "The export control is not an export ban, and permits will be granted if exports comply with the relevant regulations," Shu J...

Gateway hardware serves as the vital link between modern automobiles and the digital world. An automotive network gateway is a vital component that acts as a communication hub between various electronic systems within the vehicle. A key role is to enable data exchange and communication between different networks or domains within the vehicle. In a vehicle, multiple electronic control units (ECUs) are responsible for controlling distinct functions like engine control, braking, steering, infota...

The general belief that 100% electrification of vehicles is a silver bullet to end all emissions-related concerns of the automotive sector is not as convincing anymore, as the focus is squarely on net zero, the ambit of which extends far beyond zero tailpipe emissions. The net-zero emissions concept includes the manufacturing process, the source of the energy used in manufacturing and the emissions emanating from the entire supply chain. In the current scenario, manufacturing of the Li-on cel...

Floor consoles are an integral part of the vehicle. Earlier, the design element comprised of an enclosure for the gear shifter and hand brake or an additional feature of storage bins with armrests that can slide. However, floor consoles have moved beyond just the basic functionalities as the vehicle interior becomes more passenger friendly. Market scope S&P Global Mobility expects global demand for floor consoles across all technologies to rise from around 79 million units currently to...

Data demand for today’s connected vehicles are increasing ever more. Sometimes it is not just the connectivity requirements that are to blame. Infotainment and the demand for (or supply of) enhanced human-machine interface (HMI) experiences — such as Nio’s virtual avatar or augmented reality satellite navigation — are behind the increase. Current data configurations, be it the Controlled Area Network (CAN) Bus or the Media-Oriented System Transport (MOST) fiber optic Bus, no longer cu...

The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working on a proposed regulation that would establish safety criteria for automated emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian AEB, for newly produced light vehicles. Pedestrian AEB is an in-vehicle device that can assist to avoid or lessen a collision with a vulnerable road user by applying the brakes automatically. This rule aims to enhance the capabilities of AEB systems, enabling them to stop...

In its most elaborate presentation so far, on June 13 Toyota Motor Corp. shared details of its strategic technology roadmap including the developments on new battery chemistries, hydrogen fuel cells and the pathway to achieve significant cost reduction in manufacturing electric vehicles. One of the largest carmakers in the world with a significant technology advantage on plug-in hybrid EVs and patents on EV batteries, Toyota has been visibly lagging in rolling out pure battery electric vehicl...

One of the fastest advancing areas in today’s car is the cockpit equipped with contemporary features and technologies that have revolutionized the car owners’ relationship with the vehicle. One such key piece of technology is the HUD. Though the technology has been around for a long time — first used by General Motors back in 1988 — the proliferation has been slower than expected with several impediments for the technology to gain traction. This scenario has now started to change, as ove...

Greater China is going to see some strong competition in lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cell manufacturing space, thanks to new localization mandates being introduced in regions, such as Europe and North America, which is attracting a lot of interest from cell makers for setting up new cell production plants. According to the recently published “Global battery cell production capacity tracker 2023” from S&P Global Mobility, the global battery manufacturing capacity is expected to grow a...

The automotive industry is undergoing a fascinating transformation with the emergence of steer-by-wire (SBW) technology, which is poised to revolutionize the driving experience and pave the way for the vehicles of tomorrow. As electric power steering (EPS) systems continue to dominate the market, SBW systems are captivating the industry by replacing mechanical connections with algorithms, electronics and actuators. The progress in semiconductor technology, control systems, electrical architec...

The market for wide bandgap power devices is projected to reach $19.45 billion in 2029, showing significant growth from $1.38 billion in 2022, indicating a CAGR of approximately 46%. SiC technology finds main applications in OBC, DC-DC conversion, and traction inverters, while also holding potential for new high-power applications centered around thermal management in BEVs, including PT heaters.  Click the link above to download this insight

Over decades, global automakers have developed capabilities to efficiently mass-produce cars with just-in-time sourcing parts through a robust and diverse supply chain. This led to an era of high-volume production and a profitable and highly efficient manufacturing industry. This successful model of the modern automotive industry is starting to change as new megatrends such as autonomous driving, connected cars, along with software-defined vehicles and digital technologies become a huge part of ...

On June 8, General Motors Company (GM) announced that it is collaborating with Tesla to integrate the latter’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector design into its own electric vehicle lineup. As a result of this alignment, GM EV drivers will also get access to Tesla’s Supercharger network across North America — one of the largest fast-charging networks in the region. Talking to Tesla chief Elon Musk, in a Twitter Spaces event on the same day, GM CEO Mary Barra, said, “Yo...

With consumer sentiment leaning toward using nonanimal byproducts, automakers and suppliers are looking to use vegan leathers, often known as faux leathers. However, not all vegan leathers are harmless, especially in their development processes. Polyurethane (PU) is harmful in the open, with processing and disposal causing diseases including cancer. It also requires large amounts of fuel and water, and it leads to the release of toxic chemicals. Automotive companies are now looking at recycled v...

The world of autonomous vehicles has been evolving rapidly in the past few years. Many companies have been investing heavily in research and development to create autonomous vehicles that can operate safely on the road without human intervention. Recent trends, however, have revealed a significant reduction in spending on driverless vehicles and a subsequent slowdown in autonomous vehicle investments. The slowdown could also affect the deployment timelines, leading to pushing autonomous vehicle ...

Among the more interesting developments in the automotive interior and lighting space is a technology called “Shy Tech.” It literally means shy technology, where a solution is not visible unless activated by the user. While it is not prevalent in the automotive industry, some key players are working on bringing it to mass production soon. People do not prefer vehicle cabins cluttered with information all the time. This can also result in distracted driving. Shy Tech refers to an array of ...

The Shanghai Auto Show, one of the world’s most prestigious automotive events, has always been a hub for groundbreaking advancements and cutting-edge technologies. In a remarkable turn of events, the 2023 edition witnessed a surge in the number of vehicles equipped with lidar technology. From just one solitary model in 2021, a staggering 38 lidar-equipped vehicles graced the show floor in 2023, signifying a profound shift in the automotive industry. At the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, XPeng int...

Mirrors inside and outside the cabin are considered safety critical features for drivers, and over the years mirrors have been seeing some advancement in terms of design and the addition of new tech. However, there has been a visible shift in the once modest mirrors, with the coming of electronic mirrors or e-mirrors, which score high in advantages vis-à-vis the conventional mirrors used in today’s vehicles. There are obvious reasons for the shift to take place in favor of e-mirrors, as th...

Although the stakeholders ranging from vehicle and battery manufacturers, charging network operators and policymakers are working together to ensure large-scale EV adoption, range anxiety and long battery charging durations continue to be among the primary roadblocks, deterring the consumers to buy into the EVs globally. According to the US auto lobby Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) comprised only 7% of the new light-duty vehicle sales in 2022, with ...

Industries around the globe are focusing on cutting carbon emissions and developing sustainable products using eco-friendly methods. A vehicle’s interior comprises various materials with a focus on offering a premium feel. Historically, the interior of higher trims use leather, and while it is still widely used, faux leather and plant-based materials generally made of plant waste have seen significant growth over the last few years. What does “vegan” interior mean? As consumer sentim...

Many industry studies, including the S&P Global Mobility consumer survey conducted in 2022, have found that “limited access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure” was one of the primary challenges toward electrification. Low numbers of EVs on the road meant low return on investment (ROI) for charging station operators, which led to inadequate deployment of charging infrastructure. This in turn dissuaded potential customers from buying EVs.  To break out of this vicious circ...

By incorporating graphene into plastics, its benefits include enhanced mechanical properties, improved thermal management and increased electrical conductivity. Graphene integration into composites strengthens materials while improving conductivity. These applications span across structural parts, coatings, tires, electronics, fluids, propulsion and energy storage. The environmental impact is positive, as graphene reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, exhibits enhanced recyclability, an...

The automotive industry is adopting additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, to produce complex parts, reduce expenses, save time and weight, and provide greater design flexibility. The electronics industry is also expected to become a significant customer of 3D printing technology, especially for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), owing to the benefits of 3D-printed circuits in reducing volume and optimizing pathways. The development of more advanced printers and process...

Batteries and motors are the two main components that come to mind when we think of performance and efficiency in an electrified vehicle. However, power electronics equipped in a vehicle play an equally important role in determining these two attributes of the vehicles. Power electronics components such as the inverter, DC/DC converter, onboard charger (OBC) and charging connector can help improve the efficiency of the overall system, thus increasing the range of the vehicle and reducing ch...

The recently concluded biennial Auto Shanghai 2023 show made a strong comeback after the pandemic and several top brand-OEMs and suppliers provided a glimpse into the future of the auto industry through their latest technologies. New-energy vehicles (NEVs) clearly drew a lot of interest and generated a buzz at the show. Besides the obvious shift in powertrain technologies, there is also a bigger technological pivot that is taking place inside the cockpit. Several innovative products, technolo...

Japan has announced export controls on 23 types of advanced semiconductor-manufacturing equipment, in response to US pressure to limit mainland China's access to the technology. Japan's export controls are seen as an attempt to limit mainland China's access to semiconductor technology. The move, which is expected to come into force in July, will affect around 10 major companies including Nikon and Tokyo Electron. These companies would need to get licenses to ship a broader-than-expected array of...

In vehicle electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture, a zone controller is a type of electronic control unit (ECU) that is responsible for managing and coordinating the various subsystems within a particular area, or "zone," of the vehicle. The zone controller acts as an intermediary between these subsystems and the main vehicle network, facilitating communication and ensuring that the subsystems are working together in a coordinated and efficient manner. This allows for greater flexibility i...

In early April, US automaker General Motors Co. (GM) made an announcement that took the industry by surprise. The original equipment manufacturer plans to phase out popular smartphone pairing systems — Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay — in its future electric vehicle (EV) portfolio and replace them with its own maps, assistance and music through in-built infotainment systems. This is to offer a seamless user experience that will better integrate the connected services in its EVs...

For decades, the desire to find a middle ground between cost and performance has been driving the automotive industry toward newer, more efficient technologies. As the age of automotive electrification dawns, we see this happening more prominently, especially for batteries. Batteries account for the biggest share (around 30-40%) in the cost of an electric vehicle (EV). Any reduction in this cost will help bring cost parity between an EV and an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Althoug...

With Level 2+ autonomous vehicles nearing mass-market adoption and the era of the software-defined vehicle fast approaching, a new battle for control is set to emerge. Click the link above to download the full article.

Known for pushing the boundaries of innovation in the automobile industry, US automaker Tesla announced that it plans to slash the use of Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors by 75% in its EVs (electric vehicles). During Tesla's Investor Day presentation in 2023, which was largely focused on efficiency and cost control, Colin Campbell, Tesla's powertrain engineering leader, discussed how the company plans to reduce the cost of their EV powertrains while maintaining high performance and energy effic...

The global shock absorber market has seen significant advancements in technology in the past decade. The focus has been on creating dampers with varying damping rates to suit different road conditions. However, there have also been advancements in subcomponents such as valve placement, fluid type and tube architecture to enhance driver comfort and safety on bumpy roads. Revolutionizing suspension: Advancements in shock absorber technologies drive market diversity The market for shock absor...

To keep up with the technological advances and to better protect road users, EU has revised its General Safety Regulation with Regulation 2019/2144, (GSR II). It introduces a range of mandatory advanced driver assistant systems (ADAS) to improve road safety and establishes parts of the legal framework for the approval of automated and fully driverless vehicles in the EU. GSR II covers all motor vehicles (including passenger cars, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), buses, trucks and trailers), wit...

The rear seat entertainment comprises video, audio, conferences and gaming with faster-evolving digital radio and TV. What propelled this shift is the progression in technologies, such as connected cars, higher wireless connectivity like WiFi, and 5G, intensifying the universe of entertainment at the rear seat. Increasingly, passengers are consuming media and utilising various tools for work and entertainment while on the go.  Rear seat entertainment (RSE) is no longer confined to just p...

On March 31, the US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released proposed guidance on the new clean vehicle provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was signed into law in August 2022. Aimed at incentivizing the domestic production of electric vehicles (EV) and batteries and reducing dependency on foreign supply chains, the proposed guidance, according to the US government, intends to provide clarity and certainty to manufacturers on the IRA requiremen...

Steel drives ahead: The strong and cost-effective backbone of mass-produced vehicles Ferrous metals, especially steel, have long been the primary material used in the automotive industry owing to their strength and durability. However, the rising market share of other materials like carbon fiber and aluminum has caused concerns about steel’s competitiveness. Despite this, advanced high-strength steels and improvements in production processes have enabled steel to retain its market dominance...

The growth of in-vehicle technologies has led to automakers offering customer-centric solutions, which have become key selling points. From bigger displays to swivel seats, the vehicle interior now is all about optimization for customer comfort and convenience. Ambient lighting represents an interesting aspect. With the advancement in lighting technologies, designers have been able to reimagine in-cabin lighting, going beyond the traditional set up to use different colors and customize the brigh...

A host of global automakers have revealed how digital services are powering their revenue streams in the recent past, and as the number of such services increases, OEMs expect revenues from such services to be the next big puller of cash. OEMs, including Mercedes-Benz, General Motors (GM) and Stellantis, are putting a lot of thrust into boosting the digital offering that would allow them to expand their revenue pools from these services. As the connected car population continues to grow at a rap...

Demand is increasing for high-performance controllers for chassis systems in the transition to centralized electrical/electronic architecture (EEA) The demand for dedicated high-performance controllers for chassis systems is increasing because of the rising computational and data handling requirements at high levels of driving autonomy, and the need to maximize vehicle stability during emergency maneuvers at higher speeds. The driver of this demand is the auto sector's transition to centraliz...

A recurring point of view of most industry watchers on the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry is that the speed of charging and easy access to charging networks will be among the most important factors that will help accelerate adoption of EVs globally. According to the S&P Global 2022 E-Mobility Consumer Survey on EV ownership and intention, nearly 43% and around 40% of the respondents, respectively, indicated the lack of charging station availability and time required for charging to ...

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached a provisional agreement on a proposal to strengthen the sustainability rules for batteries in December 2022. The Parliament and the Council said they are also open to further discussions on the new technological developments and future challenges pertaining to the batteries and battery materials. The negotiating representatives on both sides agreed that a carbon footprint declaration and label must be made mandatory for batter...

Demand for sunroofs have shot up over the last couple of years and is expected to grow even further this decade. Sunroofs offer the flexibility of natural lighting in the cabin. The trend is now focused on lightweighting and coating technologies that enable convenient yet safe solutions to thermal needs as well as blocking harmful rays. Demand According to S&P Global’s Component Forecast Analytics (CFA) data, the global demand for sunroof systems (including fixed and power sunroof sy...

The US government has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor export limits strategy for mainland China in October 2022. The limitations prevent major US AI computer chip designers, like NVIDIA and AMD, from exporting their high-end AI and supercomputing processors to mainland China. NVIDIA revealed in a regulatory filing that it needs permission from Washington to continue selling some high-end chips to mainland China. These AI accelerators are installed in large datace...

Tesla's co-founder and CEO Elon Musk believes that the desire for people to own a Tesla car is very high. The limiting factor is the (un)affordability of these cars. Remedying that seems to be the next goal for Musk as he wants to reduce the cost of producing the next-generation Tesla models by almost half, making them more affordable. On 1 March, Tesla hosted its Investor’s Day at its Texas gigafactory, where it presented its ‘Master Plan 3’, which succeeds the previous two Master...

OEMs adopt various strategies around product development, technology selection, and collaboration with other OEMs, tier-1 suppliers, and technology players. In order to gain a competitive advantage, OEMs brand and package optional and standard advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features that enhance the attractiveness of their products. Recently, several OEMs tried to launch automated driving features in their flagship models, whereas others tried to perfect their ADAS features and incr...

Digitization of the vehicle cabin has led to many customer-centric innovations, which focus on reducing driver distraction and offer smooth interface and user experience. Companies are constantly making advances in displays, such as the center stack display (CSD), due to growing in-vehicle connected applications. This trend has also set the instrument cluster (IC) market toward digitalization. Global demand for ICs will likely rise to more than 88 million by 2028 from around 77 million in 202...

The first Consumer Electronic Show kicked off in 1967, with 250 exhibitors and 17,500 attendees in New York City. Since then, CES has grown by more than 10-fold and now encompasses traditional and non-traditional tech industries. Following limited participation in the last few editions owing to the impact of COVID-19, the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was back in full swing this year. Automotive companies showcased new concepts and products with a huge chunk dedicated to UI/UX. C...

While Android Automotive is gaining traction in the automotive operating system (OS) market, the key point to look out for will be how many carmakers will subscribe to Google Automotive Services (GAS). The GAS suite provides options for automakers to embed a series of services from Google including Maps, Play Store, and Assistant. GAS is offered through a licensing model to automakers and is built on top of the Android Automotive OS. This updated article looks at the automakers who have already ...

Following limited participation in the last few editions due to the impact of COVID-19, the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was back in full swing this year. Automotive companies showcased new concepts and products with a huge chunk dedicated to UI/UX. Displays New and innovative displays were showcased by many big suppliers. Continental displayed its curved ultrawide display, which has a width of 1.29 m, curving from one A-pillar to the other. The 47.5-inch Thin Film Tr...

The automotive technology company Veoneer has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Magna International to acquire Veoneer's Active Safety business from SSW Partners, a New York–based investment partnership for USD1.525 billion in cash, subject to working capital and other customary purchase price adjustments. Veoneer's expertise in active safety and product portfolio, combined with Magna's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business, will enhance the combined company ...

Battery startup Britishvolt filed a notice to appoint an administrator in the insolvency courts in the UK on January 17, 2023, after failing to raise funds from new and existing investors to keep the business afloat. While a majority of 300 existing employees have lost their jobs as an immediate consequence of Britishvolt’s liquidation, the development is also being seen as a blow to the UK government’s efforts of establishing a flourishing ecosystem for electric vehicle (EV) and battery man...

The annual consumer survey conducted by S&P Global in 2022 yielded some interesting results on consumer sentiment related to in-vehicle displays, speech, touch, and other human-machine interface (HMI) products and technologies, such as wireless charging. Let us first look at the methodology used. The 20-minute survey was shared with more than 8,000 respondents, aged 18 and older and with access to internet. It was evenly split across eight countries, namely the United States, Japan, South...

The automotive semiconductor companies’ have declared their third-quarter financial results for the year, as the companies continued to execute their strategy. Some of the companies have performed better-than-expected quarterly results. However, the year 2022 is still very volatile, making it difficult to predict the semiconductor company’s short-term automotive revenues.   S&P Global Mobility has considered the pulse of top chip suppliers from third-quarter earnings to estimate ...

In an attempt to sharpen its focus on electric vehicle (EV) technologies while accelerating growth under the “Charging Forward” strategy, the Michigan-based automotive component supplier BorgWarner Inc. said on December 6, 2022, that it plans to spin off its fuel systems and aftermarket businesses into a separate, publicly traded company (NewCo). The announcement comes amid the ongoing global shift to EVs as both automakers and component suppliers transition supply chains and their respec...

The mobility industry is swiftly moving toward a future where vehicles can assist the driving task to a high degree and even automate the driving. The safety benefits of assisted and automated technologies are becoming apparent as time passes, making them increasingly important to driving safety. The current safety rating methodologies will not be sufficient to assess these vehicles. As cars become more crash avoidance–oriented, a new approach to rating them will be needed. European New Car...

Demands for tires with sustainable material compositions and a high compatibility with the unique requirements associated with electric drivetrain systems has led to the creation of a new green electric vehicle (EV) tire market with leading tier-1 suppliers ramping up development and commercial availability of the specific tires across vehicle segments (conventional and high-performance), tire segments (season-specific as well as original/aftermarket), and geographical markets. While high pro...

While tire development programs have historically primarily been focused toward addressing requirements associated with a specific vehicle model’s driving dynamics (e.g., wheel load, spring rates, damping, suspension kinematics and elasticities, engine performance, and velocity), expansion of the global electric vehicle (EV) sector over the last few years, along with a progressive rise in regulatory focus on corporate sustainability and carbon neutrality has driven OEM demand for a fundamental...

The scope of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) as a technology is ever increasing. The shift to autonomous mobility has led to a need for safe and secure technologies across the entire mobility spectrum. OEMs, suppliers, research institutes, and government bodies have been conducting tests to figure out the potential of the technology. According to S&P Component Forecast Analysis, demand for V2X is expected to grow from over 600,000 units in 2022 to nearly 14 million by 2027. The growth will be...

Similar with most interior features in a vehicle, audio systems have been significantly upgraded in the last decade. A high-quality sound system has always been a key criterion while purchasing a vehicle and with advancement of infotainment systems, and the growth of voice assistant solutions, demand has only strengthened. In the premium segment, the automotive speaker market is spearheaded by well-known consumer electronic companies, such as Bose and HARMAN, which brand includes JBL. Meanwhile,...

In recent years, the automotive sector has undergone a technological revolution. Many of the vehicle's traditional sectors have become more technically advanced. The automobile user no longer regards it as a sole demand that the car be merely a mode of transportation, but also a comfortable environment in which to enjoy the ride. Work is being done to produce more inventive lighting systems for vehicles to satisfy the requirements of adapting to modern mobility. Image projection systems are one ...