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 ...

The CASE megatrends – connected, autonomous, shared and electric – in case you’ve not been paying attention, have been the hot topics of the automotive industry in the past decade. They’ve even given rise to talk of the industry in the whole as the mobility industry rather than the more prosaic automotive industry. But is the CASE narrative running into trouble? Hot on the heels of the news that Ford and VW were exiting their Argo AI autonomous driving technology venture came news out...

The Volkswagen- and Ford-backed autonomous technology joint venture Argo AI is shutting down. Both automakers are shifting their strategies to autonomous cars. “In coordination with our shareholders, the decision has been made that Argo AI will not continue on its mission as a company,” Argo AI said in a statement. “Many of the employees will receive an opportunity to continue work on automated driving technology with either Ford or Volkswagen, while employment for others will unfortunatel...

Qualcomm conducted its first automotive investor day on 22 September 2022. In the past, the automotive industry was considered a minor part of the multiple sectors Qualcomm covers. As a result of ongoing trends in the automotive industry, such as connected mobility and autonomous driving, Qualcomm's technologies are in high demand, and their adoption is accelerating. The automotive sector generates predictable long-term earnings growth and diversification for Qualcomm and is growing into an impo...

The progressive rise in vehicle electrification has driven a massive increase in demand for lithium products applicable in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. While capacity expansions of the base chemical have largely stayed ahead of demand, geographical concentration of the chemical’s upstream extraction and midstream processing sectors in Latin America and mainland China respectively combined with logistical freight issues caused by the pandemic have driven an exponential hike in spot prices (...

The race for driverless vehicles and robo-taxis continues with several companies now offering autonomous taxi services in the US and China. Among them are Waymo (Alphabet), General Motors (GM) Cruise, Baidu, and a few smaller private startups. Similar to Baidu's driverless shuttles and GM’s Cruise Origin, the next technological advancement will likely be an all-electric, autonomous vehicle. However, there are several obstacles keeping autonomous cars from becoming a reality, including ...

On 29 July, HELLA announced the divestment of 33.33% stake of integrated front end modules company Hella Behr Plastic Omnium (HBPO) GmbH to France-based Plastic Omnium for an equity value of EUR290 million (USD306.70 million). The transaction enables Plastic Omnium with complete ownership. The divestment is part of HELLA’s strategy to align its resources in the development of high growth business segments underlining FORVIA’s combined businesses which, aim to become a major technology-focuse...

Plastic Omnium announced the acquisition of tier-1 lighting supplier Varroc's automotive lighting business, Varroc Lighting Systems (VLS), for EUR600 million (USD635.43 million) as part of the company's investments for sustainable growth. VLS’ expertise in advanced lighting solutions in headlamps and rear lamps, innovative technologies in optic system development and electronic control, and software for lighting will help Plastic Omnium to provide turnkey exterior lighting to vehicle manufactu...

The ongoing global chip shortage has impacted several industries, including lighting. The shortage has been aggravated by a variety of factors, ranging from changing market dynamics to geopolitical tensions. Shipping delays and shortages of semiconductors used in electronics such as LED drivers have extended lead times and impacted product availability in the lighting industry. This situation has driven several major LED product manufacturers globally to increase prices on LED luminaires and LED...

Megatrends associated with the penetration of driving assistance and driving automation features have stimulated demand for a new range of specialized chassis-related controllers designed specifically for the application in vehicles equipped with alternate centralized electrical/electronic architectures (EEAs). The previous article on this subject examined why the auto industry is moving toward centralized EEAs, how the application of domain controllers is helping to drive improvements to int...

With amendments to the European Data Act being heard through the end of October, S&P Global Mobility analysts have put together a rundown of the proposal to date, as well as industry responses in favor and in opposition.  What is the Data Act?  The Data Act, or more formally the Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on harmonized rules on fair access to and use of data, is a proposal that was issued in late February 2022 aimed at setting stan...

An autonomy domain controller (ADC) is a central processing unit that integrates inputs from several sensors around System-on-Chip (SoC) processors. Based on sensor data, the ADC evaluates information from multiple sources to arrive at an outcome or guidance for the driver or vehicle to implement, such as indicators to the driver to aid parking or execute a lane change. In autonomous vehicles, ADCs directly communicate with control systems to independently drive the vehicle. The complexity of...

In-vehicle wireless charging follows the trend seen in the consumer electronics space. There is a shift away from the use of wires, be it charging smartphones or using wireless headsets. With numerous automakers already offering in-car wireless charging, the technology could become a norm in the near future. Toyota reportedly unveiled the first car the with in-console Qi wireless charging for mobile devices with the launch of model year (MY) 2013 Avalon.  Suppliers: Renesas Electronic...

As the automotive industry becomes increasingly reliant on software, OEMs and suppliers are reshaping their strategies to tap into the potential revenue pool. Automakers including General Motors, Volkswagen, and Stellantis, among others, have already announced investments of billions of dollars over the decade to strengthen their software ecosystem. For example, Volkswagen’s CARIAD software unit has targeted developing 60% of its software in-house. This will give the automaker the autonomy of ...

It has been almost a month since the Democrats in the US Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA 2022), which became legislation on 16 August 2022 after the US President Joe Biden signed the act. While carmakers and their suppliers across the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain have been scrambling to decode the new mandates, auto industry lobbies from Europe, South Korea, and Japan have already expressed deep concerns about the ability of global carmakers to meet the requi...

Over the last few years developments in the driving assistance and automation feature market have driven demands for a new generation of automotive controllers that are able to process, analyze, and communicate increasingly large amounts of complex real-time data rapidly, efficiently, and flawlessly. A progressive electronification of vehicle systems, meanwhile, has led to the penetration of by-wire chassis systems equipped with electronic control units (ECUs) that process information fed fro...

An autonomy domain controller (ADC) is a central processing unit that integrates inputs from several sensors around System-on-Chip (SoC) processors. Based on sensor data, the ADC evaluates information from multiple sources to arrive at an outcome or guidance for the driver or vehicle to implement, such as indicators to the driver to aid parking or execute a lane change. In autonomous vehicles, ADCs directly communicate with control systems to drive the vehicle independently of the driver. The...

Concerns over Scope 3 emission reporting regulatory requirements, government and investor pressures to decarbonize supply chains, and a progressive increase in fossil fuel steel prices owing to rising carbon prices have driven downstream consumer industries to increasingly switch toward the application of low-emission green steel for production operations. Driven by this demand, steel manufacturers have ramped up investments to decarbonize operations across global plants, while simultaneously se...

The global automotive industry reported a semiconductor shortage for the first time in the second half of calendar year (CY) 2020. That was the time when major automakers, which were looking to scale up production and revive industrial activities across the automotive supply chains, struggled to secure necessary supplies of mainly electronic and electrical components powered by the semiconductors. As demand for household appliances including consumer electronics and white goods, and cars witn...

Over-the-air (OTA) updates are crucial for the automotive industry as it becomes more software-driven. It is time consuming to recall a vehicle to the garage to fix issues or upgrade its software. Apart from the convenience for a vehicle owner, OTA updates can also be more cost effective for the automaker. While software-related OTA updates are becoming common, OTA updates related to electronic control units (ECUs) are becoming a key differentiator. The number of global light vehicles in oper...

While growth in the luxury and ultra-high performance vehicle segments has driven a progressive increase in demand for specialized carbon ceramic brake discs, component manufacturers of the particular tech have over the last few years increasingly looked toward expanding market share by penetrating the broader high-performance disc brake market that is currently dominated by ventilated cast iron rotors. This article will provide an extended discussion into how carbon ceramic discs are differe...

The automotive industry is undergoing a period of huge change fuelled by the adoption of connectivity, autonomous driving, shared mobility, and electrification. Digital cockpits, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced human-machine-interface can also be included in the list of trends. In addition to automotive safety and comfort features, the kind of connected-ecosystem experience that customers have come to expect from their smartphones has become increasingly important, and OEMs now com...

On 7 August 2022, Democrats in the US Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which aims to not only take control of rising inflation by reducing the fiscal deficit but also invest in domestic manufacturing of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs), secure the necessary supply chain, and cut down the carbon footprint by roughly 40% by 2030. The proposal made within the purview of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) expects to raise about USD739 billion and invest about ...

While demands for lightweighting and increased requirements for impact resistance have driven a progressive decline in demand for mild steel for body structure manufacturing, an increased availability of new steel alloys with high strength and optimized energy absorption characteristics from major suppliers has renewed interest in the material’s application within the future light vehicle segment. At the same time, net zero targets set by countries bound by the Paris agreement have led regu...

The automobile roof has traditionally been regarded as an additional closure component that protects the occupants from environmental and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) conditions. With the design of the passenger cells and the connection of the pillars, there is also an element of safety. While sunroofs have traditionally included a sliding sunshade to block light when closed, this is not always the case. In the interest of safer driving, auto glass is becoming larger to accommodate...

Whether an automated vehicle or a fully driverless vehicle, its ability to identify where it is, understand its surroundings, and make decisions about where it needs to go next is the essence of its operation. To navigate safely, a vehicle needs to perform five major tasks—perception, localization, prediction, planning, and control. Autonomous vehicle perception requires collecting data from vehicle sensors and processing the data to understand the vehicle environment and navigate safely. F...

While geofencing is by no means a new concept, the advancement of automotive technologies means that the applications can only increase. Geofencing defines a zone to track vehicles. A geofence essentially leverages location data to set up boundaries. While Global Positioning System (GPS) is the most common form of technology used, other data signals, including cellular, wi-fi, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), can also be considered. According to IHS Markit forecast, global telematic...

The growth of autonomy, e-mobility, and connectivity have naturally changed the business prospects for automakers and suppliers. Trends include in-vehicle infotainment—such as subscription-based videos and music services—and a key element is in-car displays, which are crucial in connecting the vehicle to its passengers. Auto companies are constantly developing new display technologies and immersive user interfaces to attract customers. Displays have become a key selling point for automakers ...

The need to establish a sustainable global transportation system, which accounts for nearly one-third of the global carbon emissions, is leading to rapid electrification of vehicles across segments. As several countries continue to tighten the emission norms for automobiles and roll out new policies for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), vehicle manufacturers are increasingly investing in their respective product portfolios, supply chains, new technologies, and EV ecosystem to ensure that ...

Complexity in the software has increased to a level where it has become not just difficult to debug and maintain, but it has compounded an OEM’s already difficult situation to comprehend the overall system interactions between various electronic control units (ECUs) and to properly test all the various combinations of features in a car. Most of the software in vehicles is written by suppliers that also use third-party software and work with externals, so the OEM’s control on the result is ve...

Ambient lighting illumination has evolved and contributed to improving the interior design of the car and developed into a significant point of differentiation for several brands. As most automakers have incorporated advanced lighting technologies into their vehicles, LED light sources and related optics are allowing designers to explore mood lighting illumination for enhanced occupant mental health. LED lights that can change color and brightness while remaining small enough can be installed in...

The rising trend of multiple high-resolution displays in vehicle interiors is creating a strong demand for a high-performance System-on-Chip (SoC) from OEMs over the next five to six years. This article offers insights from IHS Markit analysts into the key factors that will drive demand for such high-performance chips. In modern vehicles, with consolidated electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture, a single SoC could be required to process a large amount of data, including video feed from mul...

In June 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a Standing and General Order to report vehicle crashes related to vehicles involved with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The data provides the NHTSA with timely information regarding crashes involving vehicles with various degrees of automated systems that were deployed at least 30 seconds prior to the event. The crash could include a vulnerable road user or result in a fatality, a vehicle tow-away, a...

While the looming threat of climate change has driven OEMs to prioritize reductions in exhaust emissions through modifications to vehicle propulsion systems, the increasing weight of the average vehicle, partly driven by the progressive move toward drivetrain electrification, has initiated new concerns over rising particulate matter (PM) levels caused by increased wear of the vehicle’s brakes and tires. New developments in particulate testing methodologies have driven regulatory agencies aroun...

The automotive industry is witnessing unprecedented levels of disruption and innovation, and rapidly evolving technological advances are impacting all areas of the vehicle, notably interiors. Additionally, by improving the “circular economy,” automakers and suppliers are seeking to create sustainable vehicle interiors. Furthermore, strict government laws and policies requiring ethical extraction practices to accommodate customers' shifting lifestyle preferences are increasing eco-friendly pr...

Automotive exterior lighting apart from headlamps is experiencing a rapid transformation owing to brand identity and personalization. Automakers and manufacturers are exploring light-emitting diode (LED) light sources and related optics, unlocking new opportunities for vehicle exterior illumination concepts. Vehicle lighting systems are evolving from just offering functional uses to becoming essential design features. Additionally, regulatory changes can have a significant impact on planning and...

China, the largest electric car market in the world, is expected to drive global benchmarks in electric vehicle battery swapping practices, as well as the emerging battery-as-a-service, or BaaS, industry. Neither the EV battery swap model is new nor it was invented in China. However, it is the only market where several companies have implemented the model successfully and have concrete plans to further scale it up as a direct result of the supportive government policies. The established Chinese ...

While countries such as the US, Japan, and mainland China have been enforcing fuel economy standards for over a decade to drive down domestic fuel consumption levels, concerns over climate change and continuously rising global average temperatures have led governments around the world to redouble efforts in cutting down domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to levels prescribed by the 2015 Paris Agreement. The initiative has driven regulatory agencies to roll out increasingly strict vehicle em...

The automotive industry is slowly but steadily moving toward an electric future. Several factors are at play that will determine the pace of this transition from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to electrified vehicles. One of the key factors is certainly the performance of the EV, especially the range that it will offer in the real-world driving conditions. Slapping a bigger battery onto the EV will give the additional range, but that will significantly add to the cost and weight of the ve...

Apple has announced a major expansion of CarPlay at the 2022 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) that aims to transform the entire dashboard of the vehicle. The next generation of CarPlay promises to support multiple displays beyond the primary center stack screen and utilizes vehicle data to allow users to control the radio, adjust HVAC controls and seamlessly display speedometer, fuel level, temperature, and other information directly on the instrument cluster.   But are ...

According to the May 2022 release of the Autonomy Forecasts by IHS Markit (now S&P Global) production of Level 3 automated vehicles will increase from essentially zero in 2021 to more than 3 million units by 2027. As vehicles become more advanced and automated with higher reliance on technology and artificial intelligence (AI), it is even more critical to evaluate passenger safety and a vehicle’s quality and reliability as OEMs launch their vehicle in the market onto public roads. Ac...

UKBIC is a national battery manufacturing development facility, commissioned to aid and accelerate battery manufacturing in the UK, as well as educating and upskilling the battery sector workforce in preparation for mass production. UKBIC is a publicly funded, open access facility, funded by the Faraday Battery Challenge under the watch of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Located on a 2...

The current steering systems market is primarily controlled by low-end, column-motor systems in the entry and lower-midclass vehicle segments and high-end, rack-motor systems in the upper-midclass and premium-class vehicle segments. However, steer-by-wire (SBW) steering systems will dominate the future of light vehicle (LV) steering technology owing to advances in vehicle electrical architectures and semiconductor-based, integrated controller performance as well as the gradual penetration of dri...

Airbags have been one of the essential passive safety technologies in vehicles, along with seatbelts. Automakers developed the idea to use airbags as a supplemental restraint system (SRS) for added occupants’ safety. With increasing safety regulations from rating bodies, such as New Car Assessment Programs (NCAP) and other regulatory authorities globally, awareness among individuals about vehicle safety is also contributing to instrumental increase in vehicle airbags. This development has led ...

The volume of startups in the automotive space has seen a surge over the last decade. This increase is primarily due to the growth of connectivity, autonomous mobility, and electrification. Initially, during the paradigm shift, automakers primarily focused on hardware in vehicle development, which in turn created a scope for software solution startups to emerge. Despite the steadily increasing involvement of automakers in developing holistic software solutions, startups form a crucial part of th...

On 24 February 2022, Russian forces initiated military operations in neighboring Ukraine, provoking a massive international geopolitical response aimed at financially isolating the country’s economy from the rest of the world. Western governments have since initiated wide-ranging sanctions that have cut off the country’s supply chains while simultaneously causing a large-scale exodus of international businesses from the country. While negotiations calling for a diplomatic solution to the cri...

The growth of autonomous mobility has changed the landscape of the automobile industry. IHS Markit analysts expect global demand for Level 3 and Level 4 systems to rise to nearly nine million by 2032 compared with less than 400,000 in 2022. Automakers and suppliers are constantly developing and advancing systems to enable autonomous driving. The paradigm shift has also led to OEMs and suppliers looking at different revenue streams with a focus on offering customer-centric solutions. Autonomou...

The future of the automotive industry lies in electrification is not a topic for a debate anymore. However, what is being debated is how quickly the world will be able to let go of its century-long dependence on fossil fuels and embrace electric-powered vehicles. Several factors will play a role in determining this pace, including the availability of enough batteries to enable this transition. Currently, there is an installed capacity of about 948 GWh for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries global...

In 2022, the car chip market exceeded USD52 billion—a new high-water mark. In the wake of the growing global chip shortage due to COVID-19, prices for automotive semiconductors are reset, resulting in higher revenue for car chips in 2021 and 2022. The chip content continues to increase in the next five years, driven by electrification, autonomous driving, and connected cars, and automotive revenue will double again by 2027. The average chip value in cars will top USD1,000 by 2027. This arti...

Lasers are used to complement LED high beams, which helps in increasing the range of headlights by up to 50%. That is why many premium OEMs are equipping laser diode headlights in their higher trim as an optional or standard feature. This article looks at the major factors that will drive demand for laser headlamps, development at lighting suppliers of this technology and provide an outlook on laser suppliers. Market drivers Headlight with Adaptive driving beam (ADB): Laser equipped hea...