Safety and security is a prime target of auto electronics industry

Safety and security is a prime target of auto electronics industry


Even though, this is a young market still in its introductory stage, appearing in only high-end cars, it is an ever growing and competitive market with the customers demanding for better technology at lower prices. This along with the strict Regulations placed by various Governments on the CO2 emission levels and mandatory safety requirements such as Crash test standards on new cars, are hard pushing the OEMs to come up with better designs in a cost efficient way. India, being the 5th largest producer in the world of passenger cars recently placed a new regulation standard for crash tests – NCAP(New Car Assessment Program) to ensure better driver safety and bring down the fatalities during accidents which has been notorious in the nation.
Improving sales and marketing of Hybrid vehicles is a trend seen recently among automakers in a bid to meet up the emission regulations. Energy conservation is tackled by increasing the efficiency of the ECUs used in key areas like the management system in HEVs, by using multi-core microcontrollers, which takes additional roles by creating “Virtual ECUs” and provide services in safety and diagnostics.
Safety and security has become the primary focus of both the automakers and the customers with technology advancement. Although this sector started its story with the introduction of ABS technology by Bosch in 1978, it is still in its infancy, but has strong possibilities of growth. With higher adoption rates of ADAS technologies like Night vision and Pedestrian detection systems in growing markets like Asia region, with an overall expected business of about 30 billion by year 2020, according to Deloitte; it is one of the most thriving markets with promise. Also, new state regulations from European Union and the US government on installing mandatory safety features like Back-guide monitors as a standard equipment and ensuring eCall facilities in all passenger cars in Europe, points to the importance of Safety systems in automotive.
Telematics clubbed with semi-autonomous features like valet parking and lane – keeping assistance and even driver updates on the telematics data of the driver and cars are making its way into the mainstream. Even though the adoption rate of Connected car systems is still low (about 10 – 20%), the industry looks upon it with a lot of expectation. Also, this has sparked discussions on the importance of cybersecurity against possible “Car Hacks”, thus steering attention towards much needed data security in car infotainment systems and Internet of things industry. The urban driver is empowered with information and demands for more advanced features at lower prices which puts a lot of pressure on the OEMs and is pushing for strict competition. This ensures that better quality of service and elevated industrial standards can be expected.