Automotive heads-up on Instrumentation Displays
Date: 15 November 2011

Innovative instrument clusters and head-up displays are becoming increasingly popular amongst OEMs and customers alike, says IMS Research’s new automotive study, “The World Market for Automotive OEM Electronic Systems – 2011 Edition”. By 2018, it is forecast that almost 7 million cars will have purely digital instrument clusters and over 3.5 million cars will have a head-up display, with combined revenues reaching $2.5 billion.

Instrument clusters can be categorised into three groups; analogue, hybrid and digital. Analogue is a ‘classic’ instrument panel containing a physical dial and needle for the speedometer, rev counter, etc. A purely digital cluster is one which displays the speedometer, rev counter, etc. on a TFT-LCD, LCD or VFD screen. A hybrid cluster is the combination of an analogue and digital cluster.

With economic and environmental constraints upon engine design, OEMs are turning to the interior of the car to differentiate. OEMs agree that a stylish, yet practical, digital instrument cluster that offers personalisation is a key selling point. “OEMs are slowly moving towards purely digital instrument clusters for a few reasons” explains IMS Research automotive market analyst, Ben Scott. “With most OEMs releasing an HEV/EV in the near future, a reconfigurable digital instrument is very appealing. Information on battery charge, distance until next charge, and other driver information can easily be displayed”, Scott adds. Reconfigurabilty of these clusters is an interesting feature, but ultimately the OEM will determine how much the driver can customise the display.  Although purely digital instrument clusters are becoming more popular, hybrid instrument clusters currently make up 90% of the market. 

Another driving force is consumer trends. Smartphone and tablet PC ownership is increasing and there is the opportunity to integrate these devices to drive configurable instrument clusters. In a recent IMS Research consumer survey, ‘Connected Head Units – Consumer Survey – 2011 Edition’, it was found that the majority of respondents would prefer to use their smartphone as the HMI for infotainment.  However, for both instrumentation and infotainment there will be definite safety implications involved and serious consideration should be given as to how these devices will display information.

Head-up displays (HUDs) have, for a long time, been associated with the premium end of the car market, but this could change. “We should see HUDs penetrating the middle car segment market in the near future”, Scott adds. HUDs are becoming less expensive, partly because of new head-up display technology entering the market from companies like Nippon Seiki and Johnson Controls. Johnson Contols is offering a ‘combiner head-up display’ which projects information on to a fully integrated transparent screen in the driver’s field of vision. “This approach to the HUD is both cost effective and will help bring this technology to the volume car segments.”

Ben Scott, Market Analyst, Automotive & Transport (Ben.Scott@IMSResearch.com)

Editors Note :

IMS Research has recently published a report on Automotive OEM Electronics, “The World Market for Automotive OEM Electronic Systems – 2011 Edition”. 35 different Automotive OEM Electronic Systems are analysed and forecast from 2008 to 2018, looking at fitment rate, system average selling price, units and revenues. There is global coverage within this report with a dedicated breakout for Brazil, Russia, India and China. Production locations as well as production and sales figures are shown.

About IHS Inc. (www.ihs.com)

IHS (NYSE: IHS) is the leading source of information, insight and analytics in critical areas that shape today’s business landscape. Businesses and governments in more than 165 countries around the globe rely on the comprehensive content, expert independent analysis and flexible delivery methods of IHS to make high-impact decisions and develop strategies with speed and confidence. IHS has been in business since 1959 and became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, USA, IHS employs more than 5,600 people in more than 30 countries around the world.

About IMS Research:

IMS Research is a leading independent supplier of market research and consultancy to the global electronics industry, offering syndicated market studies, custom research and consultancy services. Clients include most of the household names in the industry. IMS Research has offices in Europe, the US, China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. To find out more, contact IMS Research.

Related Reports

Automotive OEM Electronic Systems - World - 2011

Automotive Systems Supplier Market Shares - World - 2010

Connected Head Units Consumer Survey - 2011