In its Automotive Electronics service report, “Automotive Microcontrollers: Market Demand and Product Directions,” Strategy Analytics predicts that 32-bit devices will account for 58% of the $7.6 billion automotive microcontroller market by 2015.
The firm estimates the current automotive MCU market at about $5.5 billion. Freescale, Renesas Technology, and NEC Electronics are the top 3 suppliers, with a combined share of 60%.
“Microcontroller vendors need a good position in the 32-bit arena to ensure longer term success in the automotive market since it is the fastest growing processor area,” said Chris Webber, VP Automotive Practice. “Demand for 8-bit and 16-bit devices will continue and the particular performance and application specific requirements of the automotive sector means that some vendors could prosper here through adopting niche strategies.”