Strategic Analysis of the European Automotive Human Machine Interface Market

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Strategic Analysis of European Automotive Human Machine Interface Market provides a comprehensive overview and forecasts on the input and output interfaces used in cars. Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: multifunctional switches, steering wheel switches, touch-screen displays, head-up displays, voice-control system as well as central and rear-seat entertainment displays.

This analysis is available through our Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Services programme. With continuous access to intelligence and resources from all seven perspectives of the Complex Business Universe, the Growth Partnership Services programme ensures that you and your Growth Team??? are able to maintain a 360 Degree Perspective of the market. This comprehensive, objective information allows your company to mitigate risk, identify new opportunities, and drive effective strategies for growth. For more information on this custom subscription service, please click here.

Market Overview

Heightened Demand for Comfort and Safety to Play a Key Role in the Evolution of Automotive Human Machine Interface

An extensive array of applications is now available in today's car. These range from intuitive driver assist systems to comfort-enhancing applications. At the same time, the volatility of fuel prices has resulted in increased consumer demand for small cars and, in turn, the demand for top-quality content in small cars. Intelligent electronics integration and innovative human machine interface (HMI) will be key factors in the future development of user-friendly vehicles. Expansion of the European automotive HMI market is set to be driven partly by the rising demand for comfort and safety and partly by vehicle manufacturers' efforts to differentiate their brands.

"Navigation is the primary hub for most HMI systems including multifunctional switches, voice control and display technologies," notes the analyst of this research. "The entertainment market is growing rapidly, especially with technologies such as Bluetooth, MP3 and portable media." More intelligent systems are expected to be designed and developed in the coming years such as Web based entertainment." Usability and affordability will be important factors in the uptake of these systems. This is because most European consumers are unwilling to pay a premium for them.

Challenge is to Develop a Simple, Accessible and Affordable User Interface

The most significant challenge is to design and develop a user interface that is simple, accessible, less distracting and affordable. The location of user interface and the type of information directed towards the driver, depending on the driving conditions, are the main issues in the development of an efficient HMI. "The lack of standards will lead to the development of similar systems with different user interfaces," cautions the analyst. "This will lengthen the learning curve for consumers who have to adapt to the new systems, besides increasing driver distraction due to ineffective interfaces which do not appease customer perceptions and attitudes."

With many nomadic applications entering the automotive space, it is of fundamental importance to sensitise drivers about different interfaces and adopt integrated functionality with appropriate solutions. "Technological advancements should accompany low-cost solutions, otherwise they will be restricted to the premium vehicles segment," concludes the analyst. "OEMs need to keep pace with industry growth in terms of technology introduction for efficient HMI, especially in the areas of comfort and convenience that have a close relationship with consumer electronics."

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Multifunctional switches
• Steering wheel switches
• Touch-screen displays
• Head-up displays
• Voice-control systems
• Central and rear-seat entertainment displays