Motorola Is Leading Automotive Semiconductor Vendor.

A recent study by leading IT industry analysts at Strategy Analytics, Inc. (SA) indicates that Motorola SPS retained its leading vendor position for automotive semiconductors to the global market in 1999, despite having reduced segment sales from separating its SCG (Semiconductor Components

The Strategy Analytics research concludes that of the 1999 $10.2 billion worldwide automotive semiconductor vendor sales, Motorola SPS had a 14.6 percent share, with estimated sales of $1.49 billion. Even though Motorola SPS sold off part of its automotive components portfolio in early 1999 with the separation of its former SCG, now operating as ON-Semiconductor, it remained significantly ahead of its nearest rival, STM (6.7 percent).

Strong growth in domestic Japanese and Far East car audio and navigation system demand (where STM has significant component business for processor and power amp ICs), STM at 6.7 percent moved up into #2 position, edging out NEC (6.6 percent) and Toshiba (6.5 percent).

The top 10 vendors accounted for 62 percent of the market, the other vendors being Infineon (6.0 percent), Philips (5.4 percent), TI (4.6 percent), Bosch (4.3 percent), Hitachi (4.2 percent), and Intel (3.2 percent). "Motorola's dominance in automotive microcontroller architecture and semiconductor based pressure sensors (for engine management systems), plus recent collaborations in the rapidly expanding in-car networking market, ensured its continued leadership position," according to Chris Webber, Director for SA's Automotive Electronics Service.

"Also, Japanese shipments of car CD players, navigation and mini disc in 1999 more than doubled over the previous year, boosting the shares in particular of STM and NEC".

These conclusions are presented in the recent market report "Automotive Semiconductor Vendor Market Shares - 1999", published as part of the Strategy Analytics Service, "Automotive Electronics Service".