The Market for Driver Monitoring Systems is Primed to Top $1 Billion by 2015, According to ABI Research

LONDON, November 20, 2010: Active safety and driver assistance systems have been making steady progress in the long migration path from high-end exclusivity to mass-market appeal. As advanced sensors such as radar and cameras are introduced, the challenge for manufacturers is to get as much added value from these components as possible. Driver monitoring is a feature that will enhance an existing safety or convenience package without requiring large expenditure.

“However, the direct approach of analyzing the driver’s face has some advantages over data analysis, and we also expect installations of driver-camera systems to increase over the forecast period, although not as quickly.”

ABI Research principal analyst David Alexander, says, “The market for driver monitoring systems will be in its infancy until 2013, at which point we expect volumes to start growing strongly. We project that, by 2015, the global market value will exceed $1 billion.�??

There are three basic technologies competing for this business: systems are based on telematics, driver cameras, or analysis of existing on-board sensor data. While observation of the driver via a dedicated camera does require additional hardware, the other two options can be implemented with very few extra components.

“We expect data analysis systems to lead the market for driver monitoring features, at least through 2015,�?? says Larry Fisher, research director of NextGen, ABI Research’s emerging technologies research incubator. “However, the direct approach of analyzing the driver’s face has some advantages over data analysis, and we also expect installations of driver-camera systems to increase over the forecast period, although not as quickly.�??

While governments have not yet proposed financial incentives to encourage the public to invest in advanced safety systems, many countries have set goals to reduce traffic accidents, and keeping drivers alert has the potential to make a difference. NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) assessments are addressing driver assistance systems and are now providing support for their introduction into high-volume models.

ABI Research’s “Driver Monitoring Systems�?? (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1004734) study includes an analysis of global market trends, cost and technological evaluations of different approaches and strategies used by developers, and discussion of existing product announcements. System volume and value forecasts for vehicles are provided globally, by region, through 2015.

The report forms part of ABI Research’s Automotive Technology Research Service (http://www.abiresearch.com/product/service/Automotive_Technology_Research_Service), which also includes other Research Reports, ABI Insights, and analyst inquiry support.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 30+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.