Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - (Page 32C) OCTOBER 6, 2008 • 32C High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains Lawrence J. Speer lspeer@craincom.de Mirror image Information and features that can be displayed in rearview mirrors Tire pressure data Driver drowsiness detection Lane departure warning Rear- or front-view camera display Rain sensor for wipers Parking distance control Compass direction indicator PARIS — Within a decade, half of all new cars in Europe may have hightech, anti-glare rearview mirrors. Industry experts tell Automotive News Europe that the shift from conventional, prismatic mirrors to electrochromic, auto-dimming mirrors is being driven by two factors: 1. Consumer demand for greater visual comfort and safety. 2. Automakers’ desire to offer new electronic features without complicating instrument panels or raising the cost of options. “Everyone is looking for new safety features today,” said Roshan Devadoss, a senior research analyst with Frost & Sullivan who works in Chennai, India. “If reducing glare is identified by European authorities as a critical safety issue, the take rate could one day reach 100 percent,” Devadoss said. Auto-dimming rearview mirrors lessen driver distraction and accident risk by reducing glare from vehicles approaching from behind. The mirrors also offer carmakers a platform for embedding electronic features. About 30 percent of all new cars sold in Europe this year are expected to have auto-dimming mirrors, representing about 6.7 million units, according to a market survey from Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. grow significantly,” said Alexander Jacobsen, a Germany-based spokesman for Magna Mirrors Europe & Asia. Growth will be influenced by rising comfort expectations, increased night driving and new interest in rearview camera systems, Jacobsen said. Roland Berger’s Keese sees another reason for growth. Suppliers sell autoRearview mirrors can be used to show what the back-up camera sees. Magna Donnelly, of Holland, Mich., is the other main player in auto-dimming mirrors in Europe. It, too, sees major growth opportunities. “We expect the European take rate to dimming mirrors to carmakers for less than the $175 to $235 retail price offered to customers in the aftermarket. “Even after calculating the cost of running electricity to the mirror and related logistics,” Keese said, “the mirror and the additional features are immensely profitable items for automakers.” c “DOWN-SIZING” OR “RIGHT-SIZING”? ACCORDING TO NEW STUDY, CAR BUYERS SAY “BOTH.” Acxiom’s Automotive Consumer Dynamics study helps marketers pinpoint target buyers. For a complimentary subscription, visit www.acxiom.com today. tronics module for bringing images to the driver’s attention.” WE KNOW THE AUTO INDUSTRY ‘Good piece of real estate’ The take rate is skewed toward premium and luxury cars but should rise as the mirrors are offered in more mass-market cars, according to the survey. By 2013, Roland Berger expects the take rate in Europe to top 37 percent, pushing total unit sales to more than 9.3 million annually. Most of the growth will come as carmakers move away from conventional rearview mirrors, where volume is expected to drop 5.4 percent annually through 2011. Automakers have realized that switching from conventional to autodimming mirrors “can be a good idea anytime they want to add electronic features,” said Stephan Keese, an automotive analyst with Roland Berger. “The inside mirror is a really good piece of real estate,” Keese said. In value terms, Roland Berger sees the market for high-tech rearview mirrors in Europe growing by more than 11 percent annually, from an estimated $142 million this year to at least $208 million by 2011. The conventional-mirror market will drop from an estimated $87 million this year to just $76 million in 2011, according to the survey. Gentex Corp., of Zeeland, Mich., is best-placed to capitalize on the projected growth. Gentex controls about 70 percent of the European market for auto-dimming mirrors, with sales spread across nearly all carmakers. HIGH EFFICIENCY. HIGH QUALITY. HIGH PERFORMANCE. The world’s leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers know what drives their business. They also know they can’t delay when it’s time to hit the road. That’s why they turn to Dykema — the law firm that’s been with them on every route they’ve traveled. When it comes to knowing the auto industry, Dykema is the only choice for high efficiency, high quality, high performance representation. ‘Major opportunities’ “We see major opportunities in Europe for improving safety and adding features, especially when compared with satellite navigation systems,” Robert Steel, Gentex vice president of European sales and marketing, told Automotive News Europe. “The automakers are fighting to find space in the car,” Steel said. “The rearview mirror is a low-cost elec- A LAW FIRM FOR THE AUTO INDUSTRY UNLIKE ANY OTHER California I Illinois I Michigan I Texas I Washington, D.C. © 2008 Dykema Gossett PLLC Visit www.dykema.com to Download Our 2008 Auto Outlook Survey http://www.acxiom.com http://www.acxiom.com http://www.dykema.com http://www.dykema.com
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Many dealers floored by floorplan limits, costs THE GREAT COLLAPSE September was awful, and 2009 looks ugly GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now Versical, Nussel take new Automotive News posts GM to shut Ohio SUV plant 2 years ahead of plan VW commits to minority purchasing goals in Tenn. Chrysler exec to outline EV strategy at green conference Automakers are high on electrics Dealers give mixed reactions to Chrysler incentive program Chrysler boosts 2009 vehicle prices Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores Mazda Kiyora Toyota, Audi mull tiny cars for U.S. Audi to decide next year on U.S. production Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 Coupelike styling is back in a big way Honda Insight target price: Around $19,000 Mercedes plans U.S. sales of hybrids in S, E, C classes BMW is working on 2 small crossovers VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans Let's get clunkers off the road and spur the economy Europe: Still very different from us It could improve Caddy's image Shouldn't Cadillac try something new? A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs Government's a player in Europe, too The Chevy Cruze should be big news Simple steps would revive industry Ford stops buying nonessential factory supplies Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress Automakers find India tough market to conquer Mahle CEO: Most engines will be smaller by 2012 GM begins streamlining purchasing TL stretches factory's flexibility Personnel Study: Dealers gain on independent shops Chrysler offers service contracts on certified vehicles No label Flashes of genius, years of turmoil VW seeks excitement with Routan, CC, Rabbit Sales soft, but Europeans plan to expand lineups 2010 redesign planned for Bentley flagship Alfa beyond Competizione Ferrari: Recession-proof and turning ... green? Maserati: Sporty gets even sportier Uncertainty surrounds Volvo's product plan Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? Audi longs to join luxury big-leaguers in U.S. BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons Under new owner, Aston Martin back in the race Lagonda's forte: Luxurious sedans that go very fast Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan 250-mph Bugatti boosts the excitement Mercedes returns to the luxury suite Mini follows BMW's lead Smart ambitions, like car, remain small Suppliers cut staff, output to cope with downturn Driver monitoring systems differ High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains IAC will open first India plant Supplier personnel Engineers call for common electric car standards Land Rover aims to boost the fuel economy of its SUVs Maybach adds open-top 62S Landaulet Saab gets a crossover in 2009; everything else is on hold Jaguar regains its focus on low volume, high end Dealers Economic winds batter Sept. sales Jaguar Land Rover joins group Ford aids minority suppliers CarMax plans 600 job cuts Ruling could ease disputes Feds seek more time for roof strength rule Suzuki seeks floorplan credit partner for dealers Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans $25 billion: How'd they do that? Peapod: Innovator's little big idea FOR SALE: Heard condos, mansion, jet Is film a flash in the pan? Ford hopes so VW: Next New Beetle will be 'more mature' Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler Automotive News - October 6, 2008 Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now (Page 1) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GMAC is out of leasing — at least for now (Page 2) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers are high on electrics (Page 3) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores (Page 4) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Lenders move fast to liquidate Heard's stores (Page 5) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 (Page 6) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Volvo plans diesel hybrid by 2012 (Page 7) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW is working on 2 small crossovers (Page 8) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW is working on 2 small crossovers (Page 9) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans (Page 10) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - VW-Porsche feud risks growth plans (Page 11) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs (Page 12) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - A 4-cylinder is just what Cadillac needs (Page 13) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Simple steps would revive industry (Page 14) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Simple steps would revive industry (Page 15) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page 16) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-1) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-2) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-3) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-4) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-5) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page S-6) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chevy, Mazda execs to speak at congress (Page 16A) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers find India tough market to conquer (Page 16B) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Automakers find India tough market to conquer (Page 16C) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - GM begins streamlining purchasing (Page 16D) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 17) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 18) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Personnel (Page 19) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Chrysler offers service contracts on certified vehicles (Page 20) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Flashes of genius, years of turmoil (Page 21) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Sales soft, but Europeans plan to expand lineups (Page 22) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 23) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 24) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Alfa beyond Competizione (Page 25) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers (Page 26) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Rolls-Royce goal: Add customers (Page 27) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? (Page 28) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Panamera: Can Porsche defy skeptics again? (Page 29) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - BMW plans more variants beyond sedans, wagons (Page 30) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Couped-up? Lamborghini considers a sedan (Page 31) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Smart ambitions, like car, remain small (Page 32) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Suppliers cut staff, output to cope with downturn (Page 32A) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Driver monitoring systems differ (Page 32B) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - High-tech mirrors are poised to make big gains (Page 32C) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Engineers call for common electric car standards (Page 32D) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Jaguar regains its focus on low volume, high end (Page 33) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 34) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 35) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 36) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 37) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 38) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 39) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Dealers (Page 40) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Economic winds batter Sept. sales (Page 41) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Economic winds batter Sept. sales (Page 42) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Feds seek more time for roof strength rule (Page 43) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans (Page 44) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Toyota battles Detroit 3 with cheap loans (Page 45) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 46) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 47) Automotive News - October 6, 2008 - Renault's U.S. ally of choice? Probably not Chrysler (Page 48)
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