Automotive display demand to reach 70 Million by 2016

Santa Clara, Calif., January 31, 2013—Shipments of TFT-LCDs (thin film transistor-liquid crystal display) used in automobiles for devices such as navigation and rear seat DVD players increased 16% Y/Y to 49 million in 2012, according to the NPD DisplaySearch 2012 Automotive Displays Report. Shipments are expected to increase to 70 million by 2016. This is not surprising since commuters spend up to three hours in their automobiles every day and demand is on the rise for automotive displays that integrate convenience, safety, and functionality.
“Consumer demand is driving the production of smarter and more efficient automobiles, requiring automotive displays that increase functionality and safety,” said Hiroshi Hayase, Vice President of Small/Medium Displays at NPD DisplaySearch. “Features such as navigation, audio and air-conditioning control, rearview monitors, and eco-driving displays provide safety, energy information, and other conveniences while on the road.”

A major factor propelling automotive displays is the growing production of hybrid and electric vehicles. Helping fuel the fire is demand for replacements of older single-function displays, which use passive matrix LCDs.
Japan continues to dominate the production of automotive TFT LCD panels, especially in high-grade automobiles, while the United States and Europe are making headway in mid-grade and small-size vehicles. In 2012, Japan Display became top automotive TFT LCD maker, followed by Sharp and LG Display. Automotive TFT LCD panel demand in Japan was led by car navigation set makers, including Panasonic, Alpine, and Pioneer. However, demand from set makers in the U.S. and Europe were driven by cluster component makers, including Continental AG, BP/Bosch, Ford, and Johnson Controls.
“Interestingly, we’ve noticed that automotive display demand in Japan favors car navigation systems, while demand for TFT LCD panels for automobiles in the United States and Europe favors in-console displays,” added Hayase. “Regardless of the type of automotive display technology, we are seeing trends toward more cars incorporating this technology, so we anticipate continued growth in this segment.”

The NPD DisplaySearch Automotive Displays Report analyzes all FPD shipments related to the automotive industry including TFT LCD, PM LCD and OLED. Forecasts are provided through 2016 for FPD technology, shipments, revenues, shares, size, resolution, demand, automobile production, average prices and more. For more information on this report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, or or contact your regional NPD DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.
About NPD DisplaySearch
Since 1996, NPD DisplaySearch has been recognized as a leading global market research and consulting firm specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. NPD DisplaySearch provides trend information, forecasts and analyses developed by a global team of experienced analysts with extensive industry knowledge. In collaboration with The NPD Group, its parent company, DisplaySearch uniquely offers a true end-to-end view of the display supply chain from materials and components to shipments of electronic devices with displays to sales of major consumer and commercial channels. For more information on DisplaySearch analysts, reports and industry events, visit us at . Read our blog at and follow us on Twitter at @DisplaySearch.
About The NPD Group, Inc.
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