The market for factory-fitted telematics systems has been growing over the last decade and according to IMS Research, this market is about to enter a new and more dynamic growth phase.

 

IMS Research is a provider of detailed, quality market research to the global electronics industry. The company publishes hundreds of reports annually, and sells to more than 40 countries worldwide. IMS Research's initial success as a provider of market research was heavily influenced by its close ties to the semiconductor industry.

 

The report, "The World Market for OE In-Vehicle Telematics Systems," forecasts that all major manufacturers will sell an increasing proportion of their vehicles with these systems during the next decade. The percentage of new vehicles fitted with telematics is expected grow from 9 percent in 2009 to 46 percent in 2017.

 

IMS Research defines "telematics" as integrated, two-way data communications between the vehicle and an outside network, ften associated with vehicle location.

 

Report author, Jon Cropley, says "Telematics is an umbrella term that covers many different solutions from the Toyota G-Book, to Mercedes' mbrace and GM's OnStar. What they each share in common is that they employ wireless technology to connect in-vehicle entertainment and information systems to outside networks. In doing so, they enhance the driving experience or offer additional functionality."

 

The report says that General Motors (News - Alert) sold the most vehicles with factory-fitted telematics systems globally in 2009 at 2.2 million vehicles.

 

Applications that are driving the fitment of factory-fitted telematics include emergency calling, stolen vehicle tracking, and Internet access.

 

"In-vehicle internet access could lead to a wide range of interesting new services. Examples include weather reports for your destination and having your emails read aloud to you while driving," Cropley added.

 

Also, the research forecasts that the number of new vehicles with internet access will grow from 1.1 million in 2009 to 6.0 million in 2017.