Bluetooth Automotive Markets a Good Bet for Continued Growth

ABI: Global. Bluetooth automotive markets have historically been impeded by many issues that have slowed uptake and effectively stalled the market. The market grew significantly in 2005 and is showing healthy signs of this growth being a long term prospect. Several key factors have fallen into place and have driven the market to an unprecedented level: 141% growth in 2005, when compared to 2004. Although a number of factors affect the uptake of Bluetooth in the automotive environment, three drivers are clearly head and shoulders above the rest. Awareness, familiarity and use of Bluetooth within the wider consumer base has grown significantly, and this has resulted in Bluetooth becoming a feature demanded by consumers, rather than pushed by manufacturers. Cellular handset penetration rates have continued to rocket, and appear set to continue in the same direction. Finally, the growing trend for hands-free driving legislation has played directly into the hands of the Bluetooth community and can be seen as the most influential driver. All this may point to a rosy future for Bluetooth in the automotive markets; however, that there are still some significant barriers standing in the way of outright success for Bluetooth in this sector, Resolving the issues of interoperability, reducing silicon and equipment costs, and penetration into consumer devices outside of the cellular handset will all be crucial to securing a solid future for Bluetooth in the automotive environment. Automotive Bluetooth s Publ 20060201