LYON, FRANCE РYole D̩veloppement, a French research and strategy consulting company, has released its analysis of the effects of the global economy on the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) market. The report covers 2008 and gives predictions for 2009.
 
According to the report, the total MEMS market will reach $7.6 billion for the year and $8 billion for 2009. The automotive market is expected to remain flat, ending the year at $1.3 billion, and it is predicted to decrease by 10% in 2009, finishing at only $1.03 billion.
 
Consumer-related sales are expected to come in at $3.26 billion for 2008. The company has predicted first- and second-quarter figures for 2009 to be low and the total MEMS consumer market to reach just $3.44 billion.
 
Yole notes that companies that have invested in innovative devices and have been able to deliver new functions and applications have the best chances to survive the economic downturn. It also predicts the MEMS market will recover between 2009 and 2012, eventually reaching $15 billion to $16 billion.