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Market News

EL SEGUNDO, CA – Worldwide Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) sales are expected to soar to 56.3 million in 2013, a CAGR of 26.6%, from 17.3 million in 2008.

LOS ALTOS, CA – Consumer electronics output will drop 6.4% in 2009 on a lack of compelling new products coupled with the dismal economic environment, says Henderson Ventures.

This after rising an anemic 1.7% in 2008, Henderson says.

Excess inventories from the 2008 Christmas selling season will also be a drag on sales. Cellphones and computers will be exceptions, adds the firm. Also, game consoles are likely to achieve a gain of 10% this year.

Global vehicle production fell 3% in 2008. US output plummeted 19.8% and West European production was down 10.3%. Even though electronics content is steadily rising in cars and trucks, cost containment is a major issue among auto OEMs, says Henderson. Consequently, automotive electronics output managed only a thin 0.4% increase in 2008, versus a 10.1% surge in 2007.

This year, the combination of slumping vehicle demand and even more intense price pressure will drive down automotive electronics production 5.7%, but an accelerating industry recovery will take growth rates to 8.7% in 2010 and 12.3% in 2011, as vehicle obsolescence and pent up demand lift industry prospects, according to the firm.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – December PWB shipments fell 14.5% year-over-year and bookings slid 21.1%.

For the month, rigid shipments fell 14.2% and bookings dropped 24.5% from 2007. Flex shipments dropped 17.1% and orders rose 23.8%.

NEW YORK – L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. reported fourth-quarter revenues climbed 5.4% to $4.01 billion, compared to $3.81 billion in 2007. Year-over-year, revenue grew 7% to $14.9 billion.

AUSTIN, TX – National Instruments reported record annual revenue of $821 million, up 11% year-over-year. For the quarter ended December 31, revenue was $202 million, down 1% from $204.8 million from the previous quarter.

SAN JOSE, CA – The MicroElectronics Packaging and Testing Engineering Council (MEPTEC) has finalized the program for its first-quarter symposium, “Semiconductor Packaging--Impacting the Age of Consumer Electronics.”

Held February 19, the event will begin with Ronald Steger delivering the keynote presentation. The topics of the symposium will address the most urgent areas of consumer products packaging.