SCOTSDALE, AZ – Research firm IC Insights today upped its 2007 forecast for IC unit shipments to 10%, some two points higher than the firm’s earlier estimate.
If correct, the market would continue its streak of double-digit increases in IC shipments, which dates to 2002.
Moreover, the firm believes there is a good chance unit demand will continue to increase at least 10% annually over the next five to 10 years as new and evolving applications in communications and consumer electronics continue to incorporate large quantities of ICs.
The continuing development of emerging markets is also contributing to demand, the researcher adds.
Strong shipments of DRAM (49%), NAND flash memory (38%), interface (60%), data conversion (58%), and automotive-related analog ICs (32%) are driving overall demand and keeping IC shipments at a high level, according to IC Insights.
Future market growth will be largely influenced by changes in device average selling prices. Strong annual IC unit shipment growth rates are good news for IC suppliers. However, continued pressure on IC average selling prices may cause a prolonged period of "profitless prosperity" for IC suppliers, IC Insights says.
WELLESLEY, MA – The world market for mobile telematics was worth some $37.5 billion in 2006, a figure expected to reach $52 billion in 2012, a CAGR of 3.5% over the next five years, according to BCC Research.
The market includes applications of automotive, intelligent transportation systems (road installations and operations centers), aircraft, railroads, construction, agriculture and maritime technologies. Of these sectors, automotive accounts for the largest share of the market and is expected to reach more than $48 billion in 2012, at a 3.6% CAGR, says BCC. Growth in automotive telematics will be driven by government-mandated use of safety equipment.
Intelligent transport systems (road installations) currently have the second largest share of the market at $649 million, projected to reach more than $1.8 billion by 2012, a CAGR of 17.9%, according to BCC. However, intelligent transport systems (operations centers), now worth $375 million, will be worth $2 billion by 2012, a CAGR of 31.7%. The increasing sale of public roadways to private owners will speed the introduction of intelligent transport systems, with a corresponding rise in the need for mobile telematics components.
SANTA CLARA, CA -- Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, said its September quarter profits were up 43% year-over-year-ago on hot worldwide PC demand. Forecasts remain strong, the company said, countering those who claimed inventories are too high.
SACRAMENTO -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday vetoed a bill that proposed to significantly expand the RoHS statutes mandated by the California Waste Recycling Act.
In returning the bill, AB 48, to the legislature, Gov. Schwarzenegger wrote, "Unfortunately, the approach taken in this bill is largely unworkable and instead of the benefits it seeks to accomplish, could ultimately result in unintended and potentially more harmful consequences."
NORTHFIELD, IL -- Fewer owners and managers of small manufacturing companies during the third quarter expressed confidence in their business prospects for the next 12 months, the Small Business Research Board reported today. Forty-five percent expect revenues to increase during the next 12 months, a seven point decline sequentially.
The Manufacturing Industry Small Business Confidence Index declined about two points from the second quarter, to 38.33. More than 800 small business owners participated in the nationwide poll.
Furthermore, there was virtually little change in attitudes about the direction of the general economy or for hiring plans.
“Manufacturing companies are approaching the next year with tremendous caution based on the results of the poll which showed a sharp drop in confidence about their business prospects," said Gregg M. Steinberg, President of International Profit Associates, which cosponsored the survey. "They understand the seriousness of a weakening economy and are more apt than several other of the industries tracked by the SBRB to feel the impact much deeper."
The survey polls small businesses across the U.S. The SBRB study is a voluntary survey conducted quarterly.
