Microcontroller or microcontroller unit (MCU) is an integrated semiconductor chip, which is used to control different applications. A typical microcontroller features central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), input/output timers, and controllers. In the automotive industry, different MCUs are used to perform different applications. The MCUs not only control and regulate the communications across different systems but also duplicate the secondary units, such as sensors to initiate activation.

The global automotive microcontrollers market size is estimated to be USD 989.2 Million in 2017. Automated electronic control technologies for automotive systems such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electronic stability control (ESC), and electronic control unit (ECU) have been evolving year after year. The new trend in the automotive industry is to manufacture vehicles that feature advanced technologies with the optimized weight-cost ratio. Safety and security system is estimated to hold the largest market share of the automotive microcontrollers market, by application, due to increased adoption of advanced single and multi-core microcontrollers in an automobile. Factors contributing to the growth of this segment include the mandates related to safety and security features. These include the mandatory installation of ABS in passenger cars from 2018 in India and the regulation regarding the installation of TPMS in commercial vehicles in many countries of the world. By bit-size segmentation, the market for 32-bit microcontrollers is estimated to experience the highest growth during the forecast period. With the advent of the era of electric vehicles, the use of advanced power electronics components has increased. The 32-bit microcontrollers are widely used in all the major advanced applications of electric as well as conventional vehicles. By electric vehicle type, HEV is estimated to hold the largest share of the automotive microcontrollers market during the forecast period. The market growth can be attributed to the high level of production of HEVs during the forecast period. Also, the installation of 32-bit multi core/fusion box microcontrollers is higher in this segment, as compared to IC engine vehicles, because of the complexed power distribution of the vehicle. Asia-Pacific is estimated to lead the automotive microcontrollers market during the forecast period, followed by North America and Europe. The European market is growing at a steady pace as most of the vehicles are equipped with high-end electronics and safety features. The North American market is experiencing a balanced growth, in terms of value and volume, as the microcontrollers market has gained popularity in the region. The existing vehicles in North America are already equipped with advanced safety features and body electronics, which serve the majority of the market. Restraints of the automotive microcontrollers market: Despite the high demand for advanced automotive electrical systems, the automotive microcontrollers market still experiences certain obstacles. The restraints for the market include providing integrated and lightweight components along with optimizing cost and quality trade-off.

The competitive leadership Mapping provides information about the major players that offer automotive interior components and outlines the findings and analysis on how well each market vendor performs within predefined criteria. The vendor evaluations are based on two broad categories—strength of product portfolio and business strategy excellence. Each category carries various criteria based on which the vendors are evaluated. The evaluation criteria considered under strength of product portfolio includes OE and aftermarket presence, the breadth and depth of offering, and new product developments. The evaluation criteria considered under business strategy excellence includes the overall revenue and growth rate (past 3 years), regional presence (on the basis of geographic presence and presence in emerging markets), inorganic growth (on the basis of M&A, JVs, Partnerships and Collaborations), organic growth (on the basis of new product developments and expansions), and infrastructure (on the basis of number of manufacturing plants).

Visionary leaders are the leading market players in terms of new developments such as product launches, innovative technologies, and the adoption of growth strategies. These players have a broad product offering that caters to most of the regions globally. Visionary leaders primarily focus on acquiring the leading market position through their strong financial capabilities and their well-established brand equity.

Dynamic Differentiators are established players with very strong business strategies. However, they have a weaker product portfolio compared to the visionary leaders. They generally focus only on a specific type of technology related to the product.

Innovators in the competitive leadership mapping are vendors that have demonstrated substantial product innovations as compared to their competitors. The companies have focused on product portfolios. However, they do not have very strong growth strategies for their overall business, when compared with the visionary leaders.

Emerging companies have niche product and service offerings. Their business strategies are not as strong as that of the established vendors. The emerging vendors include the new entrants in the market, emerging in terms of product portfolio and geographic reach, and require time to gain significant traction in the market.