Skip to main content

In-car electronics and user demand for connectivity make case for automotive Ethernet

According to Frost and Sullivan, the use of Ethernet technology in automotive is gaining pace in Europe and North America. The paradigm shift towards connected cars and associated services such as automotive app stores and connected location-based services is fuelling the uptake. Along with the need to integrate multiple consumer electronic devices, the importance of offering prioritised, personalised services and maintaining brand identity are compelling automotive OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) t
January 22, 2014 Read time: 3 mins
According to Frost and Sullivan, the use of Ethernet technology in automotive is gaining pace in Europe and North America. The paradigm shift towards connected cars and associated services such as automotive app stores and connected location-based services is fuelling the uptake. Along with the need to integrate multiple consumer electronic devices, the importance of offering prioritised, personalised services and maintaining brand identity are compelling automotive OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to adopt Ethernet technology.

New analysis from the company, Strategic Outlook of Automotive Ethernet Technology in Europe and North America, expects the number of Ethernet nodes to rise to more than 100 in luxury cars, 50-60 in cars sold in the mass market, and up to 10 in entry-level cars by 2020. The global market for Ethernet ports is expected to reach 300 million by 2020, with North America and Europe contributing the most to the total revenue.

User interest in audio and video applications for advanced driver assistance systems like camera assisted parking, lane departure warning systems, collision avoidance systems, and traffic light recognition is spurring the adoption of high-speed Ethernet in the range of 100 megabits per second. As a result, automotive OEMs and tier I suppliers in Europe and North America continue to work on Ethernet-based electrical and electronic (E/E) system architecture for vehicle applications though it is a time-consuming, research-intensive, and expensive process.

“Ethernet could serve as a backbone to the electronic architecture connecting domains and sub-networks for in-vehicle applications, especially as other car networks like local interconnected network, controller area network, and FlexRay lack the specifications to meet the demand for high bandwidth and scalability,” said 2097 Frost & Sullivan automotive and transportation research analyst Divya Krishnamurthy. “This is highlighting the need for a common network that can support several in-vehicle requirements.”

Standardising Ethernet platforms will offer benefits in terms of cost, performance, interoperability, upgradability, and faster time-to-market. In fact, the OPEN Alliance Special Interest Group, a non-profit alliance of automotive industry players and technology providers, aims to make BroadR-reach Ethernet technology a standard solution for infotainment and telematics.

“Ethernet in the automotive industry will not only redefine future E/E architecture, but will also lead to the introduction of new business models, such as bundled subscription services, incremental services, targeted sales, upfront revenue, and pay-per-use for OEMs, tier I suppliers and telecom industries,” noted Krishnamurthy. “It will also open doors for innovative products like autonomous driving and application domains inside the vehicle.”

Related Content

  • October 24, 2014
    Open Mobile Alliance to moderate panel at Telematics West Coast
    The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) is to moderate a panel at this year’s Telematics West Coast conference, 30 and 31 October at the Hilton San Diego. The panel titled ‘The car steps out into the connected world’ will be comprised of industry leaders and moderated by director Market Development, OMA, Dr Eshwar Pittampalli. The panel is set to cover the latest developments and predictions in the In-Vehicle-Infotainment (IVI) market and give visitors to the conference a detailed insight into whether the content
  • March 28, 2014
    OBD aftermarket telematics subscribers market forecast
    According to new research from ABI, the number of subscribers to OnBoard Diagnostics (OBD) aftermarket telematics solutions is expected to increase from 9.5 million in 2014 to 117.8 million in 2019. “OBD-dongle telematics devices are gaining momentum in North America and Europe in segments such as UBI, fleet management, and consumer telematics. Their plug-and-play characteristics, low cost and flexibility for a range of applications including diagnostics and maintenance, location tracking and trip loggin
  • December 22, 2015
    GENIVI Alliance showcases connected car technologies in Las Vegas
    Alliance celebrates GENIVI "cars on the road" with keynote at Consumer Telematics Show, panel sessions at CES and fifth-annual Member Showcase at Trump International Hotel The GENIVI Alliance, an automotive industry association driving the broad adoption of specified, open source, In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) software, is to showcase its latest connected car technologies through a series of industry events during CES 2016 week in Las Vegas from 5-7 January.
  • May 2, 2012
    Huge global OEM connected car system shipments predicted
    OEM connected car system shipments are expected to grow from 8.22 million in 2012 to 39.5 million in 2016. While the United States and Western Europe remain the leading regions, car OEMs such as GM, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, and Mercedes Benz increasingly look to China as the next major expansion area for launching connected car solutions in order to maintain or enhance their competitive position in this fledgling market.