Infineon ranks first in chips for automotive electronics

NEUBIBERG, GERMANY: Infineon Technologies AG has advanced to become the world’s foremost supplier of chips for automotive electronics, according to the most recent study published by Strategy Analytics.

The US-based market researcher reports that Infineon captured a 9 percent share of the global market with sales totaling $US1.31 billion in 2009. Infineon strengthened its market position even though it was a crisis year for the automobile industry, with the overall market for automotive chips contracting by 21 percent to $14.4 billion in 2009 (compared to $18.3 billion in 2008).

“Through our strength as an innovator across our portfolio, we were able to secure the number one spot in chips for automotive electronics in spite of tough times in the industry,” said Jochen Hanebeck, Division President of the Automotive Division at Infineon Technologies AG. “Our semiconductors are the basis for automotive electronics innovation, and we are on track to become the leading supplier of chips in the future electric mobility market.”

Infineon continues to lead the market in Europe
In Europe, which is recognized as a key center of innovation in the field of automotive electronics, Infineon remains the unchallenged market leader with a share of 13.6 percent. Infineon ranks second in North America with a market share of 7.8 percent.

In Japan, Infineon is one of the foremost non-Japanese suppliers of semiconductors, with 2.8 percent of the market. In the Asian ranking, Infineon market share grew to 8.8 percent, reaffirming its number two position. Excluding automotive entertainment electronics, Infineon in fact is market share leader in the Asian ranking.

Infineon in automobiles
Infineon supplies sensors, microcontrollers and power semiconductors for the automobile industry. These products help to make vehicles safer and more driver-friendly and to boost fuel efficiency while reducing carbon emissions.

On average, every new car manufactured today contains roughly two dozen Infineon chips, including around four sensors (for antilock braking systems and side-impact airbags, for example). One in two automobiles in Europe and one in three worldwide is equipped with an Infineon microcontroller for managing diesel and gasoline engines. Among other things, these chips are responsible for ensuring an optimum air/fuel mix and optimum injection and ignition timing for each cylinder in the engine, making motoring as fuel efficient as possible.

Infineon chip solutions for market-viable, affordable electric mobility
Infineon products are also used in hybrid and electric vehicles. In electric vehicles they help to radically reduce the cost of the powertrain and electronics, to increase mileage and to improve battery efficiency. Today, Infineon already supplies products that boost battery life and capacity by at least 10 percent.