MAPLE GROVE, MN – By 2011, the automotive connector market will reach $12.36 billion, according to a leading researcher on connectors.

Last year, the world connector market totaled $39.95 billion, Bishop & Associates Inc. reports.

Automotive is the largest market for connectors, with sales of $9.62 billion, or 24% of all connectors sold worldwide, the researcher says.

Two major factors drive automotive connector sales: higher volumes of vehicles sold and increased electronics content per vehicle.

The North American connector market will grow in the low single digits, but emerging economies, such as China and elsewhere, will achieve double-digit or near double-digit growth, Bishop adds.

Approximately 65% of automotive connector growth will come from an increase in the number of vehicles manufactured. The other 35% will come from increased electronics content per unit. Bishop estimates an average connector value of $153 per vehicle manufactured in 2006.

In emerging economies, connector content will fall below the $153 world average. In mature developed economies, connector content can reach well over $200 per vehicle.

The increase in electronics content comes from comfort, entertainment, navigation, and instrumentation applications within the vehicle.
 

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