Telematics Industry Experiencing Mixed Results According to ABI Research

While some segments of the telematics industry are seemingly stalled, others are thriving, according to a suite of comprehensive reports on the telematics industry by research firm ABI.

Although the consumer OEM telematics industry is temporarily stalled, the majority of niche commercial telematics players are meeting limited success, while a burgeoning consumer telematics aftermarket appears to have figured out the formula for victory.

"Many OEMs around the globe are sitting on the fence and taking a wait-and-see attitude before launching new consumer telematics initiatives," notes Frank Viquez, ABI's director of automotive electronics research. "However, on the commercial side, OEMs can't move fast enough. Meanwhile, a myriad of new GPS-based aftermarket navigation and safety and security telematics offerings are springing up around the globe."

Although some segments have developed faster than others, ABI estimates that the aggregate global telematics market will grow to over $21 billion for 2008, from an estimated 2003 level of nearly $7 billion. T reach that level, ABI notes that telematics players must overcome unique issues to each segment of the industry.