SANTA CLARA, CA — As flat panel displays become more prevalent in applications such as navigation, multi-functional in-console monitors, and rear seat entertainment, NPD DisplaySearch expects shipments for the automotive segment to grow nearly 50%, from 42 million units in 2011 to 62 million in 2015.

“Demand for automotive monitors continues to increase as displays play a growing role in an increasing number of applications for automobiles,” noted Hiroshi Hayase, NPD DisplaySearch vice president of Small/Medium Display Research. “With the growing production of hybrid and electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf, we forecast strong growth for this segment.”

Due to the growing use of electronics in automobiles, displays used in vehicles are multi-functional, providing safety indications, energy information, entertainment, and other conveniences while driving. In-car navigation is becoming more prevalent around the globe, as it enables safer driving by allowing drivers to focus on the road, and saves time by allowing drivers to avoid traffic and accidents. Multiple printed circuit board assemblies are used in each display.

With increased performance requirements, including higher resolution and wider color gamut for maps and other information, TFT LCDs are gaining ground over passive matrix displays for console applications.