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Vehicle connectivity is becoming a key trend in the BCM industry. The rise of connected vehicles has increased the demand for BCMs that connect to smartphones, cloud services, and other smart devices. BCMs enhance the user experience by enabling remote control, climate management, and access to external services.
BCMs are designed to integrate with smartphones via communication methods such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Near Field Communication (NFC) allowing users to manage vehicle functions, access information, and receive notifications through a mobile app. The push for vehicle connectivity is driven by the need for smooth integration with personal devices, access to cloud services, and the growing importance of data-driven insights and personalized experiences, which is boosting the demand for BCMs.
Furthermore, the shift towards smart and connected vehicles is accelerating the demand for advanced BCMs that leverage IoT and other emerging technologies. The rapid advancement of automotive electronics, combined with the integration of IoT technologies, is transforming the BCM market. IoT-enabled BCMs allow vehicle components to share data in real-time data, improving diagnostics, maintenance, and predictive analytics. These systems enable support advanced features such as smart diagnostics, remote vehicle control, and better vehicle security, making them essential for next-generation vehicles.
The body control module market is being bolstered by the launch of new automotive chips which enhance communication and integration among vehicle systems. For instance, in September 2024, Toshiba launched the TB9032FNG, an auto CXPI responder chip with built-in logic hardware designed for low data-rate communication between electronic control units (ECUs) within the automotive network.
This highly integrated driver-receiver IC facilitates efficient communication between various ECUs in a vehicle's body control systems, such as steering wheel switches, meter clusters, and door locks. By facilitating seamless CXPI signal exchange, this chip is set to propel growth in the BCM market, enhancing system integration and operational efficiency.
Modern vehicles now feature more electronic systems such as ADAS and connected car technologies, increasing the complexity of BCMs. This complexity demands advanced hardware and software, raising development and manufacturing costs. Integrating multiple functions into one BCM can also lead to higher failure rates, potentially disrupting several vehicle systems at once. These increased costs and reliability issues are significant barriers for budget and mid-range vehicles, limiting the adoption of advanced BCMs.