Players in the Japanese car navigation GPS chip market . . .
SGS-Thomson claims a 30% share. I think they are partnered with Japan Radio Corp,, but cannot nail it down, and probably supply Alpine (for OEMs and aftermarket), Mitsubishi, Sanyo, Sharp, Casio and Toyota.
Trimble's major connection, of course, is Pioneer. TRMB also supplies Xanavi/Nissan with GPS. Clarion will introduce the Auto PC in 1999 (they have to develop the voice recognition system for the Japanese language). There is probably also a trace presence through exports of VWs to Japan (a Blaupunkt connection), starting 2Q98. I would estimate Trimble's percentage share of the Japanese market to be in the low twenties -- they get to a global 30% by dominating Europe.
Orbi's partner is Matsushita (Panasonic), which has a 20% aftermarket share and possibly some OEM.
Rockwell has a recently announced partner in Clarion's ADDZEST car nav product.
Sony also supplies GPS into this market, but does not appear to be a leader. I have not figured out who is supplying Honda or Mazda.
The GPS market prices in Japan are not coming down. Instead, the vendors are adding features. Overall, a full car navigation system in Japan will go for $2000 to $3000. That may be why they are having trouble exporting in volume to Europe and the US.
I'll try to post more next week. |
