The automotive chip industry is set for remarkable expansion, with valuations expected to climb from $77.42 billion this year to $133.05 billion by the decade's end, according to research from MarketsandMarkets.
The 11.4% annual growth rate underscores semiconductors' increasingly vital role as vehicles become more electrified, connected and autonomous.
Today's automobiles rely heavily on semiconductor technology for fundamental operations, from converting electrical power efficiently to processing vast amounts of sensor data in real time. The industry's pivot towards battery-electric platforms and software-driven functionality is dramatically raising the electronic content per vehicle.
This evolution is further accelerated by global emission reduction targets and consumer expectations for sophisticated connectivity and safety features. Advanced materials like Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitride are enabling new generations of power management components capable of handling the extreme voltages and thermal demands of electric propulsion systems.
Sensor components are projected to achieve the steepest growth curve among all semiconductor types. The expansion of driver-assistance capabilities requires vehicles to carry extensive arrays of detection equipment, radar transceivers, LiDAR units, ultrasonic proximity sensors and high-resolution cameras, working in concert to map the vehicle's surroundings with precision.
These technologies are fundamental to collision avoidance, automated parking and adaptive speed control, forming the foundation for increasingly autonomous driving capabilities. In electric and hybrid platforms, sensors additionally perform critical monitoring of battery cells and cooling systems.
Conventional combustion vehicles are forecast to represent the largest propulsion category through 2030, particularly across developing economies where affordability concerns and established refuelling networks favour traditional technology. These vehicles nonetheless require sophisticated chips to meet stringent emission regulations, improve fuel consumption and support modern infotainment and connectivity expectations.
Regional analysis indicates that Asia Pacific will dominate market share, supported by concentrated automotive production in China, Japan, South Korea and India. These countries are making substantial investments in both electric vehicle manufacturing and indigenous semiconductor production capabilities.
ZF Aftermarket has named Maic Dressen as Managing Director of ZF Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Sub-regional Head for Sub-Saharan Africa and the DomTom regions. He will lead the company’s South African operations and support its growth across the continent.
Volkswagen has marked 75 years of vehicle production and sales in South Africa with a gala event in Kariega attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, while also revealing the new Volkswagen Tengo, the third model to be built at the local plant. The Tengo will be produced for the South African and wider markets.
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
When Volvo introduced the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric to South Africa in late 2021, the timing raised eyebrows. The country was enduring a severe power crisis, with loadshedding recorded on 200 days that year.
Three months after launching its off-grid, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging network on the N3 corridor, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has confirmed plans to double charging capacity at both Charge hubs.
