I. Development Trend of Automotive Sensors
1. Diversification of Types and Applications
With the continuous advancement of automotive technology, the types and application scenarios of sensors are constantly enriched. The following are some of the main types of automotive sensors:
- Oxygen sensor: monitors the oxygen content in the exhaust gas to help adjust the fuel injection and ignition timing.
- Temperature sensor: monitors the engine coolant temperature and intake air temperature to ensure that the engine operates within the optimal temperature range.
- Pressure sensor: monitors the oil pressure and intake air pressure to ensure stable engine operation.
- Speed sensor: monitors the wheel speed and vehicle speed to assist ABS, anti-skid system and speedometer.
- Displacement sensor: detects the position of the throttle, brake and clutch to optimize engine power and gearbox shifting timing.
- LiDAR: used in autonomous driving systems to provide high-precision environmental perception data.
- Millimeter-wave radar: used in vehicle safety systems such as adaptive cruise control and collision warning.
- Camera sensor: used for lane keeping, traffic sign recognition and automatic parking systems.
2. Intelligence and integration
Intelligence and integration are important trends in the development of automotive sensors. Modern automotive sensors can not only collect data, but also perform preliminary data processing and analysis. For example, smart camera sensors can identify lanes, pedestrians and traffic signs, and provide real-time driving assistance information. The integrated design of sensors can reduce the number of electronic control units (ECUs) in the vehicle and improve the reliability and response speed of the system.
3. High precision and high reliability
With the development of autonomous driving technology, higher requirements are placed on the accuracy and reliability of sensors. High-precision sensors can provide more accurate environmental perception data to help vehicles make safer and more accurate driving decisions. At the same time, the reliability of sensors is directly related to the safety and stability of vehicles. Major sensor manufacturers have increased their R&D investment to continuously improve the accuracy and reliability of sensors.
4. Low cost and miniaturization
Low cost and miniaturization are important goals for the development of the sensor industry. With the advancement of sensor technology and the optimization of production processes, the manufacturing cost of sensors has continued to decline, allowing high-performance sensors to be widely used in mid- and low-end models. At the same time, miniaturization design can reduce the size and weight of sensors, which helps optimize the spatial layout of vehicles and reduce energy consumption.
5. Green environmental protection and energy saving
Green environmental protection and energy saving are important directions for the development of modern automotive sensors. Environmental sensors can detect vehicle emissions, help reduce exhaust emissions, and protect the environment. Energy-saving sensors can monitor the energy consumption of vehicles, optimize fuel injection and power distribution, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce energy consumption.
II. Export analysis combined with Chinese customs data
According to data from Chinese customs, the export volume and export value of Chinese automotive sensors have shown a steady growth trend in recent years. In 2023, the export volume of Chinese automotive sensors reached 120 million pieces, a year-on-year increase of 15%, and the export value reached US$3.5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 20%.
1. Main export markets
The main export markets for Chinese automotive sensors include North America, Europe and Southeast Asia. Among them, the North American market accounts for 40%, the European market accounts for 35%, and the Southeast Asian market accounts for 15%. The increasing demand for high-performance sensors in these markets has driven the export growth of Chinese automotive sensors.
2. Export product types
In terms of export product types, oxygen sensors, temperature sensors and pressure sensors are still the main export products, accounting for 60% of the total export volume. At the same time, the export volume of new sensors such as lidar, millimeter-wave radar and camera sensors has also increased significantly, accounting for 25% of the total export volume.
3. Export price and competitiveness
Automotive sensors made in China have obvious price competitiveness in the international market. Compared with similar products in Europe and the United States, Chinese sensors are cheaper while ensuring quality. Taking oxygen sensors as an example, the average export price of oxygen sensors made in China is 20%-30% lower than that of European and American products, which makes Chinese sensors more competitive in the global market.
4. Technological innovation and quality improvement
In recent years, Chinese automotive sensor manufacturers have continuously increased their R&D investment to improve their technological innovation capabilities and product quality. Many companies have established advanced R&D centers and laboratories and launched a number of high-performance sensors with independent intellectual property rights. For example, the sensor products of AVIC have passed international quality certifications such as ISO9001 and IATF16949 and are widely used by domestic and foreign automobile manufacturers.
III. Advantages of purchasing automotive sensors from China
1. Strong production capacity
As the world's largest manufacturing base, China has a complete industrial chain and strong production capacity. In the field of automotive sensors, Chinese manufacturing companies have the ability to produce on a large scale and can meet the needs of the global market.
2. Obvious cost advantage
China's automotive sensor manufacturers have significant cost advantages in raw material procurement, production processes and human resources. This enables automotive sensors made in China to enter the international market at a more competitive price while ensuring quality.
3. Improved R&D and innovation capabilities
In recent years, China's automotive sensor manufacturers have continuously increased their R&D investment and improved their technological innovation capabilities. Many companies have established advanced R&D centers and laboratories and launched a number of high-performance sensors with independent intellectual property rights.
4. Diversified choices
China's automotive sensor manufacturers offer a wide range of products, covering all areas from traditional sensors to new smart sensors. Global buyers can choose suitable products according to their own needs to meet different application scenarios and technical requirements.
5. High-quality supply chain services
China's automotive sensor manufacturing companies not only have strong production capabilities, but also have established a complete supply chain management system, which can provide efficient and stable supply chain services to global buyers. From product development, production to logistics distribution, all links can be efficiently connected to ensure timely delivery of products.
6. Superior geographical location and international trade environment
China has a superior geographical location and convenient transportation. It has many large ports and international airports, which facilitate the international transportation of products. At the same time, the Chinese government actively promotes the construction of free trade zones, optimizes the international trade environment, and provides good purchasing conditions for global buyers.
IV. How to purchase automotive sensors from China
1. Choose the right supplier
When choosing a supplier, global buyers should comprehensively consider the supplier's production capacity, technical level, product quality and after-sales service. You can find suitable suppliers through online platforms (such as Made in China, etc.) and offline exhibitions (such as the Canton Fair, Shanghai International Auto Parts Exhibition, etc.).
2. Review supplier qualifications
Review the supplier's qualifications and certifications, such as ISO9001 quality management system certification, IATF16949 automotive industry quality management system certification, etc., to ensure that the supplier has legal business qualifications and high-quality production capabilities.
3. Confirm procurement needs and specifications
According to your own needs, determine the type, model and specifications of the required sensor, and communicate with the supplier in detail to confirm that the purchased sensor meets the technical requirements and application scenarios.
4. Sign a contract
After confirming all the details, sign a purchase contract with the supplier to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties. The contract should include product specifications, prices, delivery time, payment methods, warranty period, etc. to ensure that the rights and interests of both parties are protected.
5. Logistics and customs clearance
Choose the appropriate logistics method, such as sea, air or land transportation, and determine the best transportation plan based on the quantity and urgency of the goods. When handling customs clearance procedures, you should ensure that all documents are complete, including invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc., to ensure that the goods pass through customs smoothly.
6. Inspection and acceptance
After the goods arrive, timely inspection and acceptance should be carried out to ensure that the product quality meets the requirements. If there are any problems, contact the supplier in time to solve them to ensure a smooth procurement process.
V. Conclusion
The importance of automotive sensors in vehicle safety, performance and driving experience continues to increase, and the types and applications of sensors are becoming increasingly diverse. As an important global automotive sensor production base, China has strong production capacity, R&D and innovation capabilities and cost advantages, and can provide high-quality and low-cost automotive sensors to global buyers. By selecting the right supplier, confirming procurement needs, signing contracts and handling logistics and customs clearance, global buyers can smoothly purchase automotive sensors that meet the requirements from China to improve vehicle performance and driving experience.
I hope this article can provide valuable information for global buyers and help you better understand the development trend of automotive sensors and the advantages of purchasing from China. If you have any questions or need further advice, please feel free to contact professional automotive sensor manufacturers or sales staff.
