Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors for automobile applications are expected to reach new highs in terms of unit shipments over the full year of 2010.
A report from electronic components analyst iSuppli anticipates an all-time high year-end figure for quantities of the sensors in use worldwide.
The previous high occurred in 2007, ahead of the recession, when 640 million MEMS devices were fitted into vehicles.
In 2009, the slacker market led some companies to deplete their stock levels, allowing them to maintain profits by scaling back on production.
However, that has left a need for greater numbers of the sensors to be manufactured and purchased to return supply liquidity to the sector.
As a result, a 32.1 per cent increase in shipments - to 662.3 million units - is anticipated once 2010's statistics are tallied up.
The analyst specialises in comparing the automotive market with other influences - such as the way the recession has affected vehicle MEMS shipments, or how sales of new cars become apparent through changing conditions in the sensors channel.