Production growth in the overall GPS manufacturing industry in Greater China, which comprises mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, will mirror worldwide trends and mark a slight downturn as makers reduce output of current models to prevent over supply. However, the entry of newcomers and the increased R&D momentum will result in new product releases for the midrange and high-end markets, and thus increased supply. Exports will likewise grow, as more makers boost their overseas business.

The projected combined output of the makers in this report for 2007 is about 9.21 million units, a growth of 54 percent from their aggregate output of about 6 million units in 2006. Their projected combined export volume for 2007 is at least 8.91 million units, equivalent to 97 percent of the forecast production volume for the same year. The 2007 export volume will represent a 58 percent growth from the export volume for 2006 of 5.65 million in-vehicle GPS devices.

This sourcing report covers 42 makers of in-vehicle GPS devices: 17 from mainland China, 23 from Taiwan and two from Hong Kong.

These companies represent a cross section of Greater China's supplier base, with some companies from the high-end market and several others focusing on the entry-level sector. They included major players and new entrants in this line. These companies provided manufacturing, export, sales and product development information and forecasts, from which the following findings were drawn:
- GPS devices will continue breaking into the consumer electronics market in 2007, with more in-vehicle GPS devices transforming into multifunction systems for a variety of applications.
- Convergence will drive product development across Greater China. Mainland China makers will continue to develop standalone in-vehicle devices, but more emphasis will be given to hybrid models that integrate mobile entertainment, increased position accuracy and real time information delivery.
- Taiwan makers will focus on personal navigation devices (PNDs) and personal tracking systems, which are expected to further stimulate the demand for GPS products in the coming years.
- Large-scale makers in mainland China expect a 10 percent to 14 percent decrease in prices in 2007. In Taiwan, most large-scale companies project stable prices as small-scale makers prepare for a 10 percent to 30 percent price drop.

This report comprises an Industry Overview section, company profiles, product gallery and supplier index. The Industry Overview section has a section each on industry background, manufacturing capability, products and prices, and outlook.

The Industry Background provides a macro view of the Greater China industry, discussing manufacturing hubs, exports, growth drivers and challenges. The Manufacturing Capability section discusses the production processes involved in in-vehicle GPS device manufacture, differentiating those done in-house from those that are outsourced. It also discusses the key components used and the QC processes undertaken by makers.
In this Report
- 15 In-depth supplier profiles
- 27 Profile tables
- Product gallery
- Supplier Index