Head-Up Displays Growing in Popularity
The head-up display (HUD) originated in the cockpit of fighter jets, but the technology has migrated to automobiles, and the take rate of HUDs is expected to rise by seven percent in 2013.
IHS Automotive reports that 1.2 million vehicles worldwide were sold with HUDs in 2012, a number that the research firm predicts will grow up to 9.1 million units by 2020. In percentages, the current HUD take rate represents 2 percent of the market, while in 2020, HUDs are expected to be ordered on 9 percent of all new vehicles.
Japan ordered the most HUDs as of 2010, but Europe is expected to overtake them in the coming years.
A heads-up display projects information onto the windshield, to make viewing easy and not distracting for the driver. Drivers get the choice of what they would like the HUD to tell them, and can usually choose between a speedometer, tachometer, GPS directions, stereo info, or some combination of all of those.
Future HUD technology is already being developed, and the possibilities include a full windshield HUD that will present all sorts of information including pedestrian warning, blind-spot detection or even night vision.
Four automakers currently offer HUDs out of the factory: GM, BMW, Mercedes and Audi.
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
More by Stephen Elmer
Comments
Join the conversation