Bluetooth wireless comms links will feature in a third of new vehicles in 2012, increasing from just 3 per cent in 2005, according to a report from market watcher Strategy Analytics.

According to the report, there are influencing factors which have led to a surge in automotive Bluetooth applications, but it also warns that car makers not to leave this opportunity to aftermarket vendors.

“Automotive pricing, promotion, and product positioning of Bluetooth versus other in-vehicle features will be critical to how take rates develop over the next two years,” said Clare Hughes, Strategy Analytics Automotive Practice analyst.

Five key factors have led to an increase in integration of Bluetooth technology in automotive applications over the last 12 months: growing consumer awareness of BT; a rapid adoption of BT on cellular phones; strong automotive consumer demand for hands-free solutions; increasing availability of BT solutions in the OE and aftermarket; and legislative measures, said the report.

“As we have already seen with portable navigation, poor competitiveness from car makers and automotive system suppliers will result in aftermarket vendors taking a greater share of the growing consumer demand for Bluetooth,” said Hughes.