According to a new study by Allied Business Intelligence Inc (ABI), a wave of new and advanced automotive systems are scheduled to make their way into production vehicles for the 2006 model year. These systems are designed to make vehicles safer, more fuel-efficient, and meet increasing consumer and government demands. The study says redesigning vehicles and offering greater incentives won't be enough. Consumers desire advanced drivetrain and safety systems that will enhance the driving experience. FlexRay and TTP (time-triggered protocol) are two competing communication protocols designed to facilitate these new systems, including next-generation technologies, such as x-by-wire. The concept behind x-by-wire involves replacing nearly every automotive hydraulic/mechanical system with electronics. According to ABI, despite the fact that competing time-triggered communication protocols are under development, efforts to introduce by-wire technologies into motor vehicles will not be deterred. Also, even though most automakers and automotive semiconductor vendors have seemingly made their protocol choices, ABI cautions that it is still too early for either protocol to claim victory, as much can happen in the months ahead and the automotive qualification process has yet to begin. Despite the 42-volt slowdown, ABI says the introduction of automotive time-triggered architectures will continue as planned. Next-generation implementations of adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance systems, and sophisticated body-control systems can only utilize time-triggered protocols because other protocols lack the necessary speeds, reliability levels, and are not fault-tolerant. According to report findings, the mass rollout of 42-volt power systems will begin later than expected, around 2010, when approximately 12 million, or 19 percent, of new vehicles will feature the modern power systems. The new report, "X-By-Wire: A Strategic Analysis of In-Vehicle Multiplexing & Next-Generation Safety-Critical Control Systems," gives an expanded focus to additional in-vehicle protocols, including MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport), IDB-1394, and LIN (Local Interconnect Network). The study contains numerous charts quantifying major global markets for the next ten years, and concludes with a detailed list of international market participants. Allied Business Intelligence Inc is an Oyster Bay, NY-based technology research think tank founded in 1990. ABI publishes research and technology intelligence on the wireless, automotive, electronics, networking and energy industries. Details may be found at www.alliedworld.com or by calling 516-624-3113.