TFT LCD shipments rebound

Shipments of TFT LCDs for portable navigation devices and motor vehicle monitors (used in car navigation and in-console monitors) increased in the second half of 2009 and the first half of 2010.

This indicates that the motor market has rebounded since the economic crisis of 2008.

According to the latest DisplaySearch ‘Quarterly Small/Medium Shipment and Forecast Report’, TFT LCD shipments rebounded from Q3’09 as a result of motor vehicle sales driven by government tax deductions and subsidies. In addition, demand for vehicle displays has grown in China and emerging regions.

In the first half of 2010, TFT LCD shipments for vehicle monitor applications were more than twice the levels of the first half of 2009. Specifically, shipment growth was 143% Y/Y from Q1’09 to Q1’10 and 125% Y/Y from Q2’09 to Q2’10.

TFT LCD shipments for portable navigation devices also showed a strong rebound in the first half of 2010, up 72% Y/Y from Q1’09 and 96% Y/Y in Q2’10. Strong growth is forecast for the second half of 2010 in both segments.

According to DisplaySearch results, 70% of TFT LCD motor vehicle monitors are produced by Japanese LCD manufacturers, while 60% of TFT LCD portable navigation devices are from Taiwan LCD manufacturers.

The demand for displays has had a positive effect on manufacturers in these regions. For example, Japanese manufacturers of automotive displays have been operating at full capacity in 2010 and some car navigation products have been delayed due to the tight supply of automotive TFT LCDs.