Top 10 automotive electronics stories of 2012

This year likely will emerge as a watershed year for automotive electronics around the world. That's a big statement to make given that semiconductors, systems and software technology in this sector moves ahead relentlessly. But a variety of things occurred during the past 12 months that, taken together, mark the broad realization--among designers, vendors and consumers--that the era of automotive electronics is here.

At its core, 2012 was the year of the electric vehicle--the good, the bad and the flamingly ugly. It was everything from the surge in new EV and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEV) that were announced or rolled into showrooms, to the EV infrastructure to big problems among battery makers to upstart EV makers' struggles. But it was also about the electronic systems that are being rapidly deployed with new vehicles to make them smarter (connected cars) and more independent of humans (autonomous vehicles).

What follows are 10 key stories that defined automotive electronics and the automotive industry.

Intel invests $100 million automotive electronics
One of the earliest indications that 2012 was going to be interesting for automotive designers was Intel, the giant PC- and server-focused microprocessor company, setting up a setting up a $100 million venture fund to help accelerate innovation and the adoption of new technology and services in the automotive industry.

The Intel Capital Connected Car Fund will be invested globally over the next four to five years in hardware, software and services companies developing technologies to promote in-vehicle applications and enable the seamless connection between vehicles and any connected device, including mobile devices and sensors. 

"Technology has become an integral component of everyday life, with consumers demanding uninterrupted access to the Internet and the constant flow of information, news, entertainment, and social media," said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and Intel executive vice president.

"Automobiles must be able to provide these same consistent and engaging computing experiences, but in a safe manner."