The beginnings of automotive electronics
began in the 1930s with the adoption of
vacuum tubes in car radios, leading to the
first semiconductor-based transistorized
ignition system in 1955. Over time,
electronics have made their way into
several automotive systems, including
the alternator, anti-lock braking, engine
control, airbags, and transmission control.
In contrast to making up just 1 percent
of the cost of a vehicle in the 1950s, they
comprise up to 30 percent today. With
the push toward electric vehicles and
autonomous vehicles, many predict that by
2030 electronics could account for up to 50
percent of a vehicle's value.
