The increasing popularity of smart cars is opening a window of opportunity for Taiwan’s small and medium enterprises seeking to join the global supply chain.
One of these hidden champions is Taoyuan City-based Tung Thih Electronic Co. Ltd., a leading supplier in Asia of automotive electronics like cameras, parking aids and radio systems.
In 2014 the company won a 10-year contract to ship 70 million parking sensors to 25 assembly plants of General Motor Co in 18 countries and territories.
Tung Thih CEO Scott Chen said the company beat out Robert Bosch GmbH from Germany and Valeo from France on the strength of its consistently high yield rates and design compatibility with industry heavyweights. To date, the firm has partnered with 24 leading carmakers and jointly developed more than 1,000 tailor-made devices.
“Our goal is to deliver products that set the standard for the international smart car industry,” Chen said.
Similarly successful is Tainan City-headquartered Chimei Motor Co Ltd, which is striving to become a leader in developing advanced collision avoidance technology.
Described by some analysts as Taiwan’s equivalent to industry pace-setter Mobileye, Chimei has developed a 98.5 per cent accurate lane departure warning system.
Established in 2006, Chimei was the first in Taiwan to develop event data recorders. Although initial demand was slow, by 2014 the company had a number of local and mainland Chinese automakers on its books.
Chimei is said to be considering further market diversification by integrating its LDWS with a power steering system.
