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COVID-19 has caused severe disruption among electronics manufacturers, presenting consumer electronics and the automotive industry with a challenging year ahead, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics firm. In a fresh report, analysts disclose that economic shutdowns, which started in China and extended across the globe, have significantly impacted supply chains and may delay the prototyping and production of new products as a consequence. This is further compounded as new car purchases, including electric vehicles, are now unlikely to be a priority for businesses and consumers, amid the economic uncertainty resulting from the pandemic. One of the global electronic...

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As the comfort and safety levels in cars have constantly improved over time, so have the electronics they carry. Cars are evolving into computers on wheels, and this is driving up their cost; a recent study reveals that electronics now make up 40% of a vehicle’s price tag. According to a new Deloitte analysis, the automotive industry has changed dramatically since 2004, when only 25% of cars had airbags, and less than 50% had power seats. The volume of electronic components in vehicles has significantly increased since then, largely owing to safety regulations. The report notes in particular that 2004...

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We plant trees! Component Sense is delighted to announce its new partnership with One Tree Planted. Founded in 2014, One Tree Planted is a non-profit organisation, based in the US. They work with amazing reforestation projects around the world, providing the financial support needed to plant more trees and protect the environment. How it works? One Tree Planted collects donations for each of its projects and sends the funds to its respective reforestation partners. All reforestation partners are vetted to ensure they maintain a tree survival rate of 80-90%. Depending on the project, the reforestation partners select the best tree...

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Earlier this month, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) announced that February 2020 saw global semiconductor sales reach $34.5 billion, presenting a 2.4% decline on January 2020 sales, but an increase of 5% on February 2019 which saw sales of $32.9 billion. Monthly sales figures are recorded by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organisation and represent a rolling three-month average. The SIA represents semiconductor manufacturers, designers and researchers, with members accounting for approximately 95% of US semiconductor sales and a large growing share of sales from non-US firms. "Global semiconductor sales in February were solid overall, outpacing sales from last...

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Electronics manufacturing is particularly exposed to problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, largely thanks to a combination of just-in-time manufacturing processes and a far-flung network of suppliers. Last week, analysts at research firm S&P Global painted a bleak picture, citing a 59.5% decline in US seaborne imports from China during the first three weeks of March 2020, resulting from China's nation-wide lockdown. Meanwhile, subcontracting firms such as Foxconn, are considering moving their operations outside of China where possible. One of Apple's manufacturing partners, Wistron Corp, recently stated that half of its capacity could reside outside China within one year. Electronics...