A discussion of the automotive industry's reluctance to implement new electronics applications, this paper examines the basis on which design engineers accept or reject automotive electronics designs. Unless these new designs demonstrate economic or other advantages over designs emanating from traditional technology, they will be rejected. However, there are now several areas of uncontested electronic application: fuel metering, emissions/diagnostics, antiskid, radio, headlamp dimmer, and seat interlock. A careful cost effectiveness study of future implementation of electronic systems is recommended.
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