Editor's letter

The last year has been another challenging one for the auto industry as the global market picked up from a low base. The global semiconductor crisis eased, as expected. Pent-up demand and higher sales fed into bumper profits – not only for vehicle makers, but also for suppliers.  

When the order backlogs clear and inventories are at a more normal level, we’re back to looking at the conventional drivers of market demand. That’s where the outlook for 2024 gets less rosy as the world’s economy struggles to break clear of inflationary pressures and high interest rates. 

Technology can help. The digital revolution has only just begun and articles in this magazine describe the many exciting use cases for emerging advanced technologies.   

The next year is sure to see more technological advances, as well as new products that are – still – creative marvels that excite us all. Interesting times.  My best wishes to all.

David Leggett, editor