Written by a leading expert on the topics of electronics, Ross T. Bannatyne, this report describes the evolution of electronic control systems and examines the recent growth experienced in the four main system categories - safety and convenience, powertrain, body controls, and entertainment and communications. The system trends and technologies are covered in detail. The report concludes with a summery of the challenges, the future changes of the horizon, and a discussion of how sustainable competitive advantage can perhaps be achieved.