A new report from ABI research notes that Bluetooth automotive markets grew significantly (141%) in 2005 and are “showing healthy signs of this growth being a long-term prospect.

Stuart Carlaw, principal analyst of wireless connectivity and author of “Automotive Bluetooth – Handsets, Headset, Telematics, OEM and Aftermarket Installed Devices,” says that awareness of and familiarity with Bluetooth have both grown within the wider consumer base, thus Bluetooth is becoming a feature demanded by consumers, rather than pushed by manufacturers. He adds that the growing legislative trend toward hands-free driving “has played directly into the hands of the Bluetooth community.”

Barriers remain, however, in the form of interoperability issues, relatively high silicon and equipment costs, and (the need for greater) penetration into consumer devices beyond cellular handsets.