STMicroelectronics has introduced its second automotive grade MEMS motion sensor, for use in systems such as adaptive front lights, anti-theft systems, navigation and control of vehicle dynamics. The AIS226DS is a two-axis in-plane accelerometer capable of sensing acceleration up to ±6g.  The new device can also resolve incredibly tiny angles of incline, smaller than 0.02 degrees.  The ability to accurately measure incline is important in auto-leveling lamp, e-parking brake, and HSA (Hill Start Aid) applications. http://www.st.com/stonline/stappl/cms/press/news/year2009/p2421.htm This is the second product ST has introduced that is designed to maintain highly stability and accuracy (±70mg) throughout the automotive temperature range –40 to +105 degrees C:  In 2H2008 ST introduced its first automotive grade device, the 3 axis, low g AIS326DQ. ST has been content to focus its MEMS resources on less operationally stringent applications, scoring two major successes for its MEMS accelerometers in the Nintendo Wii and Apple iPhone.  However the company nows seems intent on also leveraging its position in the automotive semiconductor sector (where Strategy Analytics analysis ranks it at #3 vendor with $1.52B sales in 2008) to advance its MEMS sensor business. http://www.strategyanalytics.com/default.aspx?mod=ReportAbstractViewer&a0=4738 This will further increase the competitive pressure on the other incumbent automotive inertial sensors vendors which include Bosch, Infineon, Analog Devices, Denso, Freescale, Melexis, MEMSIC, Sensata, Panasonic and Systron Donner.