According to the latest statistics from IMS Research, the worldwide market for low voltage AC & DC motor drives experienced unprecedented revenue growth in 2007, increasing by 19.7% over 2006 levels. Data reported by leading drives suppliers indicate all regions and industry segments exhibited strong growth during the year. The market is expected to continue performing well despite the global economic downturn, with positive growth forecast for both 2008 and 2009, when annual revenue growth should bottom out at 3.7%. High energy prices and an increased focus on energy efficiency will maintain positive growth of market revenues, which are expected to increase by an average annual rate of 10.4% throughout the forecast period to reach an estimated value of $13.6 billion by 2012.