The market for automotive seats is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030. The automotive seat market is being driven by a number of factors, including an increasing demand for premium vehicles, an increasing acceptance of powered seats in mid-segment cars and SUVs, and an expanding need for aftermarket seating solutions. Increasing vehicle production and the rising trend of high-value seats with integrated smart technology for improved vehicle comfort and safety are the primary factors propelling expansion in this market. New openings are being created in the market for automobile seats as a result of an increase in the utilisation of lightweight materials for the purpose of reducing the overall weight of automotive seats. The automotive seat markets are expected to be fuelled during the projected period by the growing vehicle production as well as the rising demand for SUVs. The market is also being driven by an increase in the need for climate-controlled seat technology as well as an increase in the requirement for lightweight seat frame materials.
Increased Use of Powered Seats in Mid-Segment Automobiles and Sport Utility Vehicles Is the Primary Factor Driving Market Dynamics.
Over the years, there has been a dramatic shift in consumer choice toward larger cars, which has resulted in an almost doubling of the share of SUVs. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the number of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) driving on the roads of the world increased by more than 35 million in the year 2021. SUVs account for almost half of all vehicle sales in the United States and one-third of all vehicle sales in Europe. The sales of SUVs in India are currently far lower than they are in western countries. Despite this, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are releasing compact SUVs in the middle price bracket, which is enticing customers. In light of this, the Indian market is gravitating toward small SUVs rather than full-size SUVs because the former is more cost-effective.
There is a wide variety of seating configurations available in SUVs. For example, the first and second rows of a full-size SUV often have bucket seats, while the third row is typically configured as a split bench and bucket seat arrangement. Seats in the first row of compact SUVs are always bucket seats, and seats in the second row can either be benches or buckets (may or may not be split). Full-size sport utility vehicles (SUVs) may be equipped with seats that are motorised, heated, and ventilated, and they may also use leather for their seating surfaces. The demand for motorised and heated or ventilated seats, in addition to the already high demand for SUVs around the world, is expected to continue growing.
Increasing Interest in Temperature- and Humidity-Controlled Seating Technology
Increasing global warming at high temperatures makes it even more difficult for people to travel in vehicles. This affects both the people driving and those riding in vehicles. It is anticipated that the market for car seats would incorporate new technology in response to the growing number of climate and environmental concerns. For instance, if a passenger automobile is kept in the sun all day, the heat that is trapped inside the vehicle will make it unpleasant for both the passenger and the driver to sit inside the vehicle.
However, developments in technology have led to the creation of climate-controlled seating technology in car seats, which enables customers to rapidly cool their seats whenever they want to. In order to accomplish this goal, these seats were designed with perforated inserts that had built-in chillers and fans. In a similar fashion, the chairs include built-in heaters that are based on cloth, which are helpful when the weather is chilly. As a result, there is an increasing emphasis placed on the provision of seats with climate control.
Massage seats are often only available in higher-end vehicles sold by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), although powered, heated, and ventilated applications are now commercialised and utilised in a wide variety of cars that fall into more reasonable price ranges. For example, car original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar, and Cadillac offer massage seats for the front passengers of their vehicles.
For example, in February 2023, Kia introduced the new cheap MPV Carens in the Indian market. It featured front seats with ventilation.
The large firms that are active in the automobile seat industry have different tactics that they apply. These strategies help in the expansion of the incorporation of electrical components, which ultimately results in an increase in comfort. They provide a range of functionalities including ventilation, warmth, and massage, among other things. Another important factor that is contributing to the expanding use of technology in the automobile seat industry is the development of automated seat adjustment systems that make use of sensors to ensure the occupant's comfort.
Increase In the Number of Sales of Luxury Automobiles in Developing Nations
The vast majority of high-end automobiles feature leather upholstery, which gives the seats and overall appearance of the car an air of superior quality and sophistication. Because of this, there has been an increase in the number of sales of luxury vehicles in developing regions. For instance, over the course of the previous few years, China has seen a discernible increase in the number of sales of luxury vehicles. In terms of dollar value, China accounts for around one-third of total sales of luxury automobiles worldwide. Additionally, India is one of the world's greatest markets for passenger cars in terms of volume, with luxury automobiles making up a large percent of global production. This makes India one of the world's largest markets for passenger cars. However, automakers, both in the luxury and non-luxury markets, anticipate a strong potential for sales growth in the country and are focusing their attention on investing further in this rapidly expanding sector. As a result, an increase in the number of sales of luxury automobiles in developing nations like China and India is anticipated to result in an increase in the demand for seats of premium quality in the same region. Consequently, actions like these coming from growing countries and the most recent innovations in fabric material designed specifically for premium-type automobiles are creating a demand in the automotive seat industry.
Increase In Demand for Seat Frames That Are Lightweight
As a result of the acceleration of climate change, numerous governments, agencies, and other types of organisations are placing a greater emphasis on the need to cut global car emissions. In the month of May 2019, it was revealed that beginning in the year 2030, the city of Amsterdam will begin to prohibit the use of gasoline and diesel-powered automobiles and motorcycles. In a similar vein, polluting automobiles were prohibited from entering the city centre of Madrid, Spain, in November of 2018. Instead, only vehicles that produce zero emissions are now permitted to drive freely. Because of this, there is a growing demand for lightweight set frames, which are also anticipated to boost the vehicles' overall economy in terms of how much fuel they use.
Increase In Demand for Technologies That Can Adjust the Temperature and Humidity of Seats
Because of increasing global warming at severe temperatures, the market for automobile seats is growing rapidly. This is because these temperatures make it more difficult for both the driver and the passengers to ride in the car. For instance, if a passenger automobile is kept in the sun all day, the heat that is trapped inside the vehicle will make it unpleasant for both the passenger and the driver to sit inside the vehicle. However, developments in technology have led to the creation of climate-controlled seating technology in automobile seats, which enables you to immediately cool them down to a more comfortable temperature. In order to accomplish this goal, these seats were designed with perforated inserts that had built-in chillers and fans. In a similar vein, each seat comes equipped with fabric-based warming that can come in handy during the winter months. As a result, there is an increasing emphasis placed on offering seats with climate control. The enormous corporations that are active in this market for automobile seats each employ a distinct set of business tactics. For example, Lear and Gentherm only recently (in January 2019) announced the commencement of joint development cooperation in order to expedite the development of future thermal seating systems. Although until recently, these seats were exclusively available in high-end automobiles, they are now being manufactured for use in conventional automobiles as well.
A Rise in Consumer Interest in Vegan Alternatives to Animal Products Free Automobiles
The percentage of people who identify as a vegan is rising at an alarming rate around the world. As a consequence of this, there has been an upsurge in demand for automobiles that do not contain any materials derived from animals, such as leather seats. Animal rights advocates, in addition to vegans, are pushing for automobiles that are free of any components derived from animals. Since 2017, all of Tesla's seat options have been cruelty-free, and the company has confirmed that the next Model Y will have no leather of any kind. Also in April 2019, during an auto show, Land Rover unveiled its new line of leather-free and totally vegan materials that will be used in the 2020 Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar, and Jaguar I-Pace SUVs. These materials will replace the leather that was previously used. The demand for expansion in the automotive seat market will be driven by awareness and initiatives for the usage of automobiles that do not contain any animal products.
The Ever-Increasing Need for Driverless Cars and Trucks
Over the course of the past several years, there has been a rise in the number of people interested in autonomous vehicles. It was recently revealed, in the month of May 2019, that passengers using Lyft in the Phoenix metropolitan area in the state of Arizona in the United States will soon be able to request a ride in one of Waymo's autonomous minivans. The Lyft app will initially only have access to ten vehicles in the handful of surrounding communities when it first launches. After the arrival of driverless vehicles, big firms will shift their attention to the interiors of motor vehicles as their primary concern. Because of this, the seating configuration inside the autonomous vehicles will need to be altered.
A significant number of the most prominent automotive seat manufacturers, including Adient plc, are now engaged in research and development activities pertaining to the production of seats for autonomous vehicles. For instance, in September of 2017, Adient plc was working on novel safety solutions for the seats of next-generation automobiles, such as different seating configurations in autonomously driven vehicles. These solutions were being developed for future generations of vehicles. As a result, it is anticipated that in the future, autonomous vehicles will present numerous attractive chances for the expansion of the market for automotive seats.
The Cost of Advanced Modular Seats Is Significantly Higher Than the Cost of Traditional Seats
When compared to standard chairs, modular seats provide superior levels of comfort and convenience. Examples of modular seats include those that are motorised, heated, ventilated, massage, and temperature controlled. Their market share, however, is restricted to high-end vehicles because of the expensive expense of producing them. Powered, heated, and ventilated applications are now getting marketed and are utilised in most mid-range to high-end SUVs, while massage seats are generally offered in premium vehicles by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For example, car original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar, and Cadillac offer massage seats for the front passengers of their vehicles. Memory seats are a feature that comes standard on the upper trim levels of the majority of passenger car models in industrialised countries, including those that are medium and premium in price.
The A, B, and C segments, sometimes known as compact and economy cars, typically include seats that are considered standard. In developed countries like Europe and North America, where the economy is more stable, there is a greater demand for heated seats, which are available in the majority of D, E, and F models. Ventilated seats are available in some premium vehicle categories, including the E, F, SUV-D, and SUV E. Additionally, these seats can be found in the back row of the car. Massage seats cater to a certain niche market and can be found in luxury vehicles produced by brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar, amongst others. Memory seats are a feature that comes standard on the upper trim levels of the majority of passenger car models in industrialised countries, including those that are medium and premium in price. Mercedes-Benz, Audi A8, Porsche, and BMW are just a few of the automakers that provide drivers with memory seats. However, the economy category has the majority of the market share, particularly in nations that are still in the process of industrialising. This could potentially have a negative impact on the expansion of the market for modular chairs.
Price Swings in Various Metals Due to Market Uncertainty
Aluminium and steel are the two types of materials that are utilised in the production of the metal construction of a seat. Martinrea International Inc., Novelis, ArcelorMittal, Baosteel Group Hu, POSCO, Jiangsu Shagang, Tata Steel Group, HYUNDAI Steel Company, and JFE Steel Corporation are only a few of the companies that supply aluminium and steel. Other suppliers include JFE Steel Corporation and others. The types of metals that are used to construct seat frames are one of the primary contributors to the exorbitant prices of automobile seats. As a result, variations in the prices of aluminium and steel cause parallel shifts in the prices of manufactured seats. The escalation of the trade war between several nations like the United States and China has resulted in an increase in the prices of metals.
Challenged Faced by Textile and Seat Trim Material Suppliers
The interiors of automobiles make extensive use of trim material and textiles, both of which have the potential to expand beyond the applications they are currently used for. Polyester fabrics are created in the automotive industry by the utilisation of polyester-based polyamide, rayons, and polypropylenes. The use of foam to laminate composites in car body fabric and interiors is one option, but other materials, such as non-woven polyesters, are also being studied as alternatives to this material. These products improve overall seat comfort and contribute to an overall reduction in seat weight. Consumers are extremely familiar with the textiles and trim materials that they physically come into contact with, notably the seat upholstery or body cloth, headliners, and fabrics used throughout the remainder of the interior of the car. According to the Journal of Textile & Apparel, in the year 2020, approximately 13 million vehicles were produced in North America. The interior seats of each vehicle required approximately six yards of textiles, which resulted in annual demand for 75 million liner yards. Seat covers, carpets, roofs, and door liners account for nearly two-thirds of the textiles used in automobiles. These components are known as interior trim. The remainder is utilised to reinforce things like airbags, safety belts, hoses, and tyres, among other things. According to the insights provided by Automotive World magazine, the typical vehicle interior is upholstered with textiles that weigh approximately 30 kilogrammes (65 pounds), with seat covers alone accounting for more than 5 kilogrammes of this total. It is anticipated that there would be an increase in demand in the future for polyester fabrics to be used as seat trim material. Because of this rising demand for textiles and other materials used in trimming, material suppliers are finding themselves in an increasingly competitive environment. In addition, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and tier-1 suppliers are continually releasing new seat designs into the market to meet the requirements of customers. Because of these new shapes, the seat assembly might need to be built using new and more sophisticated methods and materials for the trim. As a result, the companies that supply trim material are constantly on their toes in order to keep up with the demands placed on them by OEMs and seat suppliers.
Focus On Driverless Cars and A Growing Inclination for Ride Sharing to Open Opportunities
The automotive industry is placing a greater emphasis on the research and development of advanced driver assistance technologies in order to achieve its long-term objective of creating and commercialising fully automated driving experiences. There has also been a growth in the inclination among customers for services that provide mobility on demand, such as ride-sharing and car-sharing. According to a study that was carried out by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI), more than 70% of completely autonomous cars would be utilised for ride-sharing, and just 30% of these automobiles are expected to be privately owned.
The steering wheel will be replaced with alternative passenger-centric interiors in L4 and L5 autonomous vehicles because these levels of autonomy require minimum or no assistance from the driver. The longevity of seats will be the single most crucial factor in the next years as the popularity of car-sharing grows. Given that multiple people would be riding in the same car at the same time, maintaining their privacy will be of the utmost importance. Because of this, there will be independent listening zones, noise-cancelling systems with speakers linked to each headrest, or multizone climate control utilised. The seats will be required to include the most recent technology features, in addition to being pleasant and offering safety. This will force seat manufacturers to innovate or acquire new and compelling products that capitalise upon new technologies in order to meet the preferences of original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and consumers. For example, Adient just recently unveiled the A118 Concept, which focuses on urban vehicles that are electrically powered and driven by themselves without a human driver. This idea offers potential solutions for four important ways that autonomous vehicles could be put to use: the Lounge, the Communication, the Cargo, and the Baby Plus. In 2019, Lear Corporation completed the acquisition of EXO Technologies, which is based in Israel and is a leading developer of differentiated GPS technology. EXO Technologies offers high-accuracy positioning solutions for applications including autonomous and connected vehicles. Hyundai Transys has been working on the development of seats for driverless vehicles since the year 2016. There are five different settings that can be chosen for each of these seats: Easy Access, Autonomous, Communication, Relax, and Cargo. Each mode provides a variety of settings, which are made possible by forward-backwards tracking on the floor, a swivel base that rotates through 180 degrees, and a lighter and smaller seat that maximises the utilisation of available space.
Synthetic Leather to Promise Significant Opportunities During the Forecast Period
The global population's awareness of the cruel treatment of animals has significantly increased in recent years, and as a result, people are less likely to buy products that are produced through exploitative methods of animal treatment. This is especially true for the leather industry, which is why original equipment manufacturers are turning to synthetic leather to manufacture seats that are free from the use of cruel practices toward animals. During the forecast period of 2023 to 2030, it is anticipated that rising levels of consumer awareness will contribute to a further increase in demand for synthetic leather in the marketplace for vehicle seats.
Standard Seats will Continue to Dominate the Market
Standard seats held the dominant revenue share in 2021. The demand for standard seats is considerable, and it is anticipated that they will continue to hold a dominant market share during the forecast period. This might be linked to the competitive pricing of conventional seats, which makes them an ideal option for automobile makers as well as buyers. On the other hand, it is anticipated that over the course of the next ten years, there will be a consistent rise in demand for powered seats, ventilated seats, and heated seats.
Bucket Seat to Dominate by the End of Forecast Period
Bucket seats are expected to account for the greatest share of the global automotive seat market by the end of the forecast period. Additionally, this segment is likely to grow at the highest rate. Due to factors such as an increase in the total number of vehicles produced around the world, it is anticipated that the bucket seat segment will have a considerable proportion of the market over the course of the projected period. Bucket seats are widely utilised in a variety of commercial and passenger vehicles, both as seats for the driver and for the co-driver. bucket seats are not only seen in the front seats of premium vehicles, but they also come standard in the back seats of these vehicles.
Passenger Cars will Continue to Dominate the Market
Passenger cars held the largest revenue share in 2021. It is anticipated that the Passenger Car segment will have a significant market share throughout the forecast period. This is due to the factors, such as the rising demand for vehicles such as mid-range sedans, sedans, and luxury sedans, among other things. Additionally, a boost in discretionary spending generates attractive chances for fabric material for passenger vehicles, which, in turn, has led to an increase in the demand for automobile seats utilised in passenger vehicles throughout the forecast period.
APAC Remains as A Clear Market Leader
APAC remained as the market leader with the contribution of over 45% of global revenues. The key factor that is primarily responsible for supporting the expansion of the automotive seats market in APAC is the rising demand for hybrid and electric vehicles in the area. The growing demand for automobiles in countries located in Asia and Oceania, such as China, Japan, and India, is one factor that is contributing to the expansion of their respective markets. It is estimated that China will be the market for automotive seats that will expand at the quickest rate in this region due to the increased production and sales of vehicles. It is anticipated that there will be an increase in demand for powered seats and heated seats in this region as a result of the growing demand for mid and high-end SUVs.
Because consumers have a rising need for technologically advanced features, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in the market for powered and heated seats in this region. As the centre of automotive products on a worldwide scale, China is home to a large number of players in the industry. The majority of the world's top automotive companies are represented in China through joint ventures with the country's domestic producers. In addition to this, the automobile market in India is the one in the Asia-Pacific area that is expanding at the quickest rate. The country did see a significant decrease in the number of vehicle sales as a direct result of the pandemic. However, as a result of the situation returning to its normal state, both sales and demand for automobiles have observed a significant increase. This trend is projected to continue during the time covered by the forecast, which will, in turn, help the automotive seat market grow in the years to come. For example, the number of automobiles sold in India rose from 2.3 million units in 2020 to 3 million units in 2021, representing an increase of around 27%. It is probable that the expansion of the automotive seat market will be driven during the period covered by the forecast due to the robust development in vehicle sales and the growing desire for electric vehicles. It is anticipated that the European market will expand in the global automotive seat market, taking up over 20% to 24% of the market value across the forecast period with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period 2023 to 2030.
Market to Remain Fragmented, Vendors Compelled to Focus on Innovation
The market remains fragmented with the presence of a large number of manufacturers all over the world. Adient Plc, Lear Corporation, Toyota Boshoku Corporation, Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., Ts Tech, Recaro, and Faurecia S.A. are among the major players in the industry. Other major players include Faurecia S.A. and others. In the market for automotive seats, Lear Corporation is regarded as one of the top five competitors.
Joint Development Agreement (JDA) inked in December 2021 by Hyundai Transys and Brose Fahrzeugteile, a well-known German car seat mechanism, was to create future automobile seats. The development will centre on the creation of seats for autonomous vehicles, the stabilisation of seat structures, and the production of ultra-thin and lightweight seats. The expansion of RECARO Automotive's partnership with the International Motor Sports Association took place in June of 2021. (IMSA). Because of its Official Partnership with IMSA, RECARO Automotive is able to expose and stress the benefits of its seating technology to a wider audience. This audience includes those working within the IMSA paddock as well as those who are fans of IMSA and enthusiasts of motorsport.
The key strategies that major players have adopted to enhance growth opportunities in the global automotive seat market are continuous product development and expansion, both in terms of production capacity and geographical presence. This is done in order to keep up with the competition in the market. Automobile manufacturers are being compelled to develop new goods and technology for the automotive sector as a result of concerns related to climate change and the diminishing availability of energy supplies. As a result of the fact that automotive seats can include up to 8.3% plastic, producers of automobiles have begun to make use of natural fibre composites, which are anticipated to replace plastics in the next few years. It is anticipated that the leading brands in the automotive seat industry will look for opportunities to collaborate and form partnerships in order to broaden the scope of their research and accelerate the launch of new products, both of which will help them enhance their sales potential.
Historical & Forecast Period
This study report represents analysis of each segment from 2022 to 2032 considering 2023 as the base year. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each of the respective segments estimated for the forecast period of 2024 to 2032.
The current report comprises of quantitative market estimations for each micro market for every geographical region and qualitative market analysis such as micro and macro environment analysis, market trends, competitive intelligence, segment analysis, porters five force model, top winning strategies, top investment markets, emerging trends and technological analysis, case studies, strategic conclusions and recommendations and other key market insights.
Research Methodology
The complete research study was conducted in three phases, namely: secondary research, primary research, and expert panel review. key data point that enables the estimation of Automotive Seats market are as follows:
Market forecast was performed through proprietary software that analyzes various qualitative and quantitative factors. Growth rate and CAGR were estimated through intensive secondary and primary research. Data triangulation across various data points provides accuracy across various analyzed market segments in the report. Application of both top down and bottom-up approach for validation of market estimation assures logical, methodical and mathematical consistency of the quantitative data.
| ATTRIBUTE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Research Period | 2022-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Historical Year | 2022 |
| Unit | USD Million |
| Segmentation | |
Technology
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Trim Material
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Component
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Vehicle Type
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Electric & Hybrid Vehicle
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Seat
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Region Segment (2022-2032; US$ Million)
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Key questions answered in this report
