Passenger Car Seat Market

[269 Pages Report] The global passenger car seat market size was valued at USD 42.5 billion by 2023 and is expected to reach USD 46.1 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 1.1% during the forecast period 2023 to 2030. The increasing stringency in regulations and safety standards for vehicles, technological advancements & innovation in the seating segment, and increasing focus on electric vehicles and others are driving the passenger car seat market. Asia Pacific and the Americas will remain the top regional market for this product.

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Passenger Car Seat Market Dynamics

DRIVER: Rising adoption of powered seats in mid-segment cars & SUVs

Over time, the popularity of SUVs has nearly doubled due to a sharp shift in consumer preference for larger vehicles. The IEA estimates that by 2022, there will be more than 36 million additional SUVs on the road globally. SUVs account for over half of all vehicles sold in the US and one-third of vehicles sold in Europe. India currently has fewer SUV sales than western nations. However, OEMs are releasing affordable compact SUVs, which is drawing customers. Because they are more affordable than full-size SUVs, tiny SUVs are becoming more and more popular in India.

SUVs come have a range of seat configurations. For instance, full-size SUVs typically have a last/third row that is a 60/40 split bench/bucket and a first and second row with bucket seats. First row bucket seats are standard in compact SUVs, and second row bench or bucket seats (which may or may not be divided) are optional. Full-size SUV seats may be heated, cooled, and powered by technology. Leather may also be used for the seats. The demand for powered and ventilated/heated seats is rising along with the global demand for SUVs.

RESTRAINT: High cost of advanced modular seats compared to conventional seats

adjustable seats Compared to standard chairs, seats that are motorized, heated, ventilated, massaged, and climate-controlled offer more comfort and convenience. But only expensive cars may use them because of their exorbitant price. In most mid-range SUVs, powered, heated, and ventilated applications are now becoming commercially available, but OEMs mostly offer massage seats in high-end vehicles. For instance, automakers Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar, and Cadillac offer front passenger massage seats. Memory seats are a standard feature in the top-end models of the majority of medium and premium passenger automobile models in developed nations.

 Small and inexpensive cars in the A, B, and C classes typically come with standard seats. Heated seats are more in demand in North America and Europe's developed nations, and they are available in the majority of D, E, and F models. In various high-end car segments including E, F, SUV-D, and SUV E, ventilated seats are available, as well as for the back seats. A small number of luxury car manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar, offer massage seats in their high-end vehicles. Memory seats are a standard feature in the top-end models of the majority of medium and premium passenger automobile models in developed nations. Memory seats for the driver are available in Mercedes-Benz, Audi A8, Porsche, and BMW vehicles. However, the economic segment particularly in developing nations holds the market's primary trap. The passenger car seat market for modular seats may suffer as a result of this.

OPPORTUNITY: Growing focus on autonomous cars and increasing preference for ride sharing

With the intention of creating and launching a fully automated driving experience, the automobile industry is putting more of its attention into the development of advanced driver aid systems. Additionally, consumers' preferences for on-demand mobility services like ride- and car-sharing have increased. A study by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI) found that just 30% of fully autonomous cars are expected to be privately owned and that more than 70% of them will be used for ride sharing.

The steering wheel will be replaced by various interiors that are centered on the passenger because L4 & L5 autonomous vehicles would require little to no driver intervention. The longevity of seats will be crucial as car sharing becomes more popular. Privacy will be essential when multiple commuters are in the same car at the same time. As a result, multizone climate control or independent listening zones with speakers linked to each headrest will be used. Along with the newest technology features, seats must be cozy, safe, and secure. As a result, OEM and consumer preferences will force seat makers to invent or acquire fresh, appealing products that make use of emerging technologies. For instance, Adient Plc just unveiled the A118 Concept, a vehicle that is designed for urban use and is powered by electricity and autonomous driving. The four main usage situations for autonomous vehicles Lounge, Communication, Cargo, and Baby Plus are addressed by this concept, which offers solutions. In 2019, Lear Corporation purchased EXO Technologies, an Israeli company that leads the development of unique GPS technology and offers high accuracy locating solutions for applications involving connected and autonomous vehicles. Hyundai Transys has been creating seats for driverless vehicles since 2016. Easy Access, Autonomous, Communication, Relax, and Cargo are the 5 modes that are offered for these seats. Each mode adopts a new posture thanks to the floor's forward-backward tracking, the 180-degree swivel base, and the lighter, smaller seat, which maximizes available space.

CHALLENGE: Challenges faced by textile & seat trim material suppliers

Textiles and trim materials are frequently employed in passenger car interiors and have potential for use in additional places. Polyester fabrics are created using polyamide, rayon, and polypropylene, all of which have a polyester foundation. Alternative materials like nonwoven polyesters are also being taken into consideration as a foam replacement for laminate composites in body fabric and car interiors. These items reduce total seat weight and improve seat comfort. Customers are quite familiar with the fabrics and trim materials they physically come into contact with, in particular the headliners and fabrics used throughout the inside of the car, as well as the seat upholstery or body cloth. The Journal of Textile & Apparel reports that over 13 million automobiles were produced in North America in 2020, using approximately. Each inside seat requires 6 yards of fabric, or 75 million liner yards annually. The interior trim of cars, such as the seat coverings, carpets, roofs, and door liners, makes up almost two thirds of the textiles used in them. The remainder is used to strengthen airbags, safety belts, tires, noses and other components. The materials needed to upholster a standard vehicle interior, including seat covers, weigh about 30kg (65lbs), according to Automotive World magazine observations. Future predictions indicate a rise in demand for polyester fabrics as seat trim material.

A competitive environment is developing for material suppliers as a result of the expanding demand for textiles and trim materials. To meet consumer demand, OEMs and Tier-I suppliers continuously introduce new seat designs to the passenger car seat market. These novel forms necessitate the use of cutting-edge trim materials and techniques when creating the seat assembly. As a result, the suppliers of trim materials work tirelessly to satisfy OEM and seat supplier demands.

Passenger car seat Market Ecosystem.

The major OEMs of the passenger car seat market have the latest technologies, diversified portfolios, and strong distribution networks globally. The major players in the market are Adient Plc (US), Faurecia (France), Lear Corporation (US), Toyota Boshoku Corporation (Japan), and Magna International (Canada).

 Powered seats have the highest market in the Asia Pacific region for technology.

Powered seats can be adjusted with a button, making it easy to find a comfortable position. This is especially helpful for people with limited mobility or back pain. It can be customized to fit the individual needs of the driver or passenger. These powered seats often have additional advanced features such as memory settings, heated and ventilated options, massage functions, and integrated lumbar support. Furthermore, technological advancements and the decreasing cost of powered seat systems have played a crucial role in their wider adoption.

Similarly, the SUV segment in the Asia Pacific region has also witnessed a surge in the adoption of powered seats. SUVs are increasingly popular among consumers due to their spaciousness, versatility, and ability to navigate diverse terrains. Powered seats are a premium feature in SUVs, adding to these vehicles' overall comfort and luxury quotient. Additionally, economies of scale and improved manufacturing processes have reduced costs, making powered seats more affordable for consumers. The passenger car seat market for powered seats in the Asia Pacific region was 4.0 million units in 2023 and is projected to grow by 5.8 million units by 2030 by volume. With passenger cars and SUVs experiencing substantial growth in the Asia Pacific market, the demand for powered seats is poised to expand, presenting lucrative opportunities for automotive manufacturers and suppliers operating in the region.

Seat belts will dominate the passenger car seats component market.

Seat belts are one of the most important safety features in passenger cars, and they account for the highest passenger car seat market share in components. In 2022, according to MarketsandMarkets the global market for seat belts in passenger cars had a volume of 286.2 million units and will reach 320 million units by 2030, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.6%. Seat belts are highly effective in reducing the risk of injury or death in a car crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2021, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and the risk of serious injury by 50%. Third, seat belts are required by law in most countries. All new passenger cars sold in these countries must have seat belts. The increasing number of passenger cars sold worldwide and the growing awareness of the importance of seat belts in preventing injuries in car crashes. In addition, new technologies, such as active seat belts, are expected to increase the demand for seat belts in passenger cars. Active seat belts are designed to tighten automatically in the event of a crash, which can help to reduce the severity of injuries. Passenger car safety systems manufacturers continue to invest in research and development to introduce advanced seat belt technologies, driving innovation and further expanding the market's potential.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market for side and curtain airbags for passenger car seats.

The demand for side and curtain airbags is high because of the increased demand for safety features in vehicles, the rising number of road accidents, and the growing number of government regulations mandating airbags in vehicles. According to MarketsandMarkets, the Asia Pacific side and curtain airbags market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 26.4% from 2023 to 2030. It is expected to account for 46.6% of the global passenger car seat market share by 2030. Few new regulations have been implemented in the Asia Pacific region for side and curtain airbags. For instance, In April 2021, India's road transport ministry mandated the installation of side and curtain airbags in all passenger cars. This applied to all vehicles manufactured after April 1, 2021. In China, the Ministry of Industry, and Information Technology (MIIT) has announced plans to mandate the installation of side and curtain airbags in all passenger cars by 2025. This regulation is still in the draft stage but is expected to be finalized soon. These new regulations are being implemented in response to the increasing number of road accidents in the Asia Pacific region. Side and curtain airbags are considered some of the most useful safety features available, and they can help reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a crash. In addition to these, other countries will consider the mandate to install side and curtain airbags in all passenger cars, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for vehicle safety features, the rising number of road accidents in the region, and the growing number of government regulations mandating airbags.

The bench/split bench seat is projected as the fastest-growing market for passenger car seats.

Split/bench seats are more affordable than bucket seats, which makes them a more attractive option for budget-minded buyers. These seats offer more flexibility, as they can be folded down to create more cargo space and are often seen as more comfortable than bucket seats, especially for larger passengers.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) November 2022, under the title ‘Passenger Vehicle Seating Capacity and Arrangements’ it was mentioned that according to their survey, In the US, about 70% of SUVs and minivans have a split or bench seat in the second row. This is compared to only about 20% of sedans. Also, the most common type of second-row seat in SUVs and minivans was a 60/40 split bench seat, followed by a 50/50 split bench seat, and in sedans, the most common type of second-row seat was a bench seat. Overall, the passenger car seat market for bench/split seats in passenger cars is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Several factors drive this growth, including the increasing demand for affordable vehicles, the growing popularity of SUVs and minivans, and the rising demand for flexibility.

Key Market Players

The passenger car seat market is consolidated. Adient Plc (US), Faurecia (France), Lear Corporation (US), Toyota Boshoku Corporation (Japan), and Magna International (Canada) are the key companies operating in passenger car seat manufacturing. These companies adopted new product launches, partnerships, and joint ventures to gain traction in the market.

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Scope of the Report

The study Categorises

By Technology:

• Heated seats;
• Heated and powered seats;
• Standard seats;
• Powered seats;
• Powered, heated and memory seats;
• Powered, heated, and ventilated seats;
• Powered, heated, ventilated,and memory seats;
• Powered, heated, ventilated, massage, and memory seats

By Seat Type

• Bucket
• split/bench

By Trim Material

• Fabric,
• Genuine Leather,
• Synthetic Leather

By Component Type

• Armrest,
• Pneumatic System,
• Seat Belt,
• Seat Frame & Structure,
• Seat Headrest,
• Seat Height Adjuster,
• Seat Recliner,
• Seat Track,
• Side/Curtain Airbag

Electric Passenger Car Seat Market, By Propulsion

• Battery Electric Vehicle,
• Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

By Region

• Asia Pacific,
• Americas,
• Europe,
• MEA

Recent Developments

• In April 2023, Faurecia announced the development of its Zero-Gravity Captain Chair, a rear passenger seating solution that delivers advanced well-being tailored for the Chinese passenger car seat market. Inspired by NASA’s space exploration, the seat can be set to a “zero gravity” position, which reclines it to an almost flat angle.
• In April 2023, Faurecia introduced the new “Skin Light Panel” that offers weight reduction, extra room for rear passengers, improved recyclability, and cost savings. This new Skin Light Panel also delivers perfect integration into the full seat, including rear airbag management. The seating panel has a smooth finish, high-performance scratch-resistance material, and life-long durability.
• Lear Corporation has announced the strategic acquisition of InTouch Automation, a supplier of Industry 4.0 technologies and complex automated testing equipment critical in producing automotive seats. InTouch’s product portfolio allows Lear Corporation to collect and analyze real-time data while standardizing testing procedures throughout its just-in-time (JIT) seating production process.
• In October 2022, Lear Corporation announced that the company's premium and fully recyclable ReNewKnit sueded material will launch in seating and door panel applications with a global automaker in 2024. ReNewKnit is a Lear Corporation exclusive, first-to-market automotive textile fully recyclable at its end of life. ReNewKnit will strengthen the company's sustainable solutions technology portfolio while supporting our carbon reduction goals.
• In April 2022, Toyota Boshoku developed an IoT (Internet of Things) seat cover equipped with a system that assesses the driver’s fatigue and mitigates sleepiness during driving and started a demonstration test for transport companies.

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