The global automotive windshield market size was valued at US$ 16.9 billion in 2022, and anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. The front or back glass of a vehicle, also known as the windscreen or windscreen, provides vision and safety to drivers and passengers. The glass used in modern windscreens is laminated, consisting of two curved sheets of glass with a layer of protective plastic laminated in between. Windshields on motorbikes are frequently made of high-impact acrylic plastic. The primary intent of the windscreen was to shield the passengers from the sun, dust, radiation, and other foreign substances. By keeping the vehicle's interior at a comfortable temperature, the protective windscreen also offers comfort.
Moreover, it provides the vehicle a great deal of strength, preventing the roof from collapsing onto the occupants, and protecting them from crashes. Owing to recent technical advancements, automakers are now able to use the windscreen as a display, with all required information being displayed there. To significantly reduce glass waste and increase profit, several companies are concentrating on recycling activities. For instance, in December 2022, Saint-Gobain North America has started a recycling programme at two locations in California where windscreen glass wastes are recovered and used to produce insulation. The operation is run by the building goods company CertainTeed Insulation and the automotive glass subsidiary Saint-Gobain Sekurit.
The growth of the market is being fuelled by rising auto production in emerging markets as well as rising personal disposable income. The need for effective windscreens is growing as people become more aware of the benefits of the windscreen in protecting against UV radiation. The integration of cutting-edge display technologies with windscreens is a key area of focus for automakers in order to make them effective displays that provide all the required information about the vehicle. During the course of the projected period, advancements in the areas of AR/VR technologies and holographic display technologies are anticipated to boost demand for sophisticated windscreen displays in the automobile industry.
However, the high replacement cost of the smart windshield is projected to impede the growth of the automotive windshield market. Moreover, the surge in production of electric vehicles and the incorporation of various new technologies in terms of display and battery, and untapped potential in emerging markets offer lucrative opportunities for the automotive windshield market in the upcoming years.
Type Insights
By type, the global automotive windshield market is classified into Laminated Glass and Tempered Glass. The laminated glass segment dominated the largest market share and is expected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is primarily attributed due to the increasing use of solar reflective windshields glazing on windshields and for the latest display technologies. Furthermore, Tempered glass is safe because it shatters circular, rather than sharp shards that could harm the user. Tempered glass is a preferred option for both consumers and manufacturers of automobile windscreens since it has been shown to be more durable than laminated glass.
Vehicle Type Insights
Based on Vehicle, the market is segmented into Passenger cars, Light Commercial vehicles (LCV), Heavy Commercial vehicles (HCV). The passenger cars segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to changing consumer trends, rising middle-class population and growing environmental concerns about low-emission and lightweight vehicles on the roads are propelling the demand for this segment over the course of projected period.
Application Insights
By Application, the market is bifurcated into Front Windshield and Rear Windshield. The rear view windshield segment holds the largest market share during the forecast period. Rear view windshield provides important information to the driver when parking the vehicle and also warns about any obstacle approaching the vehicle from behind are triggering the demand for this segment during the forecast period.
Regional Insights
In terms of region, Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest share in 2021 and is anticipated to continue to lead the global market over the forecast period. The market in the APAC region will experience growth due to rising vehicle production, the usage of solar reflective glasses in automobiles, the use of safety glasses like laminated and tempered glass, and ongoing projects. China is the largest automotive manufacturing industry in the world, and as a result of encouraging government efforts and rising investment, it is an attractive market for all types of automobile components. Many investors have been drawn to China by the government's alluring initiatives for investors, which is anticipated to be beneficial for the APAC region's overall market for automobile windscreens.
Furthermore, Europe is expected to grow at a steady CAGR during the forecast period. The European automotive windscreen market is anticipated to be second-most lucrative market for automotive windscreen companies in the coming years due to the existence of significant automotive companies and increased R&D efforts to develop cutting-edge technologies.
Key Companies Insights
Some of the major companies studied under the market scope are as follows: Asahi Glass, Saint Gobain, Xinyi Glass, Fuyao Glass Industry, Nippon Sheet Glass, Vitro, Dura Automotive, Magna International, Guardian Industries, Shenzhen Benson Automobile, Sisecam Group, and Others. Due to the presence of numerous players on a global and regional level, prominent players operating in the market face strong rivalry. Further, to gain competitive advantage the players in the ecosystem use a variety of strategies including mergers and acquisitions, geographic expansion, the introduction of new products, research & development for expanding their product portfolio, and others.
In 2022, Automotive 3D Augmented Reality Head-Up Displays from CY Vision, a manufacturer of holographic display technology for AR experiences, will make their CES 2022 debut (3D AR-HUD). The 3D AR-HUD offers the greatest field of view in augmented displays available today for all distances and in all-weather situations. It is the only augmented reality windscreen technology on the market capable of providing continuous depth and full 3D capability.
Segments
By Type
• Laminated
• Tempered
By Vehicle Type
• Passenger Cars
• Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV)
• Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV)
By Application
• Front Windshield
• Rear Windshield
By Sales Channel
• OEMs
• Aftermarket
By Geography
• North America
o U.S.
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o U.K.
o Germany
o France
o Italy
o Spain
o Russia
• Asia-Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Australia
o South Korea
o ASEAN
• Latin America
o Brazil
o Argentina
o Colombia
• MEA
o South Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Egypt