Automotive Airbag Inflator Market Report by Type (Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Curtain Airbag, Knee Airbag, Pedestrian Protection Airbag, Side Airbag), Operation (Pyrotechnic, Stored Gas, Hybrid), Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, Commercial Vehicle), and Region 2024-2032

The global automotive airbag inflator market size reached US$ 5.0 billion in 2023. The market is projected to reach US$ 7.2 billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% during 2023-2032. The increasing demand for luxury vehicles, rising popularity of ride-sharing services, and the growing trend of consumer lawsuits against auto manufacturers for inadequate safety measures are some of the major factors propelling the market.

An automotive airbag inflator is a device used in cars to inflate airbags during a collision. It contains a solid propellant, often a mixture of chemicals, which undergoes a rapid exothermic reaction when ignited. It can be equipped in the steering wheel, door panels, or dashboard and triggered by sensors that detect a crash. It serves as an essential part of the overall safety system of the vehicle. It provides rapid expansion of the airbag to cushion passengers and reduce injury.

The increasing consumer need for passenger, autonomous, and luxury vehicles due to rapid urbanization and inflating income levels is strengthening the growth of the market. Moreover, the rising popularity of ride-sharing services is catalyzing the need for high safety standards in vehicles, including automotive airbag inflators. In addition, the growing trend of consumer lawsuits against auto manufacturers for inadequate safety measures is driving the installation of multiple airbags in vehicles. Apart from this, the increasing emphasis on driver and passenger safety on account of the expanding number of fatal road accidents is favoring the growth of the market. Furthermore, the growing installation of automotive airbag inflators in commercial vehicles, including delivery vans, buses, and trucks, to rescue the occupant in the event of a collision is influencing the market positively.

Automotive Airbag Inflator Market Trends/Drivers

Increase in safety regulations

One of the key factors driving the demand for automotive airbag inflators is the tightening of safety regulations around the world. Governing agencies are becoming increasingly stringent about vehicle safety standards to reduce road fatalities and injuries. Many countries now have stringent laws regarding the inclusion of airbags in all new cars. This is a direct response to the statistical evidence linking airbags with reduced risk of severe injury during accidents. The stringent safety norms are compelling automobile manufacturers to integrate advanced airbag systems, thereby boosting the market for airbag inflators.

Rise in consumer awareness

With an increase in awareness about road safety, consumers are becoming more conscious of the safety features in a vehicle. Social media campaigns, consumer reviews, and increased media coverage on vehicle safety tests have educated buyers about the importance of airbags. As a result, even in emerging markets, where cost is often a major factor in car buying decisions, consumers are willing to pay a premium for vehicles equipped with advanced safety features, including efficient airbag inflators. This surge in consumer demand directly impacts the growth of the airbag inflator market.

Growing vehicle production

The global automotive market is experiencing significant growth, especially in developing countries where an emerging middle class is contributing to increased vehicle ownership. As more cars are manufactured to meet this demand, the need for safety features like airbags naturally rises. This increased vehicle production creates a direct and growing demand for automotive airbag inflators, making it a crucial factor for market expansion.

Automotive Airbag Inflator Industry Segmentation:

The report provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global automotive airbag inflator market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2023-2032. The report has categorized the market based on type, operation, and vehicle type.

Breakup by Type:

• Driver Airbag
• Passenger Airbag
• Curtain Airbag
• Knee Airbag
• Pedestrian Protection Airbag
• Side Airbag

Curtain airbag dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes driver airbag, passenger airbag, curtain airbag, knee airbag, pedestrian protection airbag, and side airbag. According to the report, curtain airbag represented the largest segment. Curtain airbags are installed along the sides of the interior of the vehicle, within the headliner above the windows. These airbags protect occupants from side impacts and rollovers by deploying downwards like a curtain to cover the side windows. Curtain airbags often use hybrid inflators or stored gas inflators rather than pyrotechnic ones.

Driver airbag inflators are specially designed to protect the driver during a head-on collision. Typically located in the steering wheel, the driver airbag needs to inflate rapidly and uniformly to cushion the driver effectively. These inflators contain a solid propellant that undergoes a rapid chemical reaction upon ignition, filling the airbag instantly.

Breakup by Operation:

• Pyrotechnic
• Stored Gas
• Hybrid

Pyrotechnic holds the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the operation has also been provided in the report. This includes pyrotechnic, stored gas, and hybrid. According to the report, pyrotechnic accounted for the largest market share. Pyrotechnic inflators are commonly used type of airbag inflators in automotive safety systems. When a collision is detected by the sensors of the vehicle, an electrical signal is sent to the airbag control unit, which then activates the pyrotechnic inflator.

Stored gas inflators operate differently than their pyrotechnic counterparts. These inflators use a cylinder filled with compressed gas, commonly argon or nitrogen, instead of a solid propellant. When the sensors of airbag systems detect a collision, the airbag control unit sends an activation signal to release the stored gas.

Breakup by Vehicle Type:

• Passenger Car
• Commercial Vehicle

Passenger car dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the vehicle type. This includes passenger car and commercial vehicle. According to the report, passenger car represented the largest segment. In passenger cars, the focus is often on providing comprehensive safety features while maintaining comfort and aesthetics. Pyrotechnic inflators are commonly used in driver and front passenger airbags because of their rapid inflation capabilities. These inflators can deploy an airbag within 20 to 30 milliseconds, which offer immediate protection in frontal collisions and are the most common type of accident for passenger cars. Curtain airbags and side airbags in these vehicles may use stored gas or hybrid inflators, which are generally less sensitive to environmental factors like temperature and humidity.

Commercial vehicles include a wide range of vehicle types, such as trucks, buses, and vans, and often prioritize durability and reliability over comfort. These vehicles can be exposed to more challenging driving conditions, including long hours of operation, heavy loads, and a greater range of environmental conditions. As such, stored gas inflators are often preferred for their robustness and lower sensitivity to temperature and moisture. The focus here is more on durability and long-term reliability, given the extended service life and harsher operating conditions these vehicles can encounter.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Australia
• Indonesia
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Others
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Others
• Middle East and Africa

Asia-Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest automotive airbag inflator market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share.

The increasing public awareness via media campaigns on road safety represents one of the primary factors bolstering the market growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, rising preferences for autonomous vehicles are contributing to the market growth in the region. Besides this, the growing number of strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&As) is influencing the market positively.

North America is estimated to witness stable growth, owing to government initiatives, product innovation, extensive research and development (R&D) activities, etc.

Competitive Landscape

The leading companies are integrating sensors in vehicles that work in harmony with airbag inflators and can detect the severity of a collision, the position of seats, and whether seat belts are fastened. They are also launching advanced airbag systems that have the capability for variable inflation rates based on the crash severity, occupant size, and other factors and allow for softer or harder inflation to minimize injury and provide optimum protection. Moreover, key players are developing environment friendly automotive airbag inflators that aim to reduce the impact on the environment without compromising safety performance. They can also be incorporated with other vehicle safety systems like seatbelt pre-tensioners and active head restraints that aim to provide an overall safer environment in the event of a collision.

Competition Analysis

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• ARC Automotive Inc.
• Autoliv Inc.
• Daicel Corporation
• Joyson Safety Systems
• Nippon Kayaku Co. Ltd.

Recent Developments:

In 2021, Daicel Corporation invested Rs 230 crore and developed its first airbag inflator manufacturing plant in Chennai, India.

In 2021, Autoliv Inc. opened up a new sound and vibration laboratory at Ogden Technical Center (OTC), which has been designed specifically for the development of automotive safety restraint equipment, including airbags, seat belts, and steering wheels.

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global automotive airbag inflator market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global automotive airbag inflator market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global automotive airbag inflator market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive automotive airbag inflator market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the type?
• Which is the most attractive type in the automotive airbag inflator market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the operation?
• Which is the most attractive operation in the automotive airbag inflator market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the vehicle type?
• Which is the most attractive vehicle type in the automotive airbag inflator market?
• What is the competitive structure of the global automotive airbag inflator market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global automotive airbag inflator market?