Head-Up Display Market by Type (Conventional Head-Up Displays, AR-based Head-Up Displays), Component (Video Generators, Projectors/Projection Units, Display Units), Technology (CRT-based HUD, Digital HUD), Application & Region - Forecast to 2028

The global head-up display market is expected to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2028 from USD 1.5 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 16.7% during the 2023-2028 period.

Increasing awareness regarding passenger and vehicle safety holds paramount importance for potential vehicle buyers, with regulatory bodies worldwide concentrating their efforts on enhancing vehicle safety standards. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data as of June 2022, over 1.35 million lives are lost annually due to road traffic incidents globally, making road traffic injuries the leading cause of death among individuals aged 5-29 years. Furthermore, projections suggest that road traffic injuries will become the fifth-leading cause of global mortality by 2030. A major contributor to these accidents is driver distraction, with reports from the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) indicating that distracted drivers are responsible for crashes resulting in approximately nine fatalities and over a thousand injuries daily in the US. Consequently, the adoption of head-up displays is seen to reduce accidents resulting from driver distraction caused by in-vehicle display monitoring. Moreover, recent statistics from the National Security Council show a positive trend in safety, with the mileage-death rate per 100 million vehicle miles driven in the US improving from 1.50 in July 2022 to 1.44 in July 2023.

Road traffic crashes impose an economic burden of around 3% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in most countries globally. Remarkably, despite low and middle-income countries housing 60% of the world's total vehicles, approximately 93% of road fatalities occur within these nations (as per WHO data). In many instances, drivers divert their attention from the road to read conventional instrument clusters, necessitating a rapid shift from short distance to long-distance vision. This constant adjustment of focus not only leads to eye fatigue but also diminishes driver concentration. In contrast, head-up displays, which provide essential information like vehicle speed and navigation within the driver's line of sight, mitigate distractions and have thus gained favor among automobile manufacturers. Consequently, the global awareness of safety considerations is anticipated to drive the demand for head-up displays in automobiles. While advanced AR-based head-up displays are anticipated for installation in luxury vehicles, conventional head-up displays are likely to be preferred for passenger cars.

Windshield-based conventional head-up displays is expected to have the highest market share in the forecast period

Head-up displays with windshield-based technologies are a cutting edge of technology. In certain premium automobile models, they are available as a standard feature; in other luxury and mid-segment automobiles, they are an optional feature. In order for head-up displays to be placed in all vehicle variations, Tier 1 suppliers such as Continental (Germany), Nippon Seiki (Japan), and Denso (Japan) are concentrating on bringing down the cost of windshield-based head-up displays. In addition, OEMs and tier 1 suppliers are focusing their R&D resources on creating full-windshield head-up displays for their upcoming car models. It is anticipated that these screens will take up a lot of room in automobile cockpits. Because of the advancement of autonomous vehicles, the automotive cockpit electronics market is changing to include a few electronics in automotive cockpits. This presents a problem for head-up display producers. For example, Nippon Seiki and Alps Alpine signed a business alliance agreement in January 2021 with the goal of developing integrated cockpit products that work with the integration of onboard electrical control units to give customers an experience that truly represents the future.

Projectors and a set of mirrors are used in windshield-based head-up displays to transmit information that appears either slightly above or below the driver's line of sight. The curvature of windshields has been taken into consideration in the development of these displays. The curvatures of the windshields on various automobile models vary, necessitating the alignment of head-up displays with windshields, which leads to a challenging calibration procedure. Thus, the cost of head-up displays that are based on windshields goes up. As a result, most automobiles only offer these screens as an optional feature. Commercial vehicles' windshields are not curved the same way as those of passenger automobiles. Commercial cars, on the other hand, have a roomy automotive cockpit that will eventually be able to hold full windshield displays. The incorporation of functions like pedestrian detection, night vision, loss damage waiver (LDW), and battery life indicators (for hybrid automobiles) in head-up displays is a result of tier 1 suppliers' increasing technological prowess. For instance, Visteon unveiled its microZone display technology in January 2020, which provides noticeably better graphics performance than conventional LCD panels. For use in automobile cockpit applications, the display technology provides a broad color gamut, excellent contrast, and brightness. In the upcoming years, there will likely be a major increase in demand for windshield head-up displays due to the expanding number of automobile models that come equipped with these safety features and consumers' increased willingness to pay for them. Also, in December 2022, Continental AG perpetuated a new trend by introducing an inaugural scenic view HUD in HUD cockpit. It presents vehicle and route information in the driver’s line of sight on screens and ensures clear visibility.

Europe's market for windshield-based head-up displays is expanding as a result of rising demand from nations like the UK and Germany for cutting-edge in-car technology. In addition, the growing market for windshield-based head-up displays in Europe and North America is being propelled by the growing demand for high-end cars with cutting-edge in-car safety systems, as well as a notable installation rate of windshield head-up displays in mid-segment cars in North America due to the region's sizable light commercial vehicle (LCV) market.

Europe to record the highest market share in the head-up display market during the forecast period

In the period spanning from 2023 to 2028, Europe is anticipated to take the lead as the largest market in the field of head-up displays. This market analysis encompasses a comprehensive examination of key European nations, including Germany, the UK, France, and the rest of Europe. On a global scale, Europe boasts a distinguished reputation as a hub for the manufacturing of luxury and premium automobiles. Prominent high-end automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Audi AG, BMW AG, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley Motors Ltd., Maserati, Skoda Auto, Ferrari s.p.a, and Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S have established their headquarters in Europe. Notably, as head-up displays stand out as crucial safety features, a significant number of luxury and premium car manufacturers in Europe integrate these displays into their vehicle models. The growing consumer demand for luxury and premium cars, including SUVs furnished with head-up displays, is projected to be a driving force behind the expansion of the head-up display market in Europe.

Furthermore, Europe also distinguishes itself as a dominant player in the global aircraft manufacturing sector. Leading European airlines, such as Lufthansa AG, Air France, and Airbus, are prominent contributors to civil aviation aircraft production in the region. Europe is home to key players in the aircraft and helicopter manufacturing industry, including Gulfstream, BAE Systems, Dassault, Eurocopter, and AgustaWestland. The notable presence of both automobile and aircraft manufacturers in Europe significantly contributes to the growth of the head-up display market within the continent.

Key players at the forefront of the European head-up display market are Continental AG, BAE Systems, Thales, Garmin, Robert Bosch GmbH, and Saab AB. The growth of this market in the region is propelled by several factors, including the escalating demand for advanced technologies, the increasing need for enhanced safety and security in driving experiences, and the evolution of connected cars. Additionally, the rising integration of head-up displays in vehicles, aimed at improving visibility and efficiency, further fosters the expansion of the head-up display market across Europe.

In January 2019, Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. has established a new company in Lodz County, Republic of Poland, that will manufacture in-vehicle instruments and displays in order to increase production capacity for head-up displays.

Civil Aviation is expected to have the highest CAGR in the forecast period

Civil aviation encompasses both private and commercial aviation sectors, with the civil aviation segment of the head-up display (HUD) market further categorized into civil aircraft and civil helicopters. Traditional HUDs in civil aviation were primarily used for displaying data on Primary Flight Displays (PFDs). However, advanced HUDs now provide a comprehensive range of information, including flight path guidance, airspeed notifications, runway representation, landing guidance, runway details, and warning messages, significantly enhancing aircraft safety and aiding pilots in conducting safe flight operations. Modern HUDs utilize symbology to present the required information, departing from the previous analog format. This visual approach improves the comprehension and interpretation of information related to weather conditions, flight paths, takeoff performance, and landing guidelines, surpassing analog methods. Thales Group, based in France, is a prominent manufacturer of HUDs used in civil aircraft.

Display units component is expected to have the highest CAGR for head-up display in the forecast period

Display units represent another integral component employed within head-up displays, serving the purpose of image processing and subsequent projection onto vehicle windshields or combiners. These display units encompass various technologies, including Digital Micromirror Device (DMD), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS). Within the LCOS realm, further segmentation is possible, distinguishing between Nematic LCOS (NLCOS) and Ferroelectric LCOS (FLCOS).

The digital micromirror device (DMD) technology is a collection of thousands of moving microscopic mirrors combined on a rectangular array. These are microelectromechanical systems that provide reliable information at a fast speed. Micromirrors are made of aluminum. Each mirror has a size of 16 µm. The digital micromirror device (DMD) technology was first introduced by Texas Instrument (US) in 1987. The displays based on this technology contain several micromirrors (up to 2 million) controlled by modulators known as spatial light modulators (SLM). For instance, the company offers DLP4710 digital micromirror device (DMD) which is a digitally controlled micro-opto-electromechanical system (MOEMS) spatial light modulator (SLM). When integrated with a suitable optical system, the DLP4710LC DMD delivers exceptionally sharp and top-quality images and videos. The compact dimensions of the DLP4710LC, in combination with the controller and the PMIC/LED driver, offer a comprehensive system solution that facilitates compact form factors, low power consumption, and high-resolution HD displays. Furthermore, in February 2021, Nippon Seiki started the delivery of the first augmented reality (AR) head-up display (HUD) that uses the Digital Micro Mirror Device (DMD) technology.

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are flat-panel displays or electronically modulated optical devices utilizing the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals in conjunction with polarizers. These displays offer several advantages, including operation at low voltage levels, reduced power consumption, the capability to deliver high-resolution imagery, and the ability to maintain high contrast even in bright lighting conditions. LCDs notably outshine displays founded on micromirror device (DMD) technology in terms of brightness. In LCD projectors, light is directed onto micromirrors in the three primary colors: red, green, and blue (RGB). These primary colors are channelled through three individual glass panels, known as 3LCDs, where each pixel passes through. The distinct red, green, and blue colors are projected through the glass panels and presented on head-up displays. LCDs excel in providing vibrant colors and sharp imagery. Presently, LCDs are being replaced by thin-film-transistor (TFT) technology capable of displaying full-color visuals. A noteworthy example of this transition occurred in May 2019 when Nippon Seiki introduced a full-color TFT liquid display in the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, projecting imagery onto the vehicle's windshield.

Liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology uses the principle of reflection to project images. It uses liquid crystals to reflect mirror subtracts. As light beams pass through mirrors, they get reflected and create an image, which is projected on display units. LCoS technology typically uses three LCoS chips to modulate light in red, green, and blue channels. It produces a higher resolution than DMD and LCD projector technologies. LCoS projectors are usually compact and have low power consumption.

In April 2023, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., introduced its AR-HUD. The Huawei AR-HUD employs Huawei's AutOptiX intelligent on-board light technology, ushering vehicles into the age of optical displays. This system features rail-level LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology with micron-level pixel units and 2K-level resolution, complemented by a three-color LED light source boasting an eye-catching brightness of 12,000 nits and an NTSC color gamut exceeding 85%. It is equipped with a short-focus lens for clearer imaging with minimal distortion (less than 2%) and a polarization component that optimizes light energy utilization to an impressive 90%, resulting in a remarkable contrast ratio of 1200:1. In terms of specifications, the Huawei AR-HUD sets an industry benchmark with the largest mass-production frame, delivering an equivalent display size of 70 inches at 7.5 meters and an expansive 96 inches at 10 meters, along with the highest resolution among mass-produced HUDs at 1922x730.

The break-up of the profile of primary participants in the head-up display market:

• By Company Type: Tier 1 - 15%, Tier 2 - 50%, Tier 3 - 35%
• By Designation Type: C Level - 45%, Director Level - 35%, and Others - 20%
• By Region Type: North America - 45%, Europe -35 %, Asia-Pacific - 12%, and RoW - 8%

The major players in the head-up display market with a significant global presence includes Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. (Japan), Continental AG (Germany), DENSO CORPORATION (Japan), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Visteon Corporation (US), BAE Systems (UK), YAZAKI Corporation (Japan), Pioneer Corporation (Japan), Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Japan), Garmin Ltd. (US), Thales (France), E-LEAD ELECTRONIC CO. LTD (Taiwan), Honeywell International Inc. (US), MicroVision (US), Collins Aerospace (US), Renesas Electronics Corporation (Japan), STMicroelectronics (Switzerland), ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD. (Japan), Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel), Saab AB (Sweden), Vuzix (US), Foryou Corporation (US), HARMAN International (US), HUDWAY, LLC (US), WayRay AG (Switzerland), Envisics (UK), Texas Instruments Incorporated (US).

Research Coverage

The report segments the head-up display market and forecasts its size based and region. The report also provides a comprehensive review of drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing market growth. The report also covers qualitative aspects in addition to the quantitative aspects of the market.

Reasons to buy the report:

The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximate revenues for the overall head-up display market and related segments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to strengthen their position in the market and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges.

The report provides insights on the following pointers:

• Analysis of key drivers (Improved ease and comfort provided by the fusion of satellite navigation technology and head-up displays), restraints (Space constraints in vehicle cockpits), opportunities (Increasing demand for semi-autonomous and electric vehicles), and challenges (Limited field of view (FOV) influencing the growth of the head-up display market.
• Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product launches in the head-up display market.
• Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the head-up display market across varied regions.
• Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the head-up display market.
• Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and product offerings of leading players like Continental AG (Germany), DENSO CORPORATION (Japan), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Visteon Corporation (US), BAE Systems (UK) and many more.