The automotive fabrics market is anticipated to expand at an average CAGR of 3.6% between 2023 and 2033. The market is expected to hold a market share of US$ 52.78 billion by 2033 while the market is likely to be valued at US$ 37.06 billion in 2023.
Fabrics are an integral part of a vehicle. They are used in a wide variety of applications, which include upholstery, airbags, belts & hoses, and various others to provide a premium or aesthetic look to the vehicle or enhance the vehicle’s safety features.
Demand for fabrics across numerous automotive manufacturers is increasing at a significant pace owing to the consistent growth in terms of vehicle sales. Besides, the implementation of stringent regulations associated with vehicle safety standards by regional governments is anticipated to bode well for the global automotive fabrics market in the next decade.
The global automotive fabrics market is anticipated to expand as a result of increasing demand for these fabrics for soundproofing, vehicle interior thermal insulation, cushioning, and aesthetic purposes.
High demand for automotive fabrics is also leading to the surging utilization of rayon, nylon, aramid, and polyethylene terephthalate in tires to provide strength and reinforcement, which is expected to propel the automotive fabrics market in the upcoming decade.
2018 to 2022 Global Automotive Fabrics Demand Outlook Compared to 2023 to 2033 Forecast
During the historical period from 2018 to 2022, regional governments, especially across developed regions such as Europe and North America, had tightened their noose over vehicle manufacturers with a compulsion of various vehicle safety measures. Further, these regulations have elevated the demand for automotive fabrics in tires and airbags with nimble growth rates. The rising disposable income of populations across various developing countries like India and China has elevated vehicle fleets across the globe over the last few years. This factor is projected to benefit the automotive fabrics market players.
The deployment of strict vehicle safety measures is anticipated to be adopted by various developing nations, which is estimated to provide significant growth opportunities to key players operating in the global automotive fabrics market over the forthcoming years from 2023 to 2033.
Top 2 Trends Pushing Sales of Automotive Fabrics
Surging Demand for Advanced Airbag Fabrics
According to FMI’s estimates, the automotive fabrics market is anticipated to expand at a significant pace owing to their increasing use in airbags. The automotive fabrics market is anticipated to be led by the airbags segment based on application. Further, the growth is mainly attributed to the rising demand for advanced automotive safety equipment.
Increasing implementation of strict safety regulations for the use of airbags in automobiles is also anticipated to push the demand for automotive fabrics globally. The automotive industry is already expanding quickly, which might aid in the expansion of the automotive fabrics market over the course of the forecast period.
Airbag fabric demand is influenced by the surging need for vehicles, and vice versa. Demand for airbag fabrics is mainly being propelled by various factors such as increasing production of automobiles due to rising disposable income, surging setup of airbags per car, the introduction of rigorous safety standards, and the urgent need for low-cost fabrics in emerging economies.
High Demand for Non-woven Fabrics
The increasing adoption of environment-friendly automotive fabric materials like polyester is considered to be one of the cost-effective and recyclable fabrics and is projected to drive the global automotive fabrics market in the next decade. Also, the rising demand for non-woven fabrics for vehicle carpets and floor coverings is another vital factor that might augur well for the global market.
Recycled polyethylene terephthalate is used to create non-woven automotive carpets, which promote sustainability and resource efficiency while lowering environmental pollution. During the forecast period, this factor is anticipated to boost the demand for non-woven fabrics and propel revenue growth in the automotive fabrics market.
Which Factors may Hamper the Demand for Automotive Fabrics?
Growth in the global automotive fabrics market may be hampered by increasing concerns about the low moisture absorption of some automotive fabrics. Also, some synthetic fabrics used in automobiles have hydrophobic properties, which may result in poor moisture absorption and thus restrict product adoption.
Another factor that might impede growth in the market is the fact that some automotive fabrics are not biodegradable, which prevents nature from naturally disposing of the fabrics. Further, the growing consumer interest in adopting eco-friendly automotive fabric materials may partially impede the expansion of the automotive fabrics market in the evaluation period.
Why is the Demand for Automotive Fabrics High in the United States?
High Demand for Luxury Vehicles in the United States to Propel Sales of Automotive Vinyl Fabric
The United States is considered to be one of the significant consumers of automotive fabrics across the globe. High disposable income and rising per capita expenditure of Americans might create a surging demand for automobiles across the country. Additionally, the high demand for premium and aesthetic appearances in vehicles has pushed the use of a premium range of textiles across various luxury ranges of vehicles in the country.
As per FMI, the United States accounted for a significant share of around 14.8% of the global automotive fabrics market in 2022. Growth in terms of demand for electronic devices across the country is also expected to propel the consumption of automotive fabrics across the United States over the forecast period.
How is India Progressing in the Automotive Fabrics Industry?
Vehicle Emission & Safety Standards in India to Fuel Sales of Car Upholstery Cloth
India’s automotive industry is one of the most dynamic industries across the globe. The rising disposable income of people in India has pushed vehicle sales at a notable rate in recent years.
Sales of automotive fabrics through the aftermarket sales channel are expected to witness a surge in the next decade with consistent growth in vehicle fleets across the country. The country strives at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2023 and 2033.
The consistent involvement of the country’s government to promote manufacturing in the automotive industry is expected to drive sales of automotive fabrics among OEMs. In addition, the implementation of strict regulations over vehicle safety and emissions is changing the industry scenario significantly. Consistent changes in regulations associated with vehicle safety are expected to promote growth in India’s automotive fabrics sector during the forecast period.
Competitive Landscape
Manufacturers of automotive fabrics are positively engaged in the expansion of their geographic and market presence to cater to the rising demand for the product. Key manufacturers are focusing on the expansion of their geographic presence through acquisitions and mergers of regional small or medium-level players. With this, key manufacturers remain dominant in the automotive fabrics market. Moreover, a few other key manufacturers are focusing on collaborations and mergers to cater to the high customer demand.
For instance:
In August 2022, Mercedes-Benz teased the interior of its upcoming EQE SUV. The all-electric SUV’s cabin is set to come with a blend of cool and warm color tones. The SUV is also going to include a mix of modern and conventional materials such as fine metal, anthracite, aluminum, and trims of wood. At the same time, it might have dual-tone leather upholstery and a multifunctional steering wheel.
In June 2023, Faurecia reinvented automotive seating with a new approach to design and manufacturing. The new seating design is expected to increase the adaptivity and modular architecture.
