Automotive Horn Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Electric Horns and Air Horns), By Sound Level (Below 100 dB, 100 dB, 120 dB, and Above 120 dB), By Vehicle Type (Two Wheelers, Passenger Cars, and Commercial Vehicles), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global automotive horn market size was valued at USD 2.10 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 2.20 billion in 2024 to USD 3.36 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.

A horn is a safety device installed to emit a loud, audible warning signal. It is used to alert other road users and pedestrians of the vehicle's presence or to indicate potential hazards or emergencies. The global automotive horn market share is witnessing steady growth driven by increasing vehicle production, emphasis on road safety, and regulatory mandates. Technological advancements, including integrating Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and smart horn systems, further propel market expansion. Electric vehicle adoption and sustainability initiatives contribute to the demand for eco-friendly automotive horn solutions. Moreover, rising urbanization and infrastructure development in emerging economies stimulate market growth. Major players focus on product innovation and strategic collaborations to strengthen their market presence.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the automotive horn system industry. While initial disruptions in production and supply chains led to temporary slowdowns, the market dynamics gradually recovered as restrictions eased. Increased focus on personal safety and hygiene post-pandemic may drive demand for vehicle safety features, including automotive horns. However, economic uncertainties and fluctuating consumer behavior continue to challenge the market, requiring agile strategies from industry players.

Automotive Horn Market Trends

Integration of Advanced Sound Processing and Emission Technologies Enhancing Horn Performance is a Present Trend in the Market

As automakers strive to develop safer and more sophisticated vehicles, there is a growing focus on integrating advanced technologies into automotive horn systems to improve functionality, reliability, and user experience without hampering safety regulations. Another trend in the automotive horn market is adopting Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and adaptive sound emission technologies.

These vehicle technologies enable horn systems to dynamically adjust their sound output based on various driving conditions, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, and ambient noise levels, to optimize horn effectiveness and minimize noise pollution. Recent advancements in DSP algorithms and microprocessor capabilities have made it possible to implement sophisticated signal-processing techniques in horn systems. By analyzing real-time vehicle data and environmental parameters, DSP-enabled horn systems can modulate horn sounds’ frequency, amplitude, and duration to maximize their audible range and directional effectiveness.

Moreover, adaptive sound emission technologies allow horn systems to emit targeted sound patterns that are more perceptible to pedestrians and other road users while minimizing disturbance to nearby residents. For example, directional sound projection techniques enable horn systems to focus sound waves in specific directions, improving their effectiveness in alerting pedestrians and cyclists without generating excessive noise pollution.

Automotive Horn Market Growth Factors

Increasing Focus on Road Safety Regulatory Standards Globally Drives Market Growth

Governments and regulatory bodies across various regions are implementing stringent safety measures to reduce road accidents and fatalities, driving the demand for safer automotive components, including horns. According to a study issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death globally, with approximately 1.35 million fatalities recorded each year. In response to this alarming statistic, governments are prioritizing road safety initiatives and enacting legislation to mandate using audible warning devices, such as air trumpet horns, in vehicles to alert pedestrians and other road users of potential hazards.

For instance, in the European Union (EU), the European Commission has established comprehensive safety regulations under the General Safety Regulation (GSR) framework. These regulations mandate advanced safety features in autonomous vehicles, including audible warning systems, to enhance pedestrian protection and overall vehicle safety. Similarly, the U.S., China, India, and Japan have also implemented strict safety standards for automotive manufacturers, driving the adoption of safer horn technologies.

With regulatory requirements, the growing emphasis on vehicle customization and personalization among consumers fuels the demand for premium and specialty horns in the aftermarket segment. As consumers seek to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their vehicles, they are increasingly opting for aftermarket horns with customized sounds, tones, and designs.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Increasing Stringency of Noise Pollution Regulations is Hampering Market Growth

As concerns over environmental sustainability and public health continue to escalate, authorities are enacting more stringent measures to mitigate noise pollution and ensure quieter urban environments. This regulatory landscape poses challenges for horn manufacturers and suppliers, impacting their ability to design, produce, and market horn systems that meet evolving noise emission standards.

According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Management, noise pollution has been identified as a major environmental health issue with adverse effects on human health, well-being, and quality of life. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels has been linked to various health problems, including hearing loss, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive impairment. In response to these concerns, governments are implementing policies and regulations to reduce noise emissions from various sources, including automotive vehicles.

For instance, the European Union’s Outdoor Noise Directive sets strict noise emission limits for vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, to mitigate the impact of traffic noise on public health and the environment. Similarly, the U.S., Japan, and China have established noise regulations and standards for vehicles operating within their jurisdictions. These regulations mandate the maximum permissible noise levels for vehicle horns during operation, testing, and certification.

The implementation of noise emission regulations presents a significant challenge for horn manufacturers, as they must develop horn systems that comply with increasingly stringent noise limits without compromising their effectiveness and safety. Achieving compliance with these regulations often requires extensive research and development efforts, including the use of advanced acoustics technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes to minimize noise emissions while maintaining adequate sound intensity and clarity.

Automotive Horn Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Electric Horns Segment Dominates Market Owing to Improved Durability and Reliability

By type, the market is segmented into electric horns and air horns.

The electric horns segment is the fastest growing and dominant segment in the market. Advancements in vehicle electrification and the shift toward Electric Vehicles (EVs) contribute to the rising adoption of electric horns. These horns offer consistent performance and are compatible with modern automotive electrical systems, driving their popularity.

• In June 2021, Maruko Keihoki launched special electric horn technology for electric vehicles. Keeping pace with the industry’s demands for compact, lightweight, and low-cost parts, the company developed specialized electric car horns that comply with varying market regulations on size, shape, and performance.

By Sound Level Analysis

100 dB - 120 dB Segment Dominates the Market Due to Offering a Balance Between Safety and Effectiveness

By sound level, the market segmentation is as follows: below 100 dB, 100 dB - 120 dB, and above 120 dB.

The 100 dB- 120 dB segment dominates the market and is expected to grow with the highest CAGR over the forecast period.  These horns provide sufficient loudness to alert surrounding traffic and pedestrians while complying with noise regulations. Thus making it suitable for most of the vehicles.

Below 100 dB is anticipated to register significant growth during the forecast. Its growth in the global market is attributed to stricter noise pollution regulations in urban areas.

The above 120 dB sound level segment supports the growth of the global automotive horn market by catering to specific applications requiring extremely loud alerts, such as emergency vehicles and heavy-duty trucks.

By Vehicle Type Analysis

Passenger Car Segment to Dominate Due to Significant Growth of Offerings in Vehicles and Shifting Consumer Preferences

The vehicle type market is classified into two-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles.

The passenger cars segment dominates the market and is predicted to have the fastest-growing CAGR over the forecast period. The passenger cars segment significantly contributes to the global automotive horn market growth due to increasing vehicle ownership and safety regulations. As passenger car sales continue to rise globally, the demand for horns as essential safety components also increases.

The commercial vehicles segment is the second most dominant in the market. As commercial vehicle fleets increase to meet the rising demand for goods transportation, the need for reliable and durable horns escalates.

The two-wheeler segment in the vehicle type segment significantly adds to the growth of the global automotive horn systems. The rising popularity of motorcycles and scooters for urban commuting indicates a considerable market growth share.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is classified geographically into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

Asia Pacific dominated and is predicted to rise at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, increasing disposable income, and expanding automotive production contribute to rising demand for vehicles equipped with horns. The focus on reducing noise pollution also drives demand for innovative horn technologies.

With Europe being a major automotive sector manufacturing hub and consumer market, its growth in vehicle horn adoption significantly impacts, making it second dominant.

North America experiences steady vehicle sales due to economic recovery, technological advancements, and a shift toward electric vehicles. Moreover, stringent safety regulations mandating effective warning systems contribute to increased demand for automotive horns, making North America grow. The rest of the world is also projected to showcase significant growth in the market.

List of Key Companies in Automotive Horn Market

High-quality Products and a Global Customer Base Make Denso a Leading Player

Denso Corporation, a key player in the automotive industry, contributes significantly to the automotive horn market with its diverse range of high-quality horn products. Denso’s horns are renowned for their reliability, durability, and compliance with safety standards. The company leverages advanced technology to deliver innovative horn solutions that cater to various vehicle types and customer preferences globally. Denso’s strong global presence, extensive distribution network, and strategic partnerships with major automakers solidify its position in the automotive horn systems market. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Denso continues to shape the market competitive landscape of automotive horn technology and industry standards.

Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. is a prominent player in the automotive horn market, renowned for its advanced horn technology and comprehensive product offerings. The company serves various vehicle segments, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and off-road vehicles. With a global presence and strong relationships with automotive manufacturers, Hella maintains a significant market share. The company’s investments in research and development ensures continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving industry trends. Hella’s horns enhance road safety and driver awareness, solidifying its position as a leader in this market. Fiamm Group, Bosch and Imasen Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. are some of the other leading market players.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Fiamm Group (Italy)


• Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. (Germany)


• Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany)


• Uno Minda (India)


• Denso Corporation (Japan)


• Imasen Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• Wolo Manufacturing Corp. (U.S.)


• INFAC Corporation (South Korea)


• Seger (Turkey)


• MARCO s.p.a.  (Italy)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2023: The Central Road Transport Authority planned to enforce an upper limit of around 50 decibels in a crackdown on loud vehicle horns, a sharp reduction on existing permissible levels in India. Noise pollution is a major irritant and poses a serious health hazard for citizens; as per the report of the National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), experiencing noise of more than 80 decibels for 6 to 8 hours five days a week can cause deafness and lead to mental disorder.


• June 2023: The Transport Department and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) conducted joint drives to curb air horns in Coimbatore. As per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, the noise range for horns has been fixed between 93 and 112 decibels. The decibel level of air horns seized was more than the permitted level.


• August 2022: Automotive component supplier Steelbird International partnered with German brand Hella to bring its product range of automotive spares to the Indian Market. Hella introduced horns and spark plugs in the country that will be marketed and distributed by Steelbird. The collaboration expanded Steelbird in the automotive component space.


• June 2021: Maruko Keihoki launched special horn technology for electric vehicles. Keeping pace with the industry’s demands for compact, lightweight, and low-cost parts, the company developed specialized electric car horns that comply with varying market regulations on size, shape, and performance. The latest market shift to Electric Vehicles (EVs) witnesses the potential of horn technology to help accelerate the production of safe, affordable, and sustainable EVs.


• March 2021: 1847 Holdings acquired Wolo Manufacturing for an approximately USD 8.3 million purchase price, owning 92.5% of the company. The company has a solid reputation for innovative design, and the current product line consists of over 455 products, including 46 patented products and over 90 exclusive trademarks. In March 2024, 1847, an increase in Wolo’s revenues was announced, approximately 40%, in January and February 2024.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides detailed market analysis and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, product types, and product applications. In addition, the report offers insights into the market forecast and highlights notable industry developments. Further, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation