Car Air Freshener Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Hanging Air Fresheners, Air Vent/Clips Fresheners, Air Fresheners Sprays/Aerosols, and Others), By Form (Foam, Gel, Solid, and Others), By Sales Channel (Retail Stores and Online Channels), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global car air freshener market size was valued at USD 2.28 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 2.34 billion in 2024 to USD 3.21 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.00% during the forecast period. North America dominated the car air fresheners market with a market share of 30.83% in 2023.

Car air fresheners include various accessories that are designed to keep the vehicle smelling fresh and clean. They are available in various shapes, sizes, and scents, catering to different consumer preferences. Nowadays, consumers are progressively pursuing products that reflect their lifestyle and personality. Car perfumes offer an approach for consumers to customize the ambiance of their vehicles, tailored to their preferences, thereby increasing the market’s share in the long run. Moreover, with an intensified focus on health and wellness, consumers are becoming more aware of the air quality inside their vehicles. This consciousness thrives the demand for products that can maintain a pleasant interior environment, such as air fresheners.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the market during the first half of 2020. Multiple lockdowns, travel limitations, and remote work arrangements, in turn, led to a decrease in travel and commuting activities. Therefore, with fewer individuals using their vehicles regularly, the demand for car accessories, including air fresheners, declined temporarily during periods of reduced mobility. However, the pandemic also increased the awareness of hygiene and cleanliness practices. This awareness increased the importance of maintaining a fresh environment inside the vehicles, hence fostering the demand for the product.

Car Air Freshener Market Trends

Growing Inclination Toward Natural or Organic Air Freshener Products to Provide Market Growth Opportunities

In recent times, consumers have become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, which has led to the demand for air freshener products made with natural ingredients. Organic or natural air fresheners are generally formulated with essential oils and plant-based extracts, which attracts consumers seeking eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fragrances. Besides, companies offering natural air freshener products can acquire a positive brand image in terms of health, wellness, and environmental concerns. Therefore, by aligning with consumer values and preferences, companies can enhance their reputation and attract a broader customer base, driving market growth and brand loyalty. For instance, in November 2023, Below 60°, a home fragrance company, launched a range of natural air fragrance devices made from plant-based essential oils. These products are suitable for homes, cars, offices, and other types of environments.

Car Air Freshener Market Growth Factors

Increasing Sales of Vehicles to Drive Market Growth

In addition to increasing car sales, there has been a surge in the customer base for car-related products and accessories, including air fresheners. This expansion in market reach creates more opportunities for manufacturers and retailers to sell their products to a wider audience. As vehicle sales increase, more individuals are becoming vehicle owners, representing a potential opportunity for the sale of car air fresheners. Besides, many car owners personalize their vehicles, reflecting their tastes and preferences. Therefore, air fresheners offer a simple and affordable way to customize the interior ambience of a car. For instance, according to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, global passenger car sales reached 65,272,367 in 2023, from 58,644,601 in 2022.

Growing Adoption of Smart Technology for Car Air Fresheners to Augment Market Growth

Smart air fresheners include features, such as customizable scheduling, adjustable scent intensity, and remote control abilities through smartphone apps. These features boost the user experience by assisting car owners in tailoring the fragrance according to their preferences and controlling it conveniently from their mobile devices. Additionally, advanced and intelligent air fresheners can also automate scent delivery based on various factors, such as time of day, vehicle occupancy, or air quality sensors. This automation provides convenience for car users by assuring a consistently pleasant and soothing fragrance without the need for manual adjustments. For instance, in November 2023, Lumileds, a brand of Koninklijke Philips N.V., introduced a new smart aroma diffuser, ‘Philips OlfaPure 7300’, particularly for car usage.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Increasing Allergies Associated with Fragrances to Hinder Market Growth

Allergic reactions to fragrances, including symptoms such as coughing, headaches, sneezing, and skin irritation, have elevated concerns among consumers. People with scent allergies may actively avoid air freshener usage and opt for scent-free alternatives to minimize their exposure to potential allergens. As awareness regarding fragrance allergies grows, there is a rising demand for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products across various consumer categories, including air fresheners used in cars. This may influence consumer behavior patterns and buying decisions, leading to reduced demand for fragranced car air fresheners.

Car Air Freshener Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Compact Design of Air Vent/Clips Fresheners to Boost Their Demand

Based on type, the market is divided into hanging air fresheners, air vent/clips fresheners, air freshener sprays/aerosols, and others. The air vent/clips fresheners segment is projected to lead the market during the forecast period. These fresheners feature sleek and compact designs, which blend smoothly with modern car interiors, attracting consumer-preferred aesthetics. Besides, these air fresheners are incorporated directly into the air vents of the cars, which helps provide a continuous scent throughout the car.

The others segment, which includes tin air freshener, fragrance bed, among others, is also predicted to capture a significant market share in the coming years. These types of air fresheners offer a portable and versatile option for car users who prefer to customize the position of their fresheners within the car. The products generally feature a compact or gel-like substance infused with scent that gradually evaporates over time, ensuring a continuous and consistent aroma in the car.

By Form Analysis

Flexibility of Solid Air Freshener to Augment Segment Growth

On the basis of form, the market has been segregated into foam, gel, solid, and others. The solid segment is anticipated to dominate the car air freshener market share during the forecast period. Solid air fresheners usually come in simple designs that can be easily placed in various parts of the car, such as under seats, in cup holders, or attached to vents. This convenience is attractive to consumers, who prefer flexible air freshener products.

The others segment is also expected to acquire a substantial share of the market in the long run. Solid and liquid forms offer variety in terms of scent options and application methods, attracting a wider range of preferences. Furthermore, certain solid and liquid formulations are designed to provide longer-lasting fragrance compared to traditional air fresheners. This also interests consumers who want their cars to smell fresh for a longer period without the need for frequent replacements.

By Sales Channel Analysis

Easily Accessible Feature of Retail Store to Intensify Segment Growth

With regard to sales channel, the market is classified into retail stores and online channels. The retail stores segment is expected to hold the major share of the car air freshener market during the forecast period. Offline retailers are easily accessible and generally have a wide array of car perfume products, which are readily available for purchase. Therefore, consumers can purchase and utilize the products immediately without having to wait for shipping and delivery of the products.

The online channels segment is also anticipated to gain a significant market share in the coming years. E-commerce platforms offer high convenience, assisting customers in browsing, comparing, and purchasing car air fresheners from the comfort of their homes. This convenience attracts busy consumers who prefer the ease of online shopping over visiting physical stores.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on geography, the global market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is predicted to lead the global car air freshener market share during the forecasted period. There has been an increase in the number of car owners in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, which, as a result, fosters the demand for car-related accessories, including air fresheners. Moreover, car owners are increasingly focused on making their driving experience more comfortable, which includes keeping the interior of their vehicles pleasant. This augments the demand for the product in the region. For instance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, total vehicle sales in the U.S. reached 16.01 million units in March 2024, from 13.55 million units in November 2021.

Europe is anticipated to be the second leading region in the car air fresheners market. In Europe, people are more aware of indoor air quality issues, including those in vehicles. Therefore, air fresheners are perceived as a way to improve the air quality within the confined space of a car. Moreover, manufacturers are constantly introducing new designs and technologies in air fresheners, such as vent clips, plug-ins, and long-lasting gels, which also surged the product demand in the region. For instance, in October 2023, Dacia, a Romania-based car manufacturer, introduced a fresh lineup of air fresheners inspired by popular U.K. road trips favored by the British public, featuring destinations, including the North Coast 500, Cheddar Gorge, and the Jurassic Coast.

Asia Pacific’s car air freshener market is also anticipated to hold a significant market share in the future. Rapid infrastructural development, along with the growth of the real estate market in India, China, Japan, and others, has bolstered the demand for vehicles in these nations. For instance, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian real estate industry is predicted to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030, from USD 200 billion in 2021, contributing ~13% to the overall country’s GDP by 2025. Therefore, with more people living in urban areas, where pollution and odors can be more prevalent, there's a higher demand for products, including car air fresheners, which help combat these odors.

In South America, there has been an increasing awareness regarding the importance of mental well-being and relaxation during travel. This has led to the popularity of aromatherapy-based car air fragrances, which are generally equipped with mood-enhancing properties. The Middle East & Africa region is also projected to experience significant growth during the forecasted period. Effective marketing campaigns and branding efforts by companies have influenced consumer perceptions. This has driven the demand for specific car perfume products, fostering the growth of the market in the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Increasing Focus on Providing Customized Car Air Fresheners to Expand Market Growth

Recently, there has been an amplifying demand for customized air freshener solutions, which have a significant impact on the car air freshener market growth. Customization allows consumers to tailor products to their specific preferences, including fragrance choices. Car perfume companies can offer a wide range of scents and designs to cater to individual tastes, thus expanding their customer base. Moreover, when consumers can personalize their car perfume with unique scents or designs, they might develop stronger connections to the respective brand. This is anticipated to increase brand loyalty and repeat purchases, hence augmenting the sales of the companies for car perfume. For instance, in February 2023, Acqua di Parma, an Italy-based fragrance brand, launched a range of custom car fragrance diffusers, ‘Fiat500 Spiaggina.’

List of Top Car Air Freshener Companies:

• Airpro Car (U.S.)


• Car-Freshner Corporation (U.S.)


• Chemical Guys (U.S.)


• Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (U.S.)


• American Covers (U.S.)


• Eikosha Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• Newell Brands (U.S.)


• Godrej Group (India)


• Unilever (U.K.)


• AirQ (Taiwan)


• JRV Industries LLP (India)


• Custom Air Fresheners (U.K.)


• Pongo (U.K.)


• My Air Freshener, Inc. (U.S.)


• IKEDA (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• November 2023: Pura, a smart home fragrance provider, introduced a new car fragrance diffuser built with smart and advanced scent technology.


• December 2023: Godrej Group, an Indian consumer goods company, launched a gel-based hanging air freshener that is particularly suitable for cars.


• December 2023: Smul, a premium car accessories brand, launched the ‘Black Metal Car Diffuser’, a luxury car air freshener product.


• December 2022: Dabur, an Indian-based consumer products brand, launched a gel-based air freshener, ‘Odonil Gel Pocket,’ suitable for both homes and vehicles.


• May 2022: Vitruvi, a premium home care brand, expanded its product portfolio into the ‘New Air Care Category,’ aligned with natural air freshener sprays.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report analyzes the market in-depth and highlights crucial aspects, such as prominent companies, product types, sales channels, and end-user areas. Besides this, it provides insights into the market trends and highlights significant industry developments. In addition to the aspects mentioned earlier, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation