Automotive Power Window Market Size, Share, Growth & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle), By Regulator Type (Cable Type and Scissor Type), and Regional Forecasts, 2022-2029

The global automotive power window market size was valued at USD 12.13 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 12.54 billion in 2022 to USD 16.63 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global automotive power window market exhibited a decline of -15.3% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Rise in automobile production and sales and high demand for safety and convenience features are the primary factors driving the market growth. Besides, rising adoption of the anti-pinch automotive power window system, increasing vehicle electrification, and the emergence of autonomous vehicles will also surge the demand for power windows in the automotive industry.

Consumers are shifting from manual to automatic or semi-automatic operations of vehicle automation. Moreover, another factor that is predicted to drive the growth of the market is technological advancements. Automotive power window systems must also be able to operate quietly. Automatic or powered windows are a form of system that requires little or no force to operate, and this feature is projected to drive the market forward.

In addition, one of the major drivers of the global market is the introduction of new technology, which leads to customer preference for automation. Such windows are used in most passenger cars for safety and security reasons. These windows are controlled by a variety of switches, making operation simple and comfortable for both passengers and drivers.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Decline in Vehicle Sales Directly Impacted the Market Growth

According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), in 2019, there was already a decline in global auto production by 5%. According to OICA president Mr. Fu Bingfeng, the pandemic induced manufacturing shutdowns of large parts of the automotive industry in 2020 led to the worst crisis ever to impact the vehicle manufacturing industry. According to OICA statistics, global production in 2020 amounted to 78 million vehicles, a drop of 16% and equivalent to sales level in 2010.

However, there was an unexpected rebound in sales in the second half of 2020. OEMs were unable to keep up with demand as the long lead times for various semiconductors utilized in vehicles caused an ongoing shortage. Lead times have increased from an average of 14 weeks in Q1 2020 to 26 weeks in Q1 2022. Hence, supply of parts and components continued to be disrupted, which led to intermittent production cuts by major OEMs such as Ford and Toyota in 2021. These factors directly impacted the growth of the market.

Shortage of crucial parts has compelled suppliers and OEMs to rethink parameters related to designing & building their vehicles. For instance, Tesla has been recoding its products to utilize alternative parts and even removed some features (such as a backup electronic control unit for the steering system) at least temporarily to manage the crisis. Another solution is supply chain localization, with Ford announcing an agreement with GlobalFoundries Inc. to internalize chip production.

Furthermore, despite the downturn in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle sales, Electric Vehicle (EV) sales have continued to increase exponentially. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), sales doubled to 6.6 million in 2021, a new record. Sales have kept rising with 75% increase in electric cars sold in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021. Hence, these factors will positively influence the recovery of the market in the mid to long-term.

LATEST TRENDS

Increase in Vehicle Electrification and Emergence of Autonomous Vehicles to Drive the Market Growth

The key trends driving the growth of the market are greater vehicle electrification and increased awareness of better safety features. Passenger electric cars were the most frequent users of automotive power window systems, owing to the rapidly growing automotive sector. As a result, top-tier automakers are focusing their efforts on introducing technologically advanced technologies such as anti-pinch window systems into their vehicles. Furthermore, consumer preference is shifting away from the manual to automatic or semi-automatic operations as a result of vehicle automation. During the forecast period, this is another trend that is projected to boost the expansion of the market.

DRIVING FACTORS 

Rise in Automobile Production and Sales to Drive Automotive Power Window Market Growth

Automobile sales are likely to rise in future, owing to a growing middle-class population and rising disposable income. For example, in the automobile industry, Japan's manufacturing of automobiles climbed by 1.6% year on year to 8.13 million units. Automotive production in the U.S. climbed 7.5% to 9.4-million-unit year over year while automobile output in China increased 8.0% to 26.47 million units. This increase in output is due to increased demand for both passenger as well as commercial vehicles.

Automotive power windows are common in today's vehicles, even in the entry-level sector. These windows are being installed in vehicles all around the world. The need for automotive power windows is expected to rise significantly as the number of models and new types of vehicles reach the market. As a result, the expansion of the market is fueled by rising vehicle production and sales.

High Demand for Safety and Convenience Features to Drive Market Growth

Over the past few years, the automotive industry has been witnessing increased demand for advanced features in vehicles such as all-door power windows, power steering systems, climate control systems, anti-lock braking systems, and others. This, in turn, has led to rising demand for power windows in automobiles, thereby driving the growth of the market. Moreover, in developed economies, such as the U.S., there is a rise in demand for enhanced convenience, safety, and comfort in automobiles. Thus, the key players operating in the market are increasing the focus on providing such enhanced convenience in vehicles.

For instance, in September 2019, Brose announced the development of a new generation of door control devices that will handle all the door functionality locally, including innovative approaches such as voice recognition. Brose door control unit will be integrated with all functions ranging from power window regulator to collision control. Therefore, such factors are collectively anticipated to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Rising Adoption of the Anti-Pinch Power Window System to Support the Market Growth

The anti-pinch system is a safety feature provided in the automotive power window system to sense any obstacles in the path while winding up the window and preventing the glass from further moving upwards. This prevents any fatalities to the occupants while winding up. Concern over safe traveling has resulted in a rise in demand for more safe and secure cars with some extraordinary features such as anti-pinch power windows.

For instance, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the U.S., nearly 1.5% of child deaths in automotive accidents are caused by this type of window strangulations; almost 500 people suffer from scrapes, fractures, cuts, and sprains from power window accidents. Thus, to minimize such accidents, several countries have made the installation of these safety features mandatory.

The U.S., the U.K., Norway, Germany, France, and Italy are some of the countries where an anti-pinch power window is mandatory. Due to the surge of safety requirements in the market, prominent automakers are also offering anti-pinch power window systems in their newer models. Therefore, the rising adoption of the anti-pinch power window system is expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities for players operating in the market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Fluctuation in Raw Material Prices and High Maintenance Cost Expected to Hamper the Market Growth

The components of automotive power windows are made up of aluminum, plastic, rubber, and composites among other materials. The price of these raw materials continuously fluctuates, depending on the market economic condition. Extreme price volatility of raw materials becomes a real challenge for companies to remain competitive and assure sustainable margins.  

For instance, as high-grade aluminum and plastic are the primary raw materials used for manufacturing window components, the price of the components is highly correlated with the global aluminum price movement. Thus, fluctuation of raw material price creates challenges for the component manufacturers to produce window components for vehicles in comparative price and high quality.

In addition, automotive powered windows comprise various components, including the battery, switch, motor, actuators, regulator, and gears. These components require maintenance regularly to prevent failure and prolong the service life, which further increase maintenance costs. Therefore, factors, such as fluctuating raw material prices and regular maintenance costs, are expected to hinder the growth of the market.

Rise in Popularity of Shared Mobility to Hamper the Market Growth

People who are not capable of purchasing a car can experience seamless travel through mobility services. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average cost to own and operate a vehicle is around USD 8,858, assuming 15,000 miles traveled annually. Mobility as a service decreases such costs to the user by providing improved utilization of transport services such as car-sharing and ride hails. Also, such services reduce city congestion and decrease overall vehicle emissions.

Therefore, digitally-enabled car sharing and ride-hailing manage travel needs in the smartest way and it also provides a hassle-free and environmentally sound alternative to private car ownership. In addition, increasing prices and the use of petroleum products as fuel in the automotive sector are increasing day by day. As such, to decrease this global consumption, various players and governments are promoting sources, such as metros, and electric vehicles, among other public transport, which are far more fuel-efficient in comparison with conventional automobiles.

Thus, increased use of public transportation and shared mobility services globally is expected to translate into a reduction in vehicle sales in the long term. Therefore, this is expected to impede the growth of the market.

SEGMENTATION 

By Vehicle Type Analysis

Rising Production and Sales of Automobiles to Drive Passenger Car Segment Growth

Based on vehicle type, the global market is segmented into passenger car and commercial vehicle.

The passenger car segment led the market in 2021 and is likely to dominate by 2029 in terms of revenue over the forecast period, owing to the rise in adoption of advanced technologies in passenger cars due to safety and convenient features. The increasing adoption of a powered window in the mid-level entry segment cars by OEMs is also driving the growth of this segment in the market.

The commercial vehicle segment is expected to show steady growth in the market over the forecast period. Increasing demand for commercial vehicles in a variety of end-user industries, such as automotive, food & beverages, and oil & gas, among others, is driving the sales of commercial vehicles, resulting in high demand for powered windows systems in commercial vehicles.

By Regulator Type Analysis

Increasing Adoption of Cable Type Window Regulators to Drive Segment Growth

Based on regulator type, the global market is segmented into cable type and scissor type.

The cable type segment led the market in 2021 and is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. This is due to increasing adoption of cable type window regulators due to various advantages such as cheapest & simplest for operation, less design complexity, and less maintenance, among others.

The scissor type segment is expected to show steady growth in the market over the forecast period, owing to the high cost of such window regulator replacement in the vehicle after accidents.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. 

Asia Pacific dominated the global automotive power window market share with a market size of USD 6.02 billion in 2021 and is expected to retain its position throughout the forecast period. The growing adoption of advanced technologies in vehicles and propelling sales of passenger cars in this region are expected to drive the growth of the market in Asia Pacific.

North America is expected to witness the second-fastest growth rate in this market over the forecast period. The rules in this region regarding automotive power window and the safety of occupants are expected to drive the growth of the advanced window system market in this region.

Europe is also expected to show decent growth in terms of revenue in the market over the forecast period. The presence of a large number of leading market players as well as major automobile manufacturers is fueling the market growth in Europe.

The rest of the world is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2029. Increasing sales and production of vehicles in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa along with the growing demand for convenient features in the vehicles are surging the demand for such window systems in the region. In addition, the expansion of leading automotive OEMs and related component manufacturers to fulfill the growing demand from such regions is further expected to propel the market growth during the forecast period.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Focus on the Expansion of Industrial Presence to Increase Market Reach Anticipated to Drive the Competition

The market is fragmented, with various players worldwide. The companies operating in the market are increasing strategic moves, such as partnership, collaboration, and acquisition, to expand their business and grab untapped opportunities in emerging markets.

For instance, to improve customer service, the company expanded its industrial presence in North America with the start-up of the new plant in Cuautitlan (Mexico), which will supply components for Ford’s new electric model. Also, the company launched important projects during the past year despite the challenging market situation. These included the new Volkswagen headliner project, the window regulator project for PSA’s Smart Car program, and the launch of the sun-visor project for Honda.

Aisin Corporation AG is one of the Leading Players in the Market 

Aisin Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of automotive components. It manufactures and sells automotive parts, and energy & lifestyle-related products. It offers powertrain products, chassis & vehicle safety systems, power sliding door systems, and sunroof products. In addition, it also offers connected and sharing solutions and repair & maintenance products. It is a trusted window regulator supplier and provider of a comprehensive line of parts and accessories for virtually every vehicle.

Aisin Corporation provides window components under its wholly-owned subsidiary Shiroki Corporation. It provides Arm type window regulator, wire-type window regulator, and guideless window regulator. The company focuses on development and introduction of new products to expand product offering. For instance, in April 2020, Aisin Corporation of America announced the launch of an all new window regulator program with more than 1,400 SKUs, covering 90% of popular Asian, domestic, and European vehicles.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

•  Aisin Corporation (Japan)


•  Grupo Antolin (Spain)


•  Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. KG (Germany)


•  Denso Corporation (Japan)


•  HI-LEX Corporation (Japan)


•  Inteva Products, LLC Corporation (U.S.)


•  Johnan Manufacturing Inc (Japan)


•  Magna International Inc. (Canada)


•  Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany)


•  Valeo Group (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2020: Aisin Corporation Announced the Launch of an All-New Window Regulator Program In April 2020, Aisin Corporation of America announced the launch of an all-new window regulator program with more than 1,400 SKUs, covering 90% of popular Asian, domestic, and European vehicles.


• September 2019: Brose Announced the Development of a New Generation of Door Control Devices In September 2019, Brose announced the development of a new generation of door control devices that would handle all door operations locally, including cutting-edge features such as speech recognition. All functions ranging from window regulator to collision control will be integrated into the Brose door control unit in future. The first fully-featured door control unit could be available as early as 2025.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product types, and leading applications of the product. Besides this, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation

ATTRIBUTE	DETAILS
Study Period	2018-2029
Base Year	2021
Estimated Year	2022
Forecast Period	2022-2029
Historical Period	2018-2020
Unit	Value (USD Billion)
Segmentation	By Vehicle Type Passenger Car Commercial Vehicle
By Regulator Type Cable Type Scissor Type
By Geography North America (By Vehicle Type and By Regulator Type) U.S. (By Vehicle Type) Canada (By Vehicle Type) Mexico (By Vehicle Type) Europe (By Vehicle Type and By Regulator Type) U.K. (By Vehicle Type) Germany (By Vehicle Type) France (By Vehicle Type) Rest of Europe (By Vehicle Type) Asia Pacific (By Vehicle Type and By Regulator Type) China (By Vehicle Type) India (By Vehicle Type) Japan (By Vehicle Type) South Korea (By Vehicle Type) Rest of Asia Pacific (By Vehicle Type) Rest of the World (By Vehicle Type and By Regulator Type )