Automotive Windshield Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles, and Heavy Commercial Vehicles), By Position (Front and Rear), By Glass Type (Laminated and Tempered), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global automotive windshield market size was valued at USD 29.74 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 31.89 billion in 2024 to USD 59.04 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period.

An automotive windshield, also referred to as a windscreen, is one of the protective glass panels situated at the front and back of the vehicle. These protective panels are designed to offer visibility and protect the driver from wind, debris, and other external particles. It is one of the crucial parts of the vehicle as it assists the driver in driving safely through protection and visibility. Therefore, increasing demand for road safety and driver comfort is anticipated to drive market growth during the forecast period.  

Additionally, as the penetration of technological advancements in the automotive industry, including autonomous mobility, electrification, and others, is increasing, the demand for car windshields to withstand different driving conditions is fueling the automotive windshield market growth. Vehicles such as cars, buses, trucks, and light commercial vehicles require automotive windshields. Thus, the market is expected to flourish with worldwide automotive sales.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted this industry. Significantly dropped automotive production, unavailability & high cost of raw materials, and halted transportation-related activities globally, suppressing windshield sales. For instance, as per the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), worldwide automotive production in 2020 nearly dropped significantly by 15.7% compared to 2019. This sudden drop in automotive production and sales negatively impacted the windshield demand.

Automotive Windshield Market Trends

Demand for Heated Windshield Technology to Drive Market Growth

The ongoing trend for adopting electronically heated windshields among significant automakers is likely to boost market growth in the years to come. In regions with cold weather, consumers face frozen windscreen issues. Therefore, various premium automakers include an electrically heated windshield technology that removes the ice from the windshield within a few minutes. Being an optional technology, leading manufacturers reserved it for expensive high-end automobiles.

The technology includes a glass windshield with a mesh of thin wires that can heat up to significant temperatures. The wires are fixed inside the screen and are surrounded by zinc/silver oxide coating embedded between layers of glass. The system's heat melts the window's ice, improving the driver's visibility. Therefore, increasing demand for heated windshields across North America and Europe is anticipated to accelerate market growth.

Automotive Windshield Market Growth Factors

Surging Global Automotive Production to Drive Market Growth

Surging global vehicle production is majorly driving market growth. For instance, according to the vehicle production statistics published by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), vehicle production in the European Union surged by nearly 14% in the first three quarters of 2023 compared to 2022. The consistent growth in automotive production post-pandemic is influencing the market growth. Additionally, rising demand for personal transportation and improving living standards in emerging economies are anticipated to accelerate market growth in the coming years.

Increasing Adoption of Electric & Autonomous Vehicles to Fuel Market Growth

The ongoing megatrend of vehicle electrification and improving autonomy is influencing the adoption of these advanced new-generation vehicles worldwide. For instance, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 2.3 million electric passenger cars were sold globally in the first quarter of 2023, which was 25% higher than in the 1^st quarter of 2022. Therefore, rising demand for lightweight, sustainable windshields for efficient vehicle operations is anticipated to flourish during the forecast period. Moreover, with the post-pandemic recovery, the automotive supply chain is back on track; therefore, the increasing number of deliveries of automotive and related auto parts is expected to propel the market growth in future.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Global Economic Fluctuations to Hamper Market Growth

Effects of global economic fluctuations induce inflation and significantly increase the cost of automotive and related components such as automotive windshield and others. Therefore, due to the high cost of automotive and related components, consumers avoid or delay the vehicle purchase and look for alternative cheaper repair options instead of purchasing the new product from the aftermarket. Hence, inclining consumer preference toward cheaper repairs as an alternative to purchasing new windshields may hamper the market growth in the coming years. 

Vehicle Scrapping Policies Introduced by Governments May Restrain the Windshield Replacement Rate

Governments worldwide are enforcing scrappage policies to eliminate outdated and older automobiles. For instance, the Indian government introduced a vehicle scrapping policy in April 2022. Similarly, other economies have also introduced vehicle scrapping policies. Therefore, the uncertainty in the market due to these scrappage policies is influencing the populace to avoid spending on replacing the windshields of outdated or older automobiles. This may result in lower demand for automotive windshield replacement in the aftermarket.

Automotive Windshield Market Segmentation Analysis

By Vehicle Type Analysis

Surging Demand for Personal Transport to Accelerate Passenger Cars Segment Growth

The market is segmented by vehicle type into passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles.

The passenger cars segment dominates the market and is likely to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. Passenger cars already account for the largest share of global vehicle production. Additionally, surging demand for personal transport and the increasing popularity of new-generation high-end passenger cars among the populace is expected to propel the segment growth.

The heavy commercial vehicle segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. Increasing transportation and logistics operations worldwide and a recent boost in the adoption rate of e-commerce are some of the prominent factors driving the sales of heavy commercial vehicles. Moreover, increasing demand for light commercial vehicles for short-distance transport and logistics operations is projected to witness a significant growth rate in the years to come.

By Position Analysis

Increasing Demand for Front Windshields in Passenger Cars to Drive Segment Growth

The market is classified into front and rear by position. 

The front segment held the largest automotive windshield market share in 2023 and is expected to dominate throughout the forecast period. All automobiles, including passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles use front windshields. Additionally, windshields protect the driver from debris, wind, and other elements; therefore, replacement or installation of the front windshields has always been a high priority among the populace or manufacturers. Therefore, increasing demand for front windshields in automobiles for safe operations is anticipated to fuel market growth in the years to come.

The rear segment is also expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Rear windshields are mainly used in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Therefore, their surging sales will likely drive the segment growth during the projected period. Stringent government regulations related to the safety of the passengers are enabling the demand for advanced rear windshields across the globe.

By Glass Type Analysis

 Surging Demand for Driver Safety in Automotive Industry to Drive Segment Growth

The market is categorized by glass type into tempered and laminated.

The laminated segment led the market with the largest market share in 2023. The laminated glass is manufactured from a thin vinyl layer between two layers of glass. This creates sturdier and thicker windshield glass as it is one of the safest types of glass and is not easy to break or shatter. Laminated glass is highly effective in preventing break-ins. Thus, their increasing adoption for automobiles is anticipated to drive the segment's growth in the coming years.

The tempered segment also held a significant market share in 2023. Tempered glass undergoes special heat treatment that significantly increases its strength. Additionally, automotive windshield is one of the important structural components of a vehicle, providing rigidity to the vehicle frame. Tempered glass offers the required structural integrity and assists in maintaining the overall strength of the body. Therefore, increasing demand for tempered glass in automobiles is expected to fuel the segment's growth due to its additional properties.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Surging Automotive Production in Asia Pacific to Drive Market Growth

Regionally, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

Asia Pacific held the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to register the fastest growth rate in the years to come. Increasing automotive production in major countries, such as India, China, and others, is driving market growth in the region. For instance, according to the OICA, in 2022, China registered the highest automotive production than any other country globally. Moreover, the government's support for adopting electric vehicles in China by banning outdated automobiles and providing EV-favorable incentives is expected to boost the market growth in the region.

Europe held the second-largest market share in 2023. Europe is well known for its adoption and innovation in new technologies. Therefore, increasing automotive windshield with advanced technologies, such as electronically heated windshields, UV protective windshields, and others, is fueling the market growth in the region. Moreover, the presence of leading automakers in the region, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and others, coupled with their focus on improving vehicle safety and comfort, is anticipated to ramp up the market growth in the coming years.

North America held a significant market share in 2023 due to advancements in windshield technology, such as developing smart windshields with features, including heads-up displays, integrated sensors, and augmented reality capabilities. Advancements in windshield products are driving market growth as consumers seek more advanced and sophisticated options.

List of Key Companies in Automotive Windshield Market

Manufacturers Focus on Partnerships with Automakers to Drive Competition in the Market

The market is significantly fragmented as several international and domestic automotive windshield players operate. Therefore, local players are targeting to partner with automakers in their region to supply windshields. Moreover, key players collaborate with major automakers to develop advanced technologies, such as smart windshields, to innovate their product portfolio. For instance, BMW is already collaborating with Gauzy, one of the major players in innovative glass technology. The collaboration aimed to develop smart automotive windshields and side windows to enhance the driving experience in BMW automobiles.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• AGC Inc. (Japan)


• SAINT-GOBAIN (France)


• Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd (Japan)


• Şişecam (Turkey)


• Central Glass Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• Guardian Glass (U.S.)


• Fuyao Group (China)


• Vitro (Mexico)


• Xinyi Glass Holdings Limited (China)


• GENTEX CORPORATION (U.S.)


• Dura Automotive (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

•  January 2023 – General Motors submitted a patent application for an Augmented Reality (AR) windshield with an auto-dimming functionality. This innovative windshield aims to improve the overall driving experience by automatically adjusting its brightness level.


• January 2023 – BMW unveiled iVISION Dee at CES 2023 in collaboration with Gauzy. The company displayed its technical integration and modern design while prioritizing comfort, safety, and enhanced vehicle experience through Gauzy’s LCG smart glass technology. The company’s collaboration with Gauzy’s technology makes it the first automaker to display the full extent that smart glass can be integrated with passenger cars.


• January 2022 – AGC & EyeLights announced a partnership to integrate industrialized AR capabilities into vehicles for a safer in-car experience. The company’s focus on developing combined windshield and display technology provides several benefits, including the largest virtual screen size (550 inches) and projecting distance of nearly 50 meters from the driver.


• August 2021 – Avient announced its latest additions to reSound R-rated content thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) portfolio. The new TPE contains nearly 25% post-consumer recycled content from polyvinyl butyral recovered from broken windshields and laminated agricultural glass.


• July 2021 – Jeep’s Performance Parts Division unveiled Gorilla Glass windshields for its Gladiator pick-up and Wrangler SUV models. The new windshields are available to customers across the U.S. and Canada.

REPORT COVERAGE

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

Report Scope & Segmentation