Automotive Dashboard Market, By Vehicle Type [Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles], By Sales Channel [OEM, Aftermarket], By Type [LCD Dashboard, Conventional Dashboard], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Automotive Dashboard Market, By Vehicle Type [Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles], By Sales Channel [OEM, Aftermarket], By Type [LCD Dashboard, Conventional Dashboard], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global automotive dashboard market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.36% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from 20.12 million units in 2023 to 32.95 million units in 2031. The market has experienced significant growth in recent years and is expected to maintain a strong pace of expansion in the coming years.

The car dashboard is an important element of a vehicle's interior, playing a crucial role in enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of the car. Positioned in front of the driver, it serves as a control panel for the automobile, separating the driver from the front of the car. Typically, dashboards feature an array of symbols, signs, and warning lights that provide essential information about the car's operations.

The vehicle dashboard, which was formerly a simple display of gauges and buttons, has experienced major changes in recent years. Dashboards must be robust, lightweight, technologically modern, and visually appealing. Material selection is critical, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) being a common option due to its versatility and ability to make both stiff and flexible components. Another important factor to consider is weight reduction since lighter dashboards can help increase fuel economy. Furthermore, the use of digital displays has become more frequent, giving drivers greater control and access to critical information. Beyond its role in the driving experience, the dashboard can also serve as a valuable data hub, offering insights into employee and customer behavior through various data streams. This diverse range of functionalities necessitates different manufacturing processes. Injection molding remains the primary method for stiff dashboards, while vacuum thermo-forming and flaming/plasma treatment processes are employed for covered and foamed dashboards respectively. As technology and consumer demands continue to evolve, the automotive dashboard is poised for further innovation and transformation.

For instance, in March 2024, Mahindra & Mahindra, an Indian automotive manufacturer, showcased the future of its electric vehicle lineup with the XUV e9, featuring a unique triple-screen dashboard. This revolutionary design places a primary infotainment screen next to a specialized screen for the front passenger, allowing for improved entertainment and individual user experiences.

Smart and Connected Dashboards are Expected to Fuel the Market Growth

The Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) developments currently fueling the rise of connected vehicles are driving the market growth. The driving experience is being transformed by smart driver-aid technologies combined with smart and connected dashboards. Prominent manufacturers are navigating previous limitations related to data transfer and security, positioning connected clusters as a primary product. Smart dashboards are positioned as key players in the connected car ecosystem, solving issues including a lack of real-time data, navigation, and information for preventive maintenance. These customizable information hubs, receiving data from various sources such as the telematics system, offer a comprehensive and convenient experience for drivers, making them an asset for automakers seeking a competitive edge in the evolving market.

For instance, in July 2023, XPeng, the Chinese new energy vehicle startup, introduced a new cockpit system for its vehicles, allowing users to customize functions based on their preferences. The system detects triggering conditions and initiates services, such as automatic ""rapid cooling"" when high temperatures are detected. The system offers over 350 vehicle-side capabilities, atomically combined, and allows users to share customized scenarios through WeChat, Weibo, and the XPeng mobile app. XPeng plans to extend this functionality to other models in the future, offering enhanced customization and user experience within the vehicle.

Custom Dashboard and New Interior Trims are Expected to Propel Aftermarket Dashboard Market Growth

Growth in the aftermarket dashboard market is anticipated due to the increasing demand for personalization and modification. A quick and economical method to improve the interior design of any car, from performance-focused to luxury cars, is using a dash kit. These kits are available in a variety of materials, including plastics. Due to their lightweight, moldable, and shock-absorbing qualities, polypropylene and polyurethane are common options. Dash kits are available in a variety of pricing structures and operations. With so many options in the market, consumers may make informed judgments and improve their driving experience with customizations.

For instance, Carbon fiber is a widely used material in the automotive industry. Its custom dash kits are globally accessible, bringing style to the next level and providing a variety of possibilities for vehicles' interior customization.

Growing Demand for HUDs in Vehicles is Expected to Drive Market Growth

The growing demand for Head-Up Displays (HUDs) in cars is expected to propel significant growth in the automotive dashboard market. Conventional dashboards in cars make information easily accessible, however, they force drivers to look away from the road, which could be dangerous. On the other hand, HUDs allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road while projecting important data straight onto the windshield. Present HUDs constantly suffer from drawbacks such as limited display content, expensive implementation costs, and potential obstacles in specific car types. HUD use is anticipated to increase as cost-effectiveness and technology progress, creating opportunities for market growth.

Furthermore, advancements in Aerial HUDs bring the combination of a dashboard and a HUD, retaining the benefits of both and resolving the problem. This provides a better display than standard HUDs and more information than wind shield-type HUDs.

For instance, in February 2022, Maruti Suzuki introduced the first HUD technology in India in Baleno. Initially exclusive to the top-tier Alpha trim, this feature displayed crucial data such as speed and gear position. Later, the Toyota Glanza, a rebadged Baleno, incorporated HUD in its V variant. The trend continued with the updated Maruti Brezza in 2022, which also integrated a 360-degree camera for enhanced safety. The Brezza's HUD offers advanced features including turn-by-turn navigation, accessible through Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, surpassing Baleno’s capabilities and setting a new standard for in-car displays.

Increased Demand for Leather Dashboards in Premium and Budget Vehicles

There is a surge in the demand for leather dashboards in the automotive dashboards market, both in high-end and low-end vehicles. Leather dashboards, which are typically associated with luxury vehicles, are becoming more and more popular among buyers who prefer durability, increased comfort, and elevated looks. This change reflects their shifting preferences and their increasing demand for luxury even in reasonably priced cars. In response to this increased demand, recently released low-cost cars, such as the Mahindra Scorpio N and Grand Vitara in India models, now offer leather dashboards in top-end models.

For instance, in June 2022, Mahindra & Mahindra introduced the Mahindra Scorpio-N, which features a stylish leather-clad dashboard, improving the interiors and providing luxury and comfortable seating positions. This innovation not only improved the vehicle's overall physical appeal but also added a premium touch to the interior design, setting a new benchmark for elegance and comfort.

Asia-Pacific Dominates Global Automotive Dashboard Market

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global automotive dashboard market, due to its massive passenger and commercial vehicle sales, particularly in China and India. This trend is being driven by a growing consumer demand for feature-rich vehicles with modern and smart dashboards. In India, for instance, car consumers are increasingly choosing models with advanced dashboards that improve the driving experience. Furthermore, China's flourishing electric vehicle sector, led by innovative companies such as NIO, Xpeng, and BYD, fuels a demand for smart dashboards that are easily linked with connected car technology. This convergence of components establishes the Asia-Pacific region as an important region in defining the future of the car dashboard market.

For instance, in February 2023, MG unveiled the MG ZS EV in India, complete with a revolutionary digital dashboard. This announcement reflects a growing trend among the Asia-Pacific automotive manufacturers to include advanced connection elements into their vehicles in response to rising demand for a more digital driving experience.

Future Market Scenario (2024–2031F)

• Consumer demand for luxury, connected vehicles technology advancements, and aftermarket dashboard enhancements are expected to be the driving factors during the forecast period.

• Global adoption of smart dashboards, better ergonomics Aerial HUD solution, and industry partnerships are to be the highlight of the global market.

• Carbon fiber and wooden dashboard advancements are expected to drive the market growth.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key participants in the automotive dashboard market are focusing on supply chains, advanced technology, and connectivity. Companies are competing to provide the latest technology with best-in-class features. Major companies are collaborating, partnering, and acquiring companies working for enhanced technology to upscale their vehicle dashboard connectivity and technology.

In September 2023, Geely, the well-known Chinese automaker, showcased its technology breakthroughs at the 2023 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference under the theme ""Cloud-Native Technology Empowering the New Intelligent Car Experience"". The innovative technology, developed by Volcano Engine and Neusoft Reach, enables real-time streaming of high-demand content in vehicles. It leverages cloud computing and 4G/5G communication technologies, bypassing in-car system computational limitations. The technology, called cloud-native, is designed for the in-car experience, allowing local chip-based computing capacity to be increased by shifting computational power to the cloud. The XingRui Intelligent Computing Center supports this, with a total computational power of 8.1 exaflops per second.

In January 2024, Hyundai Motors launched a new advanced and digital dashboard in the new Hyundai Creta in India. It features radiant and upmarket interiors with a new horizontal dashboard with seamlessly integrated infotainment and digital cluster. The digital dashboard will be featuring in the top end models of the vehicle.