Automotive Fabric Market Assessment, By Vehicle Type [Light Commercial Vehicles, Heavy Commercial Vehicles, Buses and Coaches, Passenger Cars], By Product Type [Knitted Fabric, Woven Fabric, Non-Woven Fabric], By Application [Floor Covering, Tires, Airbag

Automotive Fabric Market Assessment, By Vehicle Type [Light Commercial Vehicles, Heavy Commercial Vehicles, Buses and Coaches, Passenger Cars], By Product Type [Knitted Fabric, Woven Fabric, Non-Woven Fabric], By Application [Floor Covering, Tires, Airbags, Car Roof, Safety-Belts, Upholstery, Others], By Distribution Channel [OEM, Aftermarket], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global automotive fabric market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.53% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 38.41 billion in 2023 to USD 54.73 billion in 2031. Growing customer preference for comfortable car interiors, innovations in textile technology, rising vehicle production, and increasing adoption of electric vehicles are projected to drive the global automotive fabric market growth. Automotive fabrics are utilized significantly for different applications such as airbags, upholstery, belts, and hoses, and several others offer an aesthetic view of the vehicle or improve the features of vehicle safety. In addition, automotive manufacturers are demanding automotive fabrics at a significant pace due to the constant rise in the production and sales of vehicles. Besides, governments across the globe are implementing different strict regulations for vehicle safety, which are projected to foster demand for the automotive fabric market in the forecast period.

The requirement for innovative car safety equipment and stringent safety norms for airbag installation across the globe is anticipated to drive the demand for automotive fabric. Also, the expansion of the automotive industry has resulted in a rapid expansion of the automotive fabric market. In emerging countries, the demand for automotive fabric is increasing significantly due to the rise in disposable income of the middle class, increase in airbag installation, and growing need for cost-effective fabrics. Manufacturers in the automotive fabric market are increasingly adopting growth strategies such as collaboration, partnership, and others to expand their footprints and product portfolio.

For instance, in October 2023, Sage Automotive Interiors announced a partnership with a United States startup, Natural Fiber Welding, to offer superior strength and quality products that can be used in place of traditional animal-based leather products, excluding the use of polyurethane or other coatings.

Growing Sales for Vehicles Push the Demand for Automotive Fabric

Rapid urbanization, significant transformation in vehicles, and enhancing customer lifestyle are key factors propelling the demand for cars, which further drive the growth of the global automotive fabric market in the forecast period. In developing countries, establishing new manufacturing facilities, advancement in manufacturing processes, and growing usage of environmentally friendly automotive fabric materials such as polyester are projected to contribute increasingly to the global automotive fabric market growth shortly. In addition, the growth of the global automotive market is being propelled by innovations in different categories, such as electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and advancements in premium and four-wheelers, which offer enhanced efficiency and rapid sales. Therefore, the market for automotive fabric is expanding owing to rising sales of automobiles. Also, manufacturers are adopting joint ventures and new product development strategies to address the rising demand for automotive fabrics and explore the automotive segment.

For instance, in April 2024, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG announced a collaboration with Vitra International AG to reveal limited-edition chairs covered in original Pepita fabric at MDW 2024. This collaboration brings design dreams back to life.

Growing Requirement for Advanced Airbag Fabrics Propel the Market Growth

The significant increase in demand for airbags in every type of vehicle and stringent regulations on airbag installation is projected to expand the global automotive fabric significantly. A rising trend of personalization and customization drives the demand for airbag fabric, further propelling the automotive fabric market share. Automakers are discovering options to provide customization services and enabling customers to select a fabric that requires them based on a tactile and aesthetic feel. This trend results in a wider shift toward improving the interior experience, which drives the demand for automotive fabric. In addition, the demand for airbag fabric is rising due to an increase in the production of vehicles, growing disposable income, and the implementation of different safety standards. However, market players in automotive fabric announced the development of advanced airbag fabric.

For instance, in April 2023, Autoliv Inc. announced plans to establish a cutting-edge airbag cushion and fabric plant in Vietnam. With this plant, Autolive focused on rapidly serving the Asian market.

Government Norms and Policies Fuel Market Growth

Government regulations on installing airbags, anti-lock braking systems, and seat belts in every vehicle positively impact the automotive market. Europe and North America have strict regulations on road safety as compared to Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world. In emerging countries, OEMs are compelled by the government to install anti-lock braking systems and airbags as standard car features, resulting in rising usage of automotive fabric to introduce safety features within the car. In addition, across the globe, safety regulations are stringent, and manufacturers are integrating different advanced safety features as a priority to improve the protection of both vehicles and drivers. Automotive fabric is essential in this regard, as it is used in different safety automotive components such as seat belts, headrests, and airbags. Hence, the growth of global automotive fabric is projected to grow more significantly in the forecast period.

For instance, in 2020, the government of China announced a national standard for the performance requirements of side airbag and curtain airbag modules. This standard specifies the technical conditions and test approaches for these modules.

Passenger Cars Hold the Largest Market Share by Vehicle Type

The passenger cars segment registers the largest market share in the global automotive fabric market due to increasing demand for passenger cars, a rising disposable income, and a growing personalization trend. Passenger cars have significant usage due to their different applications, including extended capability, high strength, and resistance to fire, UV, and water. Moreover, the growing demand for luxurious cars, comfortable appearances, and altered interiors in passenger cars is driving the global passenger car market. Also, automotive fabric manufacturers invest in different research and development activities and global supply chains to hold the largest market size.

For instance, in April 2024, Toyota Boshoku Corp. announced an investment from Aunde Achter & Ebeld GmbH to strengthen the passenger car's automotive seat fabric business.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Largest Market Share in the Global Market

Asia-Pacific registers the largest market share because there is a high demand for vehicles across this region. High disposable income and rise in per capita expenditure across emerging countries increase demand for vehicles, which further drives the growth of the global automotive fabric market. In India, the automotive industry is one of the most dynamic industries. In the coming years, automotive fabric sales through aftermarket sales are projected to grow increasingly. Additionally, there are stringent regulations for vehicle safety and automotive components in India, which are estimated to promote the growth of India's automotive fabric market in the forecast period.

For instance, in January 2024, in India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced that importers and manufacturers need to accept the cost of motor vehicle assessments for star rating, comprising the assessment itself, to equip consumers with the necessary information to make informed decisions.

Future Market Scenario (2024-2031F)

The rapid trend of electric vehicles and autonomous driving will foster the growth of the automotive fabric market in the forecast period.

Safety standards and vehicle emission regulations propel the demand for eco-friendly automotive fabric.

Growing demand for luxury vehicles in emerging countries is increasing the requirement for automotive fabric.

Wide variety of automotive fabric applications in every type of vehicle influencing the growth of automotive fabric globally.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key companies in the global automotive fabric market are significantly functioning on quality and developing new eco-friendly solutions. Many giant companies are increasingly investing in different research and development companies to expand their product portfolio and enhance the applications of products. Also, they are adopting different strategies, including joint ventures, new product development, collaboration, and partnerships to expand their footprint globally. With this, key manufacturers remain leading in the global automotive fabric market by catering to high customer demand in the forecast period. Automotive fabric manufacturers are expanding their product portfolio by offering different colors, patterns, textures, and features based on customer requirements, design, and taste preferences, propelling the supremacy of passenger cars in the automotive fabric market.

In June 2023, Dow announced the development of silicone feel modifier technology, which does not comprise benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes for effective use in upholstery and automotive industries.

In October 2023, Asahi Kasei announced a partnership with Sage Automotive Interiors, Inc., to help automotive OEMs lessen their ecological footprint through the effective production of non-petroleum-derived leather alternatives suitable for car interiors.