Automotive Glass Market Assessment, By Product Type [Laminated Glass, Tempered Glass, Value Added Glass], By Vehicle Type [Passenger Cars, Trucks, Buses, Light Commercial Vehicles, Others], By Application [Sidelite, Windshield, Sideview Mirror, Rear Quart

Automotive Glass Market Assessment, By Product Type [Laminated Glass, Tempered Glass, Value Added Glass], By Vehicle Type [Passenger Cars, Trucks, Buses, Light Commercial Vehicles, Others], By Application [Sidelite, Windshield, Sideview Mirror, Rear Quarter Glass, Rearview Mirror, Others], By Distribution Channel [OEM, Aftermarket], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global automotive glass market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 5.18% during the forecast period 2024-2031, rising from USD 25.65 billion in 2023 to USD 38.42 billion in 2031. An increase in demand for commercial vehicles and passenger cars, high production volumes in the automotive manufacturing sector, rising government initiatives concerning vehicle safety, and technological advancement in automotive sector are expected to propel the growth of global automotive glass market size in the forecast period. The rapid growth in the logistics sector and transportation, coupled with a growing population have boosted the sales and production of automobiles which further drives the demand for automotive glass.

In addition, innovations in the automotive glass sector are considerably aimed at enhancing the raw material strength of the product. Highly efficient and quality glass offers better safety and fulfills the requirement of strict government regulations. However, there are rigorous quality requirements for automotive glass applications to confirm consumer safety and maintain sustainability. Hence, the manufacturers are compelled to manufacture recycled and cost-effective automotive glass. For instance, in September 2023, Audi announced the incorporation of windshields made from recycled car window glass, up to 30% of which will be secured from damaged car windows. The move is a part of their plan for Q4 e-Tron, intending to transition the ‘GlassLoop’ pilot project into regular production.

Furthermore, an increase in demand for lightweight glass, significant implementation of safety glass norms, and innovations in smart glass technologies are other factors propelling the growth of global automotive glass market growth.

The growth of global automotive glass market share is expected to rise due to advancements in automotive glass technology including augmented reality, smart glass, and others. Manufacturers are investing in different research and development activities to expand their product portfolio, and footprint along with the introduction of cutting-edge glass products. Also, the increase in production of vehicles across the globe, especially in the SUV segment, and the growing adoption of premium luxury automobiles with the significant integration of smart glass technology are driving the demand for automotive glass in the automotive industry.

Furthermore, companies in the market are adopting growth strategies such as partnerships, collaborations, and new product development to improve the strength and quality of automotive glass. For instance, in 2023, Automotive Glass Experts (AGE) announced a collaboration with Xinyi Glass to enhance the performance and quality of automotive glass.

Growing Production of Autonomous and Electric Vehicles

Significantly, the increase in production of autonomous and electric vehicles has resulted in different transformations in the automotive industry. The constant technological innovations in the automotive industry coupled with advancements in vehicle designs, have pushed the companies to develop innovative products for automotive producers. Growing government regulations on emission control are raising the production of electric vehicles which further increases global automotive glass market demand in the forecast period. Moreover, electric and autonomous cars use advanced and innovative technologies such as augmented reality and heads-up displays, which require complex automotive glass solutions. As the automotive industry grows, specifically for electric and autonomous vehicles, it drives the demand for the automotive glass and increased spending on research and development activities by manufacturers to launch innovative glass technologies personalized to EV and AV requirements.

For instance, Şişecam announced the development of low-carbon auto glass for electric vehicles to contribute to a clean future. This step of Şişecam is a part of the ZEvRA project which comprises the production of low-carbon footprint and high-value-added auto glass coupled with sustainability objectives.

Rising Applications of Automotive Glass in Automobiles

In automobiles, the demand for automotive glass is increasing due to its applications, such as it is providing a clear and undistorted view of surroundings and roads. Automotive glass is a specialized glass with properties of superior heat absorption which normalizes the ambient temperature in vehicles at cool cozy levels. In automotive, it helps improve fuel efficiency by decreasing the load on the AC unit. In addition, there are different types of automotive glass including defogger glass with different applications. Defogger glass is ideal for automobiles because it gives clear visibility in the most extreme conditions allowing the driver to drive safely. Also, it helps remove condensation and ice from the backlight of tempered electrically, which makes driving easier on winter mornings and after a snowfall. In addition, automotive glass manufacturers are working effectively to increase automotive glass applications to enable safe driving.

For instance, in August 2023, Saint-Gobain Sekurit announced the integration of 5G, RFID, and mood indicator applications in automotive glass solutions to expand its footprint.

Stringent Safety Norms for Automotive Components Propel the Market Growth

In emerging countries, there are rapid changes in government regulations to make driving safer with the integration of technology and the constantly rising population across these regions is projected to introduce market growth opportunities in global automotive glass market. In addition, the Government of India has different rules and regulations enforced by the regional transport offices to ensure safe driving across the country. For instance, in 2023, the Bureau of Indian Standards in India announced the regulation for ‘Safety Glass.’ Manufacturers in the automotive glass market are compelled to produce glass solutions that fulfill all the laws, including emission rules, safety glazing standards, and RTO rules for tinted glass on vehicle windows. In India, prohibition on the integration of tinted glass in vehicle windows, results in a challenge for drivers to drive their vehicles during hot summers. To address the challenge, manufacturers are launching the latest products to replace tinted glass and comply with government regulations.

For instance, in 2023, the Government of India announced a Production Linked Incentive Scheme for automobile and auto components to drive the manufacturing of advanced automotive technology products. The scheme helps to promote ‘Make in India’ products coupled with enabling the global supply chain.

Tempered Glass Segment Dominates the Largest Market Share by Product Type

The tempered glass segment is expected to register the largest market revenue share due to its features such as cost-effectiveness, robustness, and high strength. Tempered glass is significantly integrated in passenger cars because it undergoes thermal treatment that strengthens its structure. Tempered glass decreases glare from external sources and headlights to offer better visibility for the drivers. It is effective for panoramic roofs and sunroofs as it offers a clear picture while maintaining safe driving. In addition, due to its effective manufacturing process, and features such as resilience and strength, helps to a quieter cabin by decreasing outside noise.

For instance, Fuyao Glass, a leading producer of tempered automotive glass, has witnessed rapid growth. It specializes in producing tempered glass for automotive applications to serve both international and domestic markets.

Asia Pacific Dominates the Market Growth

Asia-Pacific has depicted the largest market share in global automotive glass market due to increased demand for enhanced safety and comfort, rising vehicle production, and growing adoption of advanced automotive glass technology. Developing countries in APAC have a presence of a huge number of manufacturers and rapid changes in government norms which will boost the market growth across these regions. It is projected that China will be the largest producer of automobiles across the globe due to the accessibility of cheap labor, growing research and development capacities, and rising requirements for electric cars. Thereby, an increase in the production of electric cars propels the demand for automotive glass in the market. In addition, manufacturers in India are acquiring companies and advancing the strength and reliability of automotive glass to address the rising demand for automotive glass in APAC.

For instance, in 2024, Fuyao Group announced to build the world’s largest automotive glass export base in Fuqing City to expand its customer base and incorporate cutting-edge features including wind power and photovoltaic facilities in its products.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Rapid growth in the logistics sector and transportation has driven the production of HCV which further propels the demand for automotive glass.

Rising demand for security and safety features in electric vehicles drives the global automotive glass market growth.

The integration of AR in smart glass technology is expected to propel the market's growth worldwide.

The rising trend of autonomous vehicles is anticipated to result in a growing demand for specialized glass.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Companies in global automotive glass market are working efficiently to expand their product portfolio and address the rising demand for automotive glass. The giant companies are adopting different strategies such as partnership, collaboration, new product development, and mergers and acquisitions to be competitive in the market. In addition, companies are investing in manufacturing processes and research and development activities to advance their products. Furthermore, market players are developing new technologies for automotive industry to expand their global presence.

In February 2024, Johnson Window Films announced a partnership with Automotive Glass Experts to supply the automotive glass replacement and repair company with its window film products.