Bus Seat Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

Bus Seat Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The Bus Seat Market was valued at USD 11.58 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 16.89 billion by 2027 registering a CAGR of around 5% during the forecast period.

The COVID-19 pandemic hampered the growth of the market studied during the first half of 2020 as governments across the world have imposed lockdowns and travel restrictions. Further, supply chain disruptions and shortage of skilled labor have created chaos in the market. However, by end of 2020 major countries have relaxed restrictions and in developing countries, the adoption of electric mobility in public transportation heightened creating positive momentum in the market.

Over the medium term, the notable demand for buses across major emerging nations like India, China, etc. is expected to support demand in the market. In addition, as buses are the main mode of transportation in several developing countries as they can reach remote locations inaccessible by other modes of transportation such instances are anticipated to encourage key players to improve their investments during the forecast period enhancing overall market growth.

With the rising need for electrification of buses in wake of growing environmental emission norms and standards imposed by governments, the adoption rate of electric and hybrid buses different is growing exponentially paving way for the significant growth of bus seats market in coming years. Furthermore, increasing government regulation to integrate child seats in buses to improve child safety further drives the growth of the market. Furthermore, the increasing replacement of old bus seats with new and advanced bus seats is providing growth opportunities for key players.

However, the strict government regulation present in the market for the development of bus seats is one of the key factors that could hamper the growth of the market during the forecast period. There are a series of standards such as regulations on seat belt fastening, resistance or flammability of materials, which makes the development and approval of bus seats a complicated and long process.

The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to occupy major market share in the Bus seat market during the forecast period. Buses are the primary means of transportation in many countries in the APAC region and the growing sales of buses likely to in turn push demand for affordable and quality seats providing new opportunities for players to tap the potential of the unexplored bus seat market. Further, North America region is also likely to see positive trends in the market growing adaptability of school and intercity buses, and notable trends in electric buses across the region.

Key Market TrendsRecliner Seats Segment of Market to Play key role in the Market

The automotive seat recliner mechanism consists of the seat cushion and seats back with upper and lower arm mounted, spiral springs to exercise radial forces on a rotatable cam for locking and unlocking operation. Recliner seats can be adjusted as per the passenger's needs. The recliner seats give lumbar support, a self-sufficient footstool, which can bend with an angle of users’ legs for more comfort and weight of the user, and a flexible headrest. Hence, the demand is high in the market for recliner bus seats.

• In July 2022, The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) introduced a semi-sleeper model reclining seats in the low-floor buses of the corporation on an experimental basis. Reclining seats have already been introduced on two buses for a trial purpose. A trial service will be conducted on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kozhikode route for one month using these seats.
• In June 2022, Switch Mobility, the EV arm of Ashok Leyland, launched its first electric bus platform, EIV12. The e-bus will be offered in two variants – EiV12 low-floor and EiV12 standard. The new platform is claimed to be versatile and will offer the best in reliability, range, and ride comfort across various variants and markets.

Further, developments like upgradation of the existing fleet with such reclining seats to widen their customer base are expected to create significant support for bus seat manufacturers operating in the market. For instance,

• In February 2021, Marcopolo announced that it is set to launch the new Audace 1050 in Australia aimed at the school, charter and long-distance coach sector. Available in either 57 fixed or 53 reclining seat models, both buses feature high levels of customization and flexibility with options for toilets and wheelchair lifts installed.

Moreover, governments across the globe are offering several incentives for purchase of electric vehicles and its part manufacturers in order to boost the production of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles also contain advanced seating systems, which further augments the automotive recliner seat market. The need for buses in schools for convenience and safety reasons for children is anticipated to grow the bus seat market and will remain as a trend in the future too providing lucrative opportunities for players operating in the market during the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific Expected to remain largest market during the forecast period

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to lead the global bus seat market over the forecast period. This region has the presence of major market participants. Bus manufacturers, such as Anhui Ankai Automobile Company, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry, BYD Auto Co. Ltd, along with seat manufacturers, such as Aisin Seiki Co., Harita Seating Company, and Toyota Boshoku Corp., are present in the region.

The main factor for the rise of the bus seat market is the increasing need for luxury and comfort in transportation by bus which leads to boosting the production of bus seats for different types of bus services. For instance,

• In October 2020, NakornChai Air is a leading private bus company in Thailand known for its comfortable rides and high standards with different types of buses from the usual 2-2 seat layout to “First Class” with a 2-1 layout with spacious seats. The company plans to major revamp the company’s current First Class that has a 1-2 massage seat layout with only 1 aisle with all current first-class buses.

Additionally, this region is witnessing an increase in the orders for electric buses placed by the local bus operating agencies of government across major countries in this region. For instance,

• In August 2022, Tata Motors announced that the company has won an order of 921 electric buses from Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). Under the larger tender by Convergence Energy Services (CESL), Tata Motors will supply, operate and maintain 12-meter electric buses for 12 years, as per the contracts.

Such active bus contracts and projects associated increase in the manufacturing of buses across major countries in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to poise a positive outlook for the market during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The main players in the market are GRAMMER AG, Freedman Seating Company, Magna International Inc., NHK Springs, Adient, ISRINGHAUSEN GmbH, Faurecia, Lear Corporation, Franz Keil GmbH, Toyota Boshoku, and others. These companies are expanding their presence through strategic alliances, the acquisition of regional players, and the introduction of advanced and comfortable seats. For instance,

• In September 2021, GRAMMER AG announced that Otokar/Iveco, a bus manufacturer, has awarded the contract to the company to supply high-quality bus driver’s seats to Otokar, Turkey. Driver seats based on the MSG 90.6 from Grammer’s modular seat system (MSG stands for “Modular Seat Generation”) will be fitted to the new buses. They offer professional drivers top ergonomics and optimum comfort, including individual damper, height and seat cushion adjustment, pneumatic lumbar support, intuitive operation, and a vibration warning system.

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