Head-up Displays Expected to Gain Traction Among Automakers

Head-up display (HUD) has been used in the military for a long time to assist pilots in identifying their targets. However, it is beginning to garner mainstream attention, as reputed carmakers, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus incorporate it in their premium models.

A head-up display provides information, such as speed, navigation, and in some cases even information on popular eateries in a driver’s vicinity. HUD gives drivers access to all the useful information without having to look away from the road.

Some of the leading suppliers in the HUD market are Harman, Nippon, Seiki, Panasonic, and Delphi. As more automakers incorporate HUDs, the demand is expected to shoot up. Future Market Insights’ report forecasts the automotive head-up display market to expand at over 30% in terms of volume by 2025.

Fatalities and injuries caused due to road accidents have been a cause of concern for both the enforcement authorities and automakers. The automotive industry has been trying to incorporate a mix of technology and hardware to enhance passenger safety. Incorporation of HUD is a step in this direction.

Whenever a driver takes his eyes off the road, even momentarily, the risks of mishap increase. In a bid to ensure the drivers are looking straight ahead, automakers are banking on head-up display. With important information being displayed right on the windshield, the driver does not have the need to look at his odometer or GPS device to scout for information.

Although carmakers have touted the benefits of head-up displays, not everyone seems to be buying the idea. Safety advocates are of the opinion that too much information will actually increase the chances of distraction.

Among the numerous purported benefits of HUD, navigation seems to be garnering maximum attention, presumably because everyone hates to fiddle with their smartphone for directions in the peak rush hour. A car with an HUD will provide drivers step-by-step navigation by using augmented reality.

Snow, rainfall, fog, and other adverse driving conditions increase the risk of accidents as the visibility decreases to a great extent. However, with an HUD, the dependency on external weather conditions decreases substantially, as the road, line marks, and traffic conditions are projected on the windshield of the car. This, will not only enhance safety to a large extent, but also contribute to seamless flow of traffic.

Bluetooth calling and texting, and access to social media apps are other key factors that are being touted to become big in the next decade or so. These features will allow drivers to receive calls and hear text messages on the go.

As discussed previously, HUDs have their share of naysayers too. Most of the opposition for installation of HUDs is based on the level of distraction that too many icons will create. Proponents also argue that while HUDs make it easier to receive calls and text messages, it can also foster a situation which makes a driver lose his concentration. For example, arguments or a text message with bad news has the potential to disturb a driver more than not having a heads-up display.

Globally, North America and Western Europe are the two regions where incorporation of head-up display has been phenomenal. North America currently accounts for nearly one-third of the market globally, and HUDs are expected to gain traction in the next decade as well.

Overall, it can be said that in the future, more automotive companies will incorporate HUD in their models, fuelling the demand from the suppliers. The global HUD market is projected to reach US$ 1,728.8 Mn by 2025.

Related Market Research Report: Automotive Head-up Display (HUD) Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015 - 2025