Automotive Glass Market

Smart Glass Gaining Traction

Automotive glass is a critical aspect of vehicles, with frequent innovations fueling growth. Among the improvements, automotive smart glass market has been gaining major traction, especially in premium vehicle applications.

These materials generate higher levels of comfort for passengers, with superior functionality in security, privacy and temperature control, which will bolster market penetration in the years to come.

Smart glass options are rapidly finding growth in the production of sun and moon roofs, in line with changes with consumer bias, and car manufacturing companies especially in Europe. The development of advanced ADAS systems in new automobiles will also contribute to growth in the industry.

On the other hand, challenging conditions in US-China trade coupled with the economic slowdown from the coronavirus pandemic continue to hurt short term prospects.

Key Challenges

Despite the challenges of the coronavirus crisis, the prospects of the automotive glass market are largely positive in the long term. However, sustained growth will entail effective maneuvering through various challenges.

For instance, volatility in the pricing of raw materials required for the production of automotive glass, and the resulting gap between supplies and demand is a key challenge often facing manufacturers.

According to the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, inadequate standardization of glass quality is a problem in terms of safety from lacerations and ejection in accidents.

Also, automotive glass market players require high capital for research and development and the necessary infrastructure. Also, products needing certification have to go through stringent testing and regulations that restrain growth prospects in the industry.

Region-wise Insights

East Asia Automotive Glass Market

East Asia, led by China is a lucrative market for automotive glass, which is projected to account for more than 30% of the overall market share throughout the forecast period with an estimated value of over 8.5 billion in 2030.

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China accounts for nearly half of the global automotive production, and the growing demand for electric vehicles is expected to add more production plants in the region.

These initiatives are likely to bolster the scale of automotive production in East Asia, which will in turn contribute to the demand for automotive glass in the near future.

Europe Automotive Glass Market

Following East Asia, Europe is the second largest market for automotive glass. The rise in the number of electric vehicles, the vast, mature market for automobile and component production, and favorable policies implemented by the EU government are supporting factors for the market in the region.

Strict regulations imposed by governments in the region in terms of passenger and driver safety is a key factor propelling the demand for automotive glass production.

Europe is also witnessing increased demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, with buyers and vehicle manufacturers focusing on sustainability.

The increased sales of luxury vehicles with the demand for wide angle windshields and sunroofs contribute to market developments in the region.

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North America Automotive Glass Market

The North American market for automotive glass is been reflecting steady growth, largely driven by the presence of the large base of automotive manufacturers. The demand for automotive OEMs in the region has steadily gone up in recent years. Also, the demand from the automotive aftermarket glass market has gone up steadily.

The North American automotive glass market is influenced substantially by increased incorporation of ADAS systems by automotive OEMs, with the frequent introduction of new age technologies, such as smart glass for temperature control and HUD applications.

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Category-Wise Insights

Higher Production of Door Glass

Automotive glass finds use in the production of windshields, back glass, moon and sun roofs, door glass, quarter glass, and vent glass. Of these, door glass production accounts for substantial market share, which is likely to remain unchanged throughout the forecast period.

The relatively higher value of automotive door glass market can be largely attributed to the larger volume of glass materials required in the production of these products for every vehicle. Moon/sun roof applications are expected to reflect relatively faster growth on the back of growing premium passenger car sales.

Preference Towards Tempered Glass

Automotive glass is primarily available to vehicle owners in two variants, including tempered and laminated options. Tempered glass remains highly sought-after accounting for more than 65% of the global market share during the assessment period

The strong demand for tempered glass in the automotive sector can largely be attributed to high strength and low-cost characteristics, making is a popular choice for vehicle windows. On the other hand, laminated windows are gaining traction owing to their abilities to remain intact even after major impacts.

High OEM Sales

In terms of sales channels, automotive glass is sold through original equipment manufacturers (OEM), and the aftermarket. OEM sales will remain prominent, accounting for over 80% of the market share through 2030.

Efforts by OEMs to standardize their offerings and innovations towards road safety and heads up display functionality will be a key factor in contributing to the global demand for the foreseeable future, driven strongly by the transition towards electric vehicles.

Demand Higher from Mid-size Passenger Cars Segment

Automotive glass finds use in passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles. Of these, particularly in mid-size configurations account for a larger market share. The lead of the segment is not likely to change through the forecast period.

The widespread use of automotive glass in passenger cars can be attributed to the growing application in electric vehicles coupled with changes in consumer bias with growing preference for sun and moon roofs in the industry.

Competitive Landscape

Automotive glass manufacturers are focusing increasingly on product development and launch strategies in a fairly fragmented global market. In addition, manufacturers are also investing in capacity and geographic expansions to keep up with international demand in the auto production sector.

The coronavirus crisis has resulted in the temporary closure of automotive businesses around the world, hurting short term prospects of automotive glass producers. However, the demand arising from the nascent but fast-growing electric vehicle sector will enable a fast recovery in the near future.

Saint-Gobain S.A. has announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in China based JJG Group for the flat glass production line, with an annual capacity of around 160,000 tons. The move will strengthen the flat glass supplies for Sekurit automotive glass production centers.

Also, Saint-Gobain S.A. has announced the development of a new flat glass production line in Saltillo, Mexico, for international supplies of automotive glass.

Asahi Glass Co. Ltd. has announced the development of a new float glass plant in Taloja, India, aimed towards glass production for the automotive and construction sectors, with a capacity of 550 tons per day.

The company has also introduced a new dark green UV cut glass aimed towards application in passenger cars in India as an alternative to the illegal use of conventional tinted glass in the country.

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd. has announced an expansion worth US$45 million for a new automotive glass plant in Montgomery, Ohio, which will include equipment purchases and research and development investment.

The company has also given HHH Tempering Resources for additional continuous furnaces for the company’s US facility.

Aside from these players, other major players in the industry include:

• Duro Automotive Systems
• Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd.
• Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd.
• Central Glass Co. Ltd.
• Glas Trosch Holding AG
• Gentex Corporation
• Magna International Inc.
• Vitro S.A.B. de C.V.
• Guardian Industries Corporation

This list is only indicative – The full list of automotive glass players is available on request.

Automotive Glass Industry Report: Scope

Key Questions Answered by the Report

• What is the size of the automotive glass market?

  The global automotive glass market share is estimated to reach a valuation of over US$ 16.8 billion in 2020. The market is likely to grow at a 4% CAGR between 2020 and 2030.

• Which is the largest market for automotive glass?

  East Asia is the largest market for automotive glass. Growth in electric vehicles segment is a key driver

• Which are the top companies in automotive glass market?

  Some of the leading companies operating in the market are Dura Automotive Systems, Saint Gobain S.A., Asahi Glass Co. Ltd., Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd., Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd., Central Glass Co. Ltd., Glas Trosch Holding AG, and Gentex Corporation among others.

• What are the applications of automotive glass?

  Automotive glass is largely used for a visibility for drivers and passengers in vehicles, in compliance with automotive safety standards imposed around the world. Also, automotive glass is also finding new use with the development of HUD technologies.

• In what types are automotive glass available?

  Automotive glass is available in two types. These include laminated glass and tempered glass. Of these, tempered automotive glass witnesses higher demand, accounting for over 65% of the overall market share through 2030.

Enquiry before Buying

• Is this research conducted by Future Market Insights?

  Yes, the research has been conducted by expert analysts of Future Market Insights through a combination of primary research and secondary research. To know more about how the research was conducted, you can speak to research analyst.

• What research methodology is followed by FMI?

  FMI follows a methodology that encompasses demand side assessment of the market, and triangulates the same through supply side analysis. This methodology is based on use of standard market structure, methods and definitions.

• Who are the respondents for primary research?

  FMI speaks to stakeholders across the spectrum, including C-level executives, distributors, product manufacturers, industry experts. For a full list of primary respondents, please reach out to us.

• What are the sources of secondary research?

  FMI conducts extensive secondary research through proprietary databases, paid databases, and information available in the public domain. We refer to industry associations, company press releases, annual reports, investor presentations, and research papers. More information about desk research is available upon request. 

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Key Segment

Application

• Windshield
• Back Glass
• Door Glass
• Quarter Glass
• Vent Glass
• Moon/Sun Roof

Glass Type

• Laminated Glass
• Tempered Glass

Sales Channel

• Original Equipment Manufacturer
• Aftermarket

Vehicle Type

• Passenger Vehicles
  • Compact
  • Mid-size
  • Luxury
  • SUV
• Light Commercial Vehicles
• Heavy Commercial Vehicles
• Electric Vehicles
  • BEV(Battery Electric Vehicles)
  • HEV(Hybrid Electric Vehicles)
  • PHEV(Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles)

Regional Outlook

• North America (U.S., Canada)
• Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Rest of LATAM)
• Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K., BENELUX, Spain, Russia, Rest of Europe)
• South Asia & Pacific (India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of South Asia & Pacific)
• East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea)
• Middle East & Africa (Turkey, South Africa, Rest of MEA)