Steering Wheel Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Technology Type (Normal and Embedded Control), By Size (Small, Medium, and Large), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle), and Regional Forecasts, 2021-2028

The global steering wheel market size was USD 18.20 billion in 2020. The market is projected to grow from USD 19.3 billion in 2021 to USD 32.9 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 7.87% in the projected period. The global impact of COVID-19 is unprecedented and overwhelming, with steering wheels experiencing negative demand shocks in all regions during the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market recorded a 17% lower growth in 2020 than the average year-on-year growth in 2017-2019. The increase in CAGR will be driven by demand and growth in this market and will return to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

A steering wheel is a hand wheel that helps drive the vehicle in the required direction. More and more functions have shifted from the console or dashboard to the steering in recent years. Furthermore, the steering of a vehicle is related to consumer driving safety. For instance, vehicles from Toyota, such as Yaris and Proace, have multi-function steering that offers access to a rising number of features from cruise control to air conditioning controls.

New Vehicle sales declined in COVID-19, hindering market growth

The global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease has a severe impact on the overall automotive industry, especially the market value and supply chain players have been heavily disturbed due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the world. Starting in China, suppliers around the globe placed production lines in quarantine or shut them down completely. Legal and trade restrictions, such as closed borders, shortage of required parts, and limited supplies, mainly for raw materials from Asia, including steel parts, paints, and machinery, have adverse effects on the market growth. This led in a substantial delay in fulfilling existing orders. A limited parts supply and a just-in-time production strategy, including quarantine measures and reduced workforce, lead OEMs to pack up their production. This is enhanced by the necessity to secure liquidity and reduce overproduction due to decrease in sales. Electric vehicles demand remains high, and sales are rebounding, despite a brief drop in sales at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. The market is expected to register significant growth shortly, owing to rise in vehicle sales, advanced features, and advanced technology development by automobile OEMs. Companies, such as Autoliv Inc and ZF Friedrichshafen AG, have witnessed a significant decline of around 10%-13% in their revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. The production of steering wheels has been hampered due to lack of raw material availability and high import taxes.
Although it is difficult to predict the duration of the pandemic, the deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine in early 2021 is expected to benefit the automotive industry.

LATEST TRENDS 

Advanced Direct Adaptive Steering and Steer By Wire Technology set a Positive Trend for Market Growth

OEMs worldwide are focusing on advanced features and development of technology in the product to enhance driver safety, comfort, and reduce vehicle weight. Steering makers are working on advanced design, such as direct adaptive steering, to ease their use for the drivers. For instance, Nissan developed a direct advanced adaptive steering that gives an impression of excellent propulsion on various road surfaces. Moreover, the technology is beneficial on bumpy roads or lousy road surfaces where the driver is forced to grip the wheel tightly. Thus, development relating to the technologically advanced steering system and the company's primary focus on the same will set a positive trend for the market growth.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increase In Vehicle Production and Sales set a Positive Trend for Market Growth

Automotive steering wheels are required for all types of vehicles. Moreover, with an rise in the number of models and new types of vehicles entering the market, the demand for the product is expected to increase significantly. Furthermore, expanding middle-class population, rising disposable incomes, and growing urbanization will lead to a rise in the sale of all vehicle types, which further helps to boost the steering wheel market growth in the coming years.

Development of Advanced Technologies and Rising Demand for Safety Equipped Vehicle to Propel Market Growth

Due to rising comfort and safety features, steering manufacturers are forced to produce advanced steering such as direct adaptive steering, EPS steering, steer by wire, and others. Moreover, numerous governments have introduced stringent vehicle pollution and fuel economy rules. Regulatory authorities have adopted fleet-level requirements such as the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the U.S., the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) in Europe, and other organizations. These regulations have forced manufacturers to spend more on fuel-efficient steering technology such as electric power steering. Compared to typical hydraulic steering systems, electrically assisted power steering systems are lighter and more straightforward.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rise in Cost of Raw Materials Expected to Hamper Market Growth

Key challenges faced by the manufacturers are extremely complicated linkages, chances of overturning, and inflated costs. The connection of wires in the system is complex, and any failure can lead to severe consequences. Attributed to advancements in technology, the price of the product increased considerably and more components made the vehicle heavier.

SEGMENTATION

By Technology Type Analysis

Embedded Control Steering Technology Dominates Market due to Technological Advancements

Based on technology, the market is divided into normal steering and embedded control steering.

The embedded control steering segment holds the largest share globally, and is expected to lead during the forecast period due to technological advancement. For instance, steering manufacturers, such as Autoliv Inc, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, and Nexteer Automotive Corp, are working on advanced steering such as steer by wire, direct adaptive steering, and intuitive steering.

Normal or conventional steering will have low growth and low penetration in 2020. The normal steering segment accounted for 34.82% market share in 2020. The segment will witness low growth during the forecast period due to higher adoption of embedded control steering in all vehicles.

By Size Analysis

Small Wheel Size Segment Expected to Hold the Largest Market Share Owing to Higher Adoption in Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles

The market is segmented into small, medium, and large based on size.

The small segment is anticipated to hold maximum market share in the global market due to various factors, including rapid production & development of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in developing & developed countries. Furthermore, the medium segment is expected to hold the second-largest share in the market. The dominance can be attributed to multiple parameters, including rising production and sales of LCV and HCV vehicles. In addition, large segment accounted for 18.18% market share in 2020. The segment will witness low growth during the forecast period due to most OEMs' higher adoption of small and compact steering.

By Vehicle Type Analysis

Passenger Vehicle Segment Dominates the Market Owing to Increased Production of Passenger Cars

The market is divided into passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle based on vehicle type.

The passenger vehicle accounted for the largest share globally in the market and is expected to dominate during the forecast period. Due to rising individual disposable income, rising sales and production of passenger cars in developing countries will push this segment's growth. The passenger vehicle segment accounted for 69.70% market share in 2020. The commercial vehicle segment is also expected to witness lucrative growth during the forecast period. This is due to heavy-loaded vehicles' early replacement cycle and high production and sales of LCV and MHCV vehicles.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific stood at USD 9.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 17.2 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. The region is expected to dominate the global market as it is an automotive hub, which witnesses increasing vehicle production per year. This growth is attributed to rising preference for personal mobility in the post-COVID period that will boost automobiles and components such as steering wheels. The growing adoption of vital governmental initiatives, use of electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles are expected to promote the market development in the region during the forecast period.

Europe has the second-largest position in the market due to key players in this region. Consumer acceptance and shared mobility for electric and self-driving cars have the potential to drive market expansion in the region

The North America market, worth USD 3.8 billion in 2020, is expected to grow to USD 6.3 billion in 2028, with a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. Over the projected period, the market in North America is expected to rise rapidly. The regional market is aniticipated to grow due to increased government regulations for vehicle emissions, fast adoption rate of new technologies, and significant investment in product innovation.

The rest of the world market share adds very little to this market compared to other regions. This is due to lack of automotive OEMs and steering suppliers, low technology adoption, and lack of all types of vehicles. However, it is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% in future.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Strong Portfolio and Advanced Steering System Propelled Autoliv Inc, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, and Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd to Lead the Market

The market is consolidated due to its strong product portfolio and noteworthy distribution network of major companies in developed and developing countries.

The key players are focusing on providing technologically advanced automotive steering wheels. For instance, Autoliv Inc developed an intuitive steering. This HMI-based innovation uses touch technology and air gesture controls to keep the driver in complete control, exhibiting seamless transition between manual and automated driving.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Autoliv Inc (Sweden )


• ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany)


• JTEKT Corporation (Japan)


• Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd (Japan)


• Ningbo Joyson Electronics Co. Ltd (China)


• Nexteer Corporation (U.S.)


• Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd (South Korea)


• GKN Automotive (U.K.)


• Nihon Plast Co. Ltd (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2021 – Autoliv, Inc., a world leader in automotive safety systems, will build a new steering manufacturing plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The 30,000 sqm/322,000 sq ft facility can employ up to 3,000 people fully operating.


• July 2021- Autoliv, Inc., a global leader in automotive safety systems, opened up a new sound and vibration laboratory at Ogden Technical Center (OTC), which has been designed specifically for the development of automotive safety restraint equipment (airbags, seat belts, steering wheels).


• January 2021- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.'s newly launched "Rogue" in the North America market includes Electric Power Steering (EPS) with JTEKT Corporation's second-generation in-house MCU.


• July 2021 - Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. developed a new structure for the driver-side airbag that can better protect the occupant. This airbag is found on the new Honda Civic, which was released in June 2021 in North America.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global automotive steering wheel market report provides a detailed industry analysis and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, product types, and leading product applications. In addition, the report offers insights into the key market trends and highlights vital industry developments. Further, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market growth rate in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation