Automotive Ultrasonic Technologies Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Vehicle Type (ICE [Passenger Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles] and Electric Vehicle), By Application (Parking Assistance System, Blind Spot Detection, Collision Avoidance System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global automotive ultrasonic technologies market size was valued at USD 6.34 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 6.80 billion in 2023 to USD 11.76 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period.

Automotive ultrasonic technologies involve using ultrasonic sensors and systems in vehicles to enable various functionalities related to safety, convenience, and automation. Ultrasonic technology relies on sound waves with frequencies beyond the range of human hearing to detect objects and measure distances. These sensors emit ultrasonic pulses and then calculate the time it takes for the sound waves to bounce back after hitting an object, allowing them to determine the distance and location of the object. Ultrasonic sensors are extensively used in modern vehicles to enhance safety. They are commonly employed in parking assistance systems, blind spot detection systems, and obstacle detection. These sensors help drivers avoid collisions and navigate tight spaces with ease.

The automotive ultrasonic technologies market growth is expected to skyrocket since consumers increasingly seek vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that enhance driving safety and convenience. Ultrasonic technology is a key component of many ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic parking. Automakers are integrating more ultrasonic sensors into their vehicles on the account of increasing consumer demand. Governments and regulatory bodies globally are continuously pushing for enhanced vehicle safety standards. Ultrasonic sensors, integral to various safety systems, such as parking assistance, blind-spot detection, and collision avoidance, are in high demand. This emphasis on safety is a primary driver for the growth of ultrasonic technology in the automotive sector.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Semiconductor Shortage During the Pandemic Impacted the Automotive Ultrasonic Technologies Market Negatively

As economies globally faced uncertainty, consumer spending decreased, and demand for new vehicles declined. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the global supply chain, affecting the production and transportation of semiconductor materials and components. Trade restrictions and sanctions on specific countries, particularly key semiconductor manufacturers, such as Taiwan, further exacerbated the shortage. Car manufacturers rely on semiconductors for various electronic components in modern vehicles, from infotainment systems to engine management. The shortage has led to production delays and, in some cases, reduced vehicle availability.

Reduced vehicle sales affected the adoption of ultrasonic technology in new vehicles as automakers scaled back production to match lower demand. The decline in sales of vehicles due to the lockdown imposed was also one of the significant factors in the decline of the global market growth during the pandemic. According to the insights of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the sales of motor vehicles were down by 14% during the pandemic, which also adversely affected the market.

Despite the initial hurdles posed by the pandemic, the automotive sector and its supply chain progressively adjusted to the new circumstances. Manufacturers introduced safety measures to restart production, and, with time, consumer demand started to recover. The automotive industry has demonstrated resilience and adaptability to changing conditions. As the global economy recovers from the pandemic's impact, automakers continue to invest in advanced technologies, including ultrasonic sensors, to meet evolving consumer demands for safety and convenience.

LATEST TRENDS

Integration with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is Propelling the Market Growth

The automotive ultrasonic technologies market share is expected to surge due to vehicles' increasing integration with ADAS features, such as lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and traffic jam assist. This integration enhances vehicle safety and paves the way for higher levels of automation. Integrating ultrasonic sensors with ADAS enhances vehicle safety and driving convenience. ADAS is a collection of technologies and systems which are designed to assist drivers in their vehicles' operation and prevent accidents. Ultrasonic sensors are an essential component of many ADAS features. Many automakers are investing in automotive ultrasonic technologies to develop more advanced products to offer safety and reliability to their customers.

For instance, The Valeo Product Group is responsible for developing and producing a range of advanced automotive technologies, including one million ultrasonic sensors, radars, LiDARs, satellite-smart cameras, and compute units. These technologies are utilized with applications to identify obstacles in the vicinity of vehicles, ultimately enhancing the driving and parking experience by prioritizing safety.

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DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Demand for L3 and L4 Vehicles is anticipated to Boost the Market Growth

The increasing demand for Level 3 (L3) and Level 4 (L4) autonomous vehicles is expected to drive growth in ultrasonic sensor sales. These higher levels of vehicle automation rely on sophisticated sensors, including ultrasonic sensors, to enhance safety and enable various autonomous functions. As L3 and L4 vehicles become more prevalent, the need for advanced sensor technologies, such as ultrasonic sensors, will grow, further fueling sales in this sector. Consumer interest and regulatory support for autonomous vehicles continue growing, as does the demand for ultrasonic sensors. Manufacturers increasingly incorporate these sensors into their autonomous vehicle platforms to meet safety and performance requirements. All these factors are driving the demand for automotive ultrasonic technologies.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Replacement of Automotive Ultrasonic Technologies with other Alternative Solutions May Restrain the Market Growth

The market faces challenges and constraints due to the potential replacement of these sensors with alternative technologies. Ultrasonic sensors have been a staple in the automotive industry for their effectiveness in proximity detection and range, parking assistance, and obstacle avoidance. However, several factors contribute to the restraint on this market. The technological advancements in alternative sensor technologies, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and radar, have gained traction. LiDAR, in particular, offers high-resolution 3D mapping and object recognition, which can potentially surpass the capabilities of traditional ultrasonic sensors. This raises concerns about the long-term capability of ultrasonic sensors in specific applications. All these factors hampering the demand for these ultrasonic technologies.

SEGMENTATION

By Vehicle Type Analysis

The ICE Segment to Dominate owing to the Increasing Demand for ADAS Systems within Passenger Vehicles

The market is segmented based on vehicle type: ICE and electric vehicle. ICE is further segmented into passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.

The ICE vehicle segment is projected to maintain dominance in the market, given the ongoing growth in demand for these vehicles. The anticipated boost in market growth is attributed to government policies and regulations focusing on passenger and vehicle safety. Furthermore, the expansion and modernization of vehicle fleets are driving the adoption of sensor technology in vehicles, contributing to market growth. The passenger vehicles segment in ICE vehicles is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The growth of the passenger vehicle has a direct and profound impact on the market. As the demand for passenger cars increases, so does the potential for ultrasonic sensor installations. The growth of ultrasonic sensors in passenger vehicles has been significant in recent years, primarily driven by the increasing demand for advanced safety and driver assistance features. Automotive ultrasonic technologies play a crucial role in enhancing passenger vehicle safety, convenience, and automation.

The electric vehicle segment is projected to witness the most significant growth due to the rising demand for electric vehicles. Integrating electric vehicles into the automotive industry is expected to drive the demand for automotive ultrasonic technologies in the foreseeable future. For instance, Sony and Honda recently introduced the Afeela EV, which incorporates 45 sensors, including cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors.

By Application Analysis

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Increasing Traffic Congestion across Urban Areas Boosted the Parking Assistance System Segment Growth 

Based on the application, the market is segregated into parking assistance system, blind spot detection, collision avoidance system, adaptive cruise control, and others.

The parking assistance system segment held the largest share in 2022. Ultrasonic sensors are most widely used in parking assistance systems, which have become almost standard in modern passenger vehicles. These sensors help drivers navigate parking spaces by providing proximity alerts, reducing the risk of collisions with obstacles, other vehicles, or pedestrians. The increasing penetration of parking assistance in vehicles is anticipated to boost the market growth. Traffic congestion in urban areas is a significant issue, and finding a parking spot quickly can help alleviate congestion. Parking assistance systems can guide drivers to open spaces, reducing the time cars circling for parking, reducing traffic congestion, and lowering fuel consumption.

Collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot detection systems are expected to grow at a significant growth rate. Ultrasonic sensors are used in Collision Avoidance System that help drivers avoid accidents. These systems are precious in low-speed, urban driving environments and heavy traffic. As the demand for ADAS in vehicles is gaining prominence, the demand for ultrasonic systems in these applications is also increasing. Moreover, the other segment involving applications, such as obstacle detection and automated parking is also gaining significance and is expected to grow soon.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the World based on the region.

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Europe is set to dominate the global market throughout the projected period. European automotive manufacturers have been actively incorporating ultrasonic sensors to meet safety regulations and consumer demand for advanced driver assistance systems. The adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles has also driven the demand for ultrasonic sensors to enhance safety features and overall vehicle efficiency. European safety regulations and standards are stringent, pushing automakers to incorporate more advanced safety features. Ultrasonic sensors are an integral part of these safety systems. Moreover, European consumers are growing interested in vehicles equipped with ADAS features, which rely on ultrasonic sensors for functions, such as blind-spot detection, parking assistance, and collision avoidance.

In Europe, manufacturers are progressively integrating ADAS into their vehicle portfolios. This strategic move is a response to the growing demand for advanced features, leading them to introduce amplifiers as either standard or optional offerings to distinguish their vehicle lineup. This intense competition among manufacturers further stimulates the demand for automotive ultrasonic technologies across the region.

Asia Pacific is poised to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The Asian market is experiencing a robust increase in the demand for vehicle safety systems, and it is on a promising growth trajectory. Asia has a significant concentration of premium and luxury vehicle manufacturers known for equipping their vehicles with advanced safety systems, often featuring high-quality amplifiers to deliver exceptional in-car audio experiences.

The market in North America has grown significantly and is poised for further expansion. There has been an uptick in the sales of vehicles equipped with ADAS, contributing to the growing importance of ultrasonic sensors. These advanced systems enhance driver safety and provide added convenience, making them highly attractive to consumers in the North American market.

The market is also anticipated to grow in the rest of the world owing to the increasing vehicle fleet and rising interest in vehicle safety.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Continental AG to Become a Prominent Market Leader due to High R&D Initiatives

Continental AG, a global technology leader in mobility solutions, is at the forefront of ultrasonic sensor innovation for vehicles. Their sensors provide precise distance measurements, enhancing safety and comfort. Continuous R&D investments solidify Continental AG as a key player in the market, ensuring its lasting impact on the industry.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Continental AG (Germany)


• Texas Instruments Incorporated (U.S.)


• Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd (Japan)


• AG Electronics (India)


• Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany)


• Magna International Inc. (Canada)


• Elmos Semiconductor SE (Germany)


• TDK Electronics (Germany)


• VALEO (France)


• MInpin (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In July 2023, Valeo, the global provider of automotive technology, opened a second production line in Gujarat to manufacture ultrasonic sensors. The inauguration of this assembly line was presided over by Marc Vrecko, President of Valeo's Comfort and Driving Assistance Business Group.


• In June 2023, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. unveiled a new ultrasonic sensor device designed for automotive applications. Known as the MA48CF15-7N, this sensor offers exceptional sensitivity and quick response times, and it comes encased in a hermetically sealed package to safeguard against liquid penetration.


• In April 2023, TDK Corporation is highlighting its sensor advancements and the most recent passive components for a wide range of applications, such as automotive, industrial, and medical sectors, along with, intelligent motion, renewable energy, power electronics and energy management. TDK showcases various innovations, including magnetic and integrated motor control solutions, temperature and pressure sensors, piezoelectric (PVDF) sensors and actuators, ultrasonic sensor modules, acoustic data communication solutions, and accelerometers.


• In March 2023, Pepperl+Fuchs, a leading German sensor innovator, is advancing ultrasonic sensor technology for mobile machine applications with CAN integration. Machine manufacturers now have the option to incorporate E1-approved ultrasonic sensors featuring a built-in CAN interface into their mobile machines.


• In January 2022, Volvo intends to implement autonomous vehicle technology in an upcoming all-electric SUV, enabling the Vehicle to assume complete control of driving duties in specific, restricted scenarios. This SUV will be equipped with a combination of five radar sensors, eight cameras, and sixteen ultrasonic sensors, all seamlessly integrated and coordinated through software.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report provides detailed market analysis and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, services, and product applications. Besides this, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market's growth over recent years.

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