PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1636019
PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1636019
The global automotive airbag inflator market size reached USD 5.2 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 7.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% during 2025-2033. The increasing demand for luxury vehicles, rising popularity of ride-sharing services, and the growing trend of consumer lawsuits against auto manufacturers for inadequate safety measures are some of the major factors propelling the market.
An automotive airbag inflator is a device used in cars to inflate airbags during a collision. It contains a solid propellant, often a mixture of chemicals, which undergoes a rapid exothermic reaction when ignited. It can be equipped in the steering wheel, door panels, or dashboard and triggered by sensors that detect a crash. It serves as an essential part of the overall safety system of the vehicle. It provides rapid expansion of the airbag to cushion passengers and reduce injury.
The increasing consumer need for passenger, autonomous, and luxury vehicles due to rapid urbanization and inflating income levels is strengthening the growth of the market. Moreover, the rising popularity of ride-sharing services is catalyzing the need for high safety standards in vehicles, including automotive airbag inflators. In addition, the growing trend of consumer lawsuits against auto manufacturers for inadequate safety measures is driving the installation of multiple airbags in vehicles. Apart from this, the increasing emphasis on driver and passenger safety on account of the expanding number of fatal road accidents is favoring the growth of the market. Furthermore, the growing installation of automotive airbag inflators in commercial vehicles, including delivery vans, buses, and trucks, to rescue the occupant in the event of a collision is influencing the market positively.
Increase in safety regulations
One of the key factors driving the demand for automotive airbag inflators is the tightening of safety regulations around the world. Governing agencies are becoming increasingly stringent about vehicle safety standards to reduce road fatalities and injuries. Many countries now have stringent laws regarding the inclusion of airbags in all new cars. This is a direct response to the statistical evidence linking airbags with reduced risk of severe injury during accidents. The stringent safety norms are compelling automobile manufacturers to integrate advanced airbag systems, thereby boosting the market for airbag inflators.
Rise in consumer awareness
With an increase in awareness about road safety, consumers are becoming more conscious of the safety features in a vehicle. Social media campaigns, consumer reviews, and increased media coverage on vehicle safety tests have educated buyers about the importance of airbags. As a result, even in emerging markets, where cost is often a major factor in car buying decisions, consumers are willing to pay a premium for vehicles equipped with advanced safety features, including efficient airbag inflators. This surge in consumer demand directly impacts the growth of the airbag inflator market.
Growing vehicle production
The global automotive market is experiencing significant growth, especially in developing countries where an emerging middle class is contributing to increased vehicle ownership. As more cars are manufactured to meet this demand, the need for safety features like airbags naturally rises. This increased vehicle production creates a direct and growing demand for automotive airbag inflators, making it a crucial factor for market expansion.
Driver Airbag
Passenger Airbag
Curtain Airbag
Knee Airbag
Pedestrian Protection Airbag
Side Airbag
Curtain airbag dominates the market
Driver airbag inflators are specially designed to protect the driver during a head-on collision. Typically located in the steering wheel, the driver airbag needs to inflate rapidly and uniformly to cushion the driver effectively. These inflators contain a solid propellant that undergoes a rapid chemical reaction upon ignition, filling the airbag instantly.
Pyrotechnic
Stored Gas
Hybrid
Pyrotechnic holds the largest share in the market
Stored gas inflators operate differently than their pyrotechnic counterparts. These inflators use a cylinder filled with compressed gas, commonly argon or nitrogen, instead of a solid propellant. When the sensors of airbag systems detect a collision, the airbag control unit sends an activation signal to release the stored gas.
Passenger Car
Commercial Vehicle
Passenger car dominates the market
Commercial vehicles include a wide range of vehicle types, such as trucks, buses, and vans, and often prioritize durability and reliability over comfort. These vehicles can be exposed to more challenging driving conditions, including long hours of operation, heavy loads, and a greater range of environmental conditions. As such, stored gas inflators are often preferred for their robustness and lower sensitivity to temperature and moisture. The focus here is more on durability and long-term reliability, given the extended service life and harsher operating conditions these vehicles can encounter.
North America
United States
Canada
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Others
Europe
Germany
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Spain
Russia
Others
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Others
Middle East and Africa
Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest automotive airbag inflator market share
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.
The increasing public awareness via media campaigns on road safety represents one of the primary factors bolstering the market growth in the Asia Pacific region. Moreover, rising preferences for autonomous vehicles are contributing to the market growth in the region. Besides this, the growing number of strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&As) is influencing the market positively.
North America is estimated to witness stable growth, owing to government initiatives, product innovation, extensive research and development (R&D) activities, etc.
The leading companies are integrating sensors in vehicles that work in harmony with airbag inflators and can detect the severity of a collision, the position of seats, and whether seat belts are fastened. They are also launching advanced airbag systems that have the capability for variable inflation rates based on the crash severity, occupant size, and other factors and allow for softer or harder inflation to minimize injury and provide optimum protection. Moreover, key players are developing environment friendly automotive airbag inflators that aim to reduce the impact on the environment without compromising safety performance. They can also be incorporated with other vehicle safety systems like seatbelt pre-tensioners and active head restraints that aim to provide an overall safer environment in the event of a collision.
ARC Automotive Inc.
Autoliv Inc.
Daicel Corporation
Joyson Safety Systems
Nippon Kayaku Co. Ltd.
Kindly note that this only represents a partial list of companies, and the complete list has been provided in the report.