Auto Dimming Mirror Market

Market Overview

The global auto-dimming mirror market size was valued at USD 2,265.23 million in 2022. It is expected to reach USD 3,545.18 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.1% during the projected period (2023–2031). The predicted rise of the auto dimming mirror market may be attributed to the increasing demand for innovative features and the expansion of the automobile industry.

An auto-dimming mirror controls or eliminates any glare caused by a tailing vehicle's headlights, improving drivers' visibility to drive safely. These mirrors are equipped with sensors, which detect light from the headlights of tailing vehicles through electrochromism to eradicate the glare by darkening the mirror. These mirrors comprise various advanced sensors and electrochromic material, which absorb and reflect light differently when an electric voltage is passed through them. These sensors search for a brighter light source at night or in a bad light.

Sensors create an electric charge using a low-voltage power supply housed within the mirror's interior. This happens whenever they detect a change in the level of light that is being reflected. This electric charge then travels through the electrochromic material and controls the dimming of interior and exterior mirrors. Auto-dimming mirrors form an integral part of a vehicle, as they greatly increase the safety of passengers and drivers. These types of mirrors can also house a variety of features, such as microphones, compasses, and safety camera systems.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for Advanced Features

An increase in demand for advanced features such as dimming mirrors, LED headlights, parking assists, and lightning assists in a vehicle is expected to boost the demand for auto-dimming mirrors worldwide. Although adding these advanced features increases the overall cost of the vehicle, consumers are prepared to spend more to access advanced, convenient, and comfortable features. Increasing sales of premium vehicles also positively impact the global auto dimming market. Sales of premium products by automotive OEMs have been strong, with manufacturers such as Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo – all reporting positive growth in their sales in 2018.

Furthermore, significant growth in the automotive sector is also expected to boost the demand for auto-dimming mirrors globally. For example, as per the India Brand Equity Foundation, the automotive industry in India was ranked 4th in the world, with sales of 4.02 million units in 2017. According to the same source, automobile exports grew by 14.5% from 2018 to 2019 and are estimated to register a CAGR of 3.05% from 2016 to 2026. Thus, increasing demand for advanced features, coupled with the growing automotive industry, is anticipated to propel the growth of the auto dimming mirror market.

Rising Need for Safety in Automobiles

Stricter government regulations coupled with increasing demand for passenger safety are anticipated to create strong momentum for the penetration of auto-dimming mirrors during the forecast period. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that 1.25 million people died in 2013 due to road accidents. The enhancement of vehicle safety measures can achieve the prevention of accidents. Auto-dimming mirror systems help prevent accidents by providing a wider range of visibility to the drivers while reducing the strain from the headlights of tailing vehicles.

Moreover, increasing government regulations are also expected to propel the market's growth. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency of the U.S. federal government, proposed changes encompassing assessment of crash-avoidance technologies, such as blind spot detection and lower beam headlamp performance. In addition, major auto-dimming glass manufacturers offer products with features such as blind spot detection to prevent accidents. For instance, Gentex, Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec (SMR) offers mirrors that include features such as side blind zone indicators, turn signal indicators, and courtesy lighting. Therefore, the rise in the need for safety features in automobiles propels the market's growth.

Market Restraint

High Cost Compared to Conventional Mirrors

The incorporation of supplementary functionalities, such as parking assist, lightning assist, blind spot detection, and Homelink, into an auto-dimming mirror results in an augmented price due to the necessity of additional sensors and display systems to support these capabilities. Moreover, a connected auto-dimming mirror requires complex linking of electronic systems and, thus, makes it difficult for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) installation. Conventional mirrors are relatively cheaper and easier to install than auto-dimming mirrors. Similarly, the rise in the adoption of display and camera-based systems by various OEMs is also expected to affect the market negatively. Thus, high cost, tedious installation procedures, and availability of substitutes such as display and camera-based systems are expected to restrain the growth of the global auto-dimming mirrors market.

Market Opportunities

Production of Cloud-Based Auto Dimming Mirrors

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud-based functionalities into auto-dimming mirrors is anticipated to experience significant growth, hence creating profitable opportunities on a global scale. These features include garage doors, wireless gate controls, temperature and tire pressure displays, GPS systems, blind spot detection, Bluetooth and hands-free communication, garage doors, home lighting, and other home automation capabilities.

Furthermore, various companies are focused on developing new products with these features to be competitive in the global market. For instance, in November 2019, Gentex Corporation launched three new products at the SEMA show 2019. The company unveiled a novel auto-dimming mirror featuring an integrated HomeLink button that can function via radio frequency and a cloud-based home automation system. Therefore, the production of cloud-based auto-dimming mirrors is anticipated to provide remarkable growth opportunities for players operating in the market.

Regional Analysis

Region-wise, the global auto dimming mirror market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Central and South America, and Middle East and Africa.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global auto-dimming market shareholder and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.31% over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific includes developing countries such as China, Japan, India, and South Korea, continuously improving advanced automobile technology. The region is the highest contributing region to the global market and is expected to maintain its lead during the forecast period. In addition, the automobile industry giants in the region are introducing a new range of vehicles with the feature of auto-dimming rearview mirrors, which is anticipated to boost the market's growth. For example, on February 3, 2020, Indian automaker Tata Motors unveiled the new Tata Harrier BS6, which features cutting-edge and novel innovations like auto-dimming rearview mirrors and a next-generation Kryotec diesel engine, propelling the market's expansion.

Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.41% during the forecast period. Europe includes countries such as France, the UK, Germany, and Italy. The European auto-dimming market is anticipated to exhibit remarkable growth owing to the focus of automobile manufacturers on developing innovative safety technologies for automobiles. Factors such as the rising need for advanced safety features in automobiles and the remarkable growth of the automotive industry are anticipated to propel the market growth and offer lucrative growth opportunities for companies operating in the European auto-dimming mirror market.

The North American region includes Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. The U.S. is the largest contributor in revenue in the North American auto-dimming mirror market. Prominent automotive manufacturers are launching a novel selection of automobiles incorporating enhanced mirror technology and refinement. This development is expected to drive the expansion of the auto-dimming mirror market in the North American region. For example, Mazda, a global carmaker based in Japan, introduced a new vehicle model called the Mazda2, incorporating an auto-dimming rearview mirror functionality.

Segmental Analysis

The global auto dimming mirror market is bifurcated into application, vehicle type, and fuel type. 

Based on the application, the global auto dimming mirror market is divided into inside and outside rear-view mirrors. 

The inside rear-view mirror segment dominates the global market and is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The inside rear-view mirror is fitted inside the car and is usually equipped with two sensors – an ambient sensor and a glare sensor. These mirrors often include additional electronic features such as microphones, lighting assist, HomeLink, driver assist, forward safety camera systems, compass, lighting systems, displays, and an ITM system. In addition, various companies offer inside rear-view dimming mirrors to cater to the increasing demand for auto-dimming mirrors. For instance, Magna International Incorporation, a global leader in manufacturing automobile parts, offers auto-dimming Electrochromic (EC) interior mirrors with integrated sensors to improve safety. Thus, introducing such auto-dimming products with innovative and advanced technology creates lucrative opportunities for the players in the industry.

Outside rear-view mirrors are powered by interior electrochromic rear-view mirrors. The outside mirrors usually range in shapes and sizes per automakers' specifications. These mirrors can also include additional features such as side blind zone indicators, turn signal indicators, and courtesy lighting. Positive growth in sales of exterior or outside rear-view dimming mirrors shows signs of a promising market for the global auto dimming mirror market. For instance, Gentex Corporation, a U.S.-based company manufacturing auto-dimming mirrors, reported sales of approximately 11.0 million exterior automatic-dimming mirrors in 2017, up 8.9% from 2016.

Based on vehicle type, the global auto dimming mirror market is categorized into passenger and commercial vehicles. 

The passenger vehicle segment is the highest contributor to the market and is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. Major automotive OEMs are providing auto-dimming mirrors in their cars to increase the safety of passengers and drivers. For instance, a luxury vehicle brand, Volvo, launched a Volvo XC40 passenger car with auto-dimming rearview mirrors. Such factors are predicted to drive demand for auto-dimming mirrors in passenger cars.

Light and heavy commercial vehicles make up the majority of commercial vehicles, which are typically used to deliver commodities. Compared to regular passenger automobiles, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) typically have more outside rearview dimming mirrors. Light commercial vehicles are in high demand; therefore, it makes sense that the number of cars equipped with auto-dimming mirrors will rise positively over the forecast time frame. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association in 2017, the European Union manufactured 19.6 million motor vehicles, of which 17 million were passenger cars and the remaining 2.6 million were commercial vehicles.

Based on fuel type, the global auto dimming mirror market is categorized as an internal combustion engine, hybrid, and electric. 

The internal combustion engine segment dominates the global market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. Internal combustion engines, or ICEs, generate energy using diesel, gasoline, biofuel, or natural gas. In an internal combustion engine, combustion and ignition occur within the engine, and the energy generated through this combustion is used to move the vehicle. Advancements in ICE vehicles and the rising need for safety have attracted automotive OEMs toward auto-dimming mirrors. For instance, in 2019, Porsche AG launched a luxury internal combustion engine car -the Porsche Cayenne S, with auto-dimming mirrors. Such instances are anticipated to propel market growth.

Recent Developments

• April 2023- Ficosa, a leading global company focused on creating, manufacturing, and promoting innovative vision, safety, and efficiency solutions for the automotive sector, anticipates selling over 7 million cameras by 2023. Ficosa's vision portfolio includes in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle cameras to drive solutions for improved safety and comfort in mobility.
• January 2023- Ficosa, a major global firm in the research, development, production, and marketing of advanced vision, safety, and efficiency solutions for the automobile industry, is still building future mobility. The company announced its entry into the in-cabin monitoring (ICM) segment through various disruptive projects it is developing for premium car manufacturers (OEMs).