Automotive Switches Market

Market Overview

The global automotive switches market size was valued at USD 28,658.1 million in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 66,815.6 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period (2022–2030).

The global automotive industry has undergone a profound transformation. The ever-increasing demand for passenger safety and comfort compels vehicle manufacturers to create new design experiences by efficiently incorporating new technologies and procedures. The dramatic shift from mechanical to electronic components is anticipated to significantly increase the demand for automotive switches over the forecast period. Switches are essential vehicle components because they regulate all electrical components installed in a vehicle.

Automotive switches are crucial in controlling the vehicle's lighting and nearly all other functions. In addition, they are utilized for engine start/stop applications and several other automotive parts. Increasing technological advancements and rising demand for car accessories installation is anticipated to drive the global market for automotive switches over the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Market Driving Factors

Growing Demand for Automotive Switches in Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles are beneficial for promoting urbanization and industrialization, particularly in developing nations around the globe. These components are widely used in passenger and commercial vehicle electrical systems. Manufacturers are installing an increasing number of automotive switches to provide comfortable, convenient, and safe interior settings for vehicles such as buses, trucks, and vans. Several automotive switches have been introduced to the market by companies like Carling Technologies in response to the growing demand for convenient and user-friendly automotive switches.

The product is well-suited for various commercial vehicles due to its three-position lever, multi-position rotary, and momentary pushbutton functions. OEMs integrate electronics strategically to improve user functionality and appeal. Electronic component manufacturers are experiencing an increased demand for cable assemblies, switches, connectors, and other electronic technologies that enhance the safety and comfort of commercial vehicles. As a result, the growing number of automotive switches installed in commercial vehicles is expected to drive the global automotive switches market over the forecast period.

Rising Demand for Automatic Automotive Switches to Boost Market Progress

Automotive switches manage the entire electrical system installed in a vehicle. They are necessary for controlling a vehicle's various functions, including the lights, engine start/stop, mirror controls, etc. Even though manual automotive switches can perform these functions, automatic switches are gaining immense popularity worldwide due to the added convenience they provide by functioning automatically. These switches decrease driver distraction and offer an enhanced safety feature. Automatic switches operate based on the responses sent by various sensors. They are typically installed in luxury automobiles and other high-end vehicles. When the light switch is set to auto, the headlamps turn on automatically in response to low ambient light conditions, such as when the vehicle enters a tunnel at sunset or during rain/snow.

Similarly, automatic switches improve the convenience of driving a vehicle by enabling the auto-dimming mirror action. In auto or self-dimming mirror technology, a front-facing sensor detects low surrounding light from the car's headlights and instructs the rear-view sensor to check for glare. The mirrors dim automatically based on the intensity of the glare, and they clear themselves if the sensors do not detect the glow. This technology is beneficial at night and prevents road accidents. Luxury automobile manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, and others, equip their vehicles with automatic automotive switches to improve the driving experience and passenger safety. Consequently, the increasing demand for automatic automotive switches is anticipated to propel the global market during the forecast period.

Market Restraining Factors

Use of Haptics and Voice Control Technologies to Restrict Market Growth

The safety of drivers has always been the top priority for automakers worldwide. Due to the numerous accidents that occur annually, incorporating technologies into a vehicle ensures passenger safety. Therefore, the automotive industry is continually searching for ways to enhance passenger safety. Haptic technology is one technology that can reduce driver distraction from infotainment screens and operating different automotive switches. This technology relates to the perception of touch, and the automotive industry is rapidly adopting it to provide drivers with a more intuitive and informed driving experience.

Large automakers are actively working to incorporate haptic technology into their vehicles. Globally, it is available in all new-generation Audi automobiles. Audi refers to it as Multimedia Interface (MMI) Touch Response, in which the central touchscreen provides haptic feedback and a unique sound for each touch. In-car voice control is another technology that is gaining traction in the automotive industry. This technology eliminates the need for the driver to divert their attention away from the road by requiring only voice commands from the driver to activate multiple functions in a vehicle. Numerous global players have adopted this technology, including Mercedes, BMW, Ford, and Toyota. As a result of reducing the number of automotive switches installed in a vehicle, the technologies above are expected to impede the expansion of the global market for automotive switches.

Key Market Opportunities

Growing Implementation of Electronic Systems in Vehicles to Boost Market Opportunities

In recent decades, mechanical switches have been used to control most of a vehicle's functions and applications. Original equipment manufacturers have begun replacing mechanical switches with electrical ones. Numerous manufacturers are installing more electronics in automobiles in response to the growing demand for more convenient and intelligent operation of a vehicle's various functions. They are more responsive, operate quickly, and are cost-effective than mechanical switches. In passenger vehicles and light and heavy commercial vehicles, the use of electronics improves comfort, connectivity, efficiency, and safety. It is anticipated that electronics will contribute significantly to the overall cost of automobiles.

Electronic or electromechanical switches used in modern automobiles, such as rockers, toggles, pushbuttons, and others commonly found in every 12-volt electrical system in an automobile and perform various functions, including turning on the lights and controlling vital systems. With the increasing prevalence of automotive applications, the required performance of switching devices is evolving at an accelerated rate. The adoption of technologically advanced automotive switches is accelerating due to the widespread use of cutting-edge power devices with built-in intelligence features, such as safety and automatic diagnostics, for automobiles. Consequently, the increasing incorporation of electronics into automobiles is anticipated to drive the market for automotive switches over the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global automobile switches market is segmented into Type, Design, Vehicle Type, and Sales Channel.

On the Basis of Type

Based on type, the global automotive switches market is segmented into Ignition Switches, HVAC Switches, Steering Wheel Switches, Window Switches, Overhead Console Switches, Seat Control Switches, Door Switches, and Hazard Switches.

The HVAC switches dominate the global automotive switches market and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) automotive switches provide a required level of comfort inside an automobile's cabin. It is dominating the others. Luxury automobiles involve motorized flaps and blowers distributed across the cabin. Multifunction switches, the second dominating, bring several functions closer to the driver and facilitate the control of the lights, windshield wipers, and others. The primary benefit of a multi-purpose switch is that it reduces the likelihood of a driver becoming distracted while searching for different controls in a vehicle. Several systems in an automobile, such as the cruise control system, the infotainment system, and other customized system controls that are mounted on the steering wheel, are controlled and operated by steering wheel switches. Steering wheel switches, the third dominating, facilitate the operation of general functions, such as infotainment functions, while enhancing driver safety.

On the Basis of Design

Based on the design, the global automotive switches market is segmented into Rocker Switches, Rotary Switches, Toggle Switches, and Push Switches.

The push switches segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. Pushbuttons have surpassed all others in popularity as automotive start-stop buttons in recent years. In addition to making starting and stopping a vehicle more convenient, they are designed to make vehicles more secure. As no physical key is required to start a vehicle with a start-stop push switch, vehicle theft is deterred. More than two electrical circuits can be connected using automotive rotary switches as they are the second dominating. They provide superior throw and pole capabilities, making them ideal for automatic climate control, entertainment systems, voice and data communication, and radio frequency selection, among other applications. The most common type of switch controls power windows, defogger grids, heated seats, and other features. Simple rocker switches are standard in automotive systems. This switch, which serves as an electric door lock, turns off when the force is released or when a timer is deactivated in some vehicles.

On the Basis of Vehicle Type

Based on vehicle type, the global automotive switches market is divided into Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles, and Heavy Commercial Vehicles.

The heavy commercial vehicles segment is dominating the global automotive switches market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% during the forecast period. Increased demand for safe, convenient, and comfortable automotive interior switches in various vehicle types drives the segment's growth over the forecast period. The addition of electrical systems for enhancing the convenience and performance of the operations of heavy commercial vehicles increases demand for automotive switches. Modern navigation, AI, advanced computing, and sensor technologies offer light commercial vehicle automotive switches growth opportunities. Passenger cars have at least four wheels and up to eight seats, including the driver's seat. Sales are increasing due to electrification and government regulations for global passenger vehicle safety technologies. Passenger car switches are mainly button, rotary, and rocker types for controlling windows, mirrors, A/C, and other vehicle components. Automobiles have short-travel tactile switches.

On the Basis of Sales Channel

Based on the sales channel, the global automotive switches market is segmented by OEM and Aftermarket.

The aftermarket segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period. Aftermarket automotive switch manufacturers make switches for a variety of cars. Aftermarket switches improve a car's performance. Modern technologies like power semiconductors, sensors, and microcontrollers help the auto industry adopt aftermarket switches. It adds capabilities to a vehicle, such as a light bar, and offers technology-based solutions—original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) manufacture and market components for integration into another company's products. The switches control automotive functions such as turn indicators, power windows, seats, sensors, and ignition systems.

Regional Analysis

The global automotive switches market is divided into four regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Asia-Pacific contributed the most to the global automotive switches market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period. Demand for automotive switches throughout the region results from the global increase in automobile sales. The expansion of the market for automotive switches is attributable to the rise in vehicle sales in developed North American nations. The European region's technological progress aids the development of new products in the automotive switches industry. The expanding economies of Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and the increase in vehicle production, are propelling the expansion of automotive switches in the region. It is anticipated that these factors will spur the development of the automotive switches market over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific and Europe accounted for approximately 79 percent of the market share in 2019, with Asia-Pacific comprising roughly 59.6 percent of the market share.

Recent Developments

• March 2022- Switch Mobility pegs production of the first set of buses from the manufacturing unit in Spain within 12 months

Automotive Switches Market Segmentation

By Type

• Ignition Switches
• HVAC Switches
• Steering Wheel Switches
• Window Switches
• Overhead Console Switches
• Seat Control Switches
• Door Switches
• Hazard Switches
• Multi-purpose Switches
• Others

By Design

• Rocker Switches
• Rotary Switches
• Toggle Switches
• Push Switches
• Other Switches

By Vehicle Type

• Passenger Cars
• Light Commercial Vehicles
• Heavy Commercial Vehicles

By Sales Channel

• Original Equipment Manufacturers
• Aftermarket

By Regions

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• LAMEA