Publication Month: Apr 2021 | Report Code: TIPRE00006211 | No. of Pages: 199 | Category: Chemicals and Materials | Status: Published
Automotive fabrics are available in the form of woven or nonwoven and coated or composite type. These fabric materials are quite flexible, and they possess features such as UV ray resistance and cold cracking. They are durable and lightweight in design. Automotive fabrics aim to provide seating comfort, as well as promote the overall aesthetic appearance and experience. The materials used in preparation of such fabrics play a significant role in promoting car efficiency along with ensuring safety and adding to overall quality of the vehicle. The growth of the market is strongly driven by advancements in technology, along with preference toward superior comfort and high-quality materials. Moreover, rapid urbanization, economic growth, and surge in demand for automobiles accessories are expected to boost the demand for automotive fabrics.
In 2019, Asia Pacific contributed to the largest share in the global automotive fabric market. The growth of the automotive fabric market in this region is primarily attributed to the presence of strong industrial base along with prominent manufacturers significantly contributing to market growth. Growth of the automotive sector in the developing countries such as China and India provides lucrative opportunities for the growth of the automotive fabric market in Asia Pacific. Further, rapid urbanization along with significant growth in population is favoring the market growth in the region. The easy accessibility and availability of raw materials, coupled with cheap labor and low production cost, is yet another factor boosting the market growth in the region.
The COVID-19 pandemic was first reported in Wuhan (China) during December 2019. As of April 2021, the US, India, Brazil, Russia, France, the UK, Turkey, Italy, and Spain are among the worst-affected countries in terms of confirmed cases and reported deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic is hindering economies and industries in various countries due to lockdowns, travel bans, and business shutdowns. In addition, the global travel bans imposed by countries in Europe, Asia, and North America are disrupting the business collaborations and partnerships opportunities. All these factors are adversely affecting the chemicals & materials industry, which is restraining the growth of the automotive fabric market.
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The focus on developing enhanced automotive interior and exterior aesthetics and properties has been increased owing to a shift in consumer lifestyle. The use of advanced and functional textiles and fabrics is not restricted to promoting a vehicle appearance but they are also used to promote safety and performance of vehicle. Hence, the demand for automotive fabric has been driven by rising consumer focus toward safety, quality, and aesthetic properties. The evolution of advanced textile materials with multifunctional properties, coupled with rise in incidence of accidents and mishaps associated with vehicle’s inefficiency, is among the other factors proliferating the market growth. The automotive fabric market is positively influenced by the stringent safety regulations formulated and incorporated by the governments in various economies. The mandatory installation and use of seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock braking systems to promote in-vehicle safety are expected to increase the demand for high performing fabric material. For instance, the Bharat National Car Assessment Programme formulated by the Government of India incorporates its own safety authority, which rates the vehicle based on in-vehicle safety, feature, and performance. All such initiatives undertaken by governments are strongly contributing toward spreading awareness about the safety features to be deployed in vehicles, thereby driving the automotive fabric market.
Further, increasing focus on safety is another factor promoting the demand for advanced and safe automotive fabric materials. For instance, safety standards such as FMVSS 302 (USA), SAE J369, and ISO 3795 (all similar standards) have been formed to minimize the instances of deaths and injuries occurring due to weak interiors of a vehicle. Such standards regulate the use of fabric material in the preparation of car components such as seat backs, cushions, belts, headlining, armrests, trim panels, compartment shelves, floor coverings, curtains, mattress, and airbags. As per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International, the automotive material suppliers are expected to conform to the standards framed under ASTM International Committee E28 to meet the quality benchmarks. Among various subcommittees, E28 is highly committed to maintaining almost 60 standards pertaining to ductility, formability, indentation hardness, and residual stress, among others. All such factors are expected to promote the use of advanced, high quality, and safe fabric material in automotive applications.
Based on component, the automotive fabric market is categorized into carpet, headliner, hood liner, insulation, seat covering material and others. In 2019, the carpet segment held the largest share of the global automotive fabric market. Different materials are used by manufacturers to design automotive carpets, as per suitability. Amongst others, textile are predominantly being used in designing carpet. Such fabrics are exclusively designed by a needle-punched nonwoven or tufted fabric. Polyester (PET), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), viscose (rayon) and Aramid are preferably used as the fiber material in designing carpet material to enhance automotive interiors. The use of automotive textile in carpet components approximately weighs down to 4.5 kg. Manufacturer such as Freudenberg are involved in production of primary and secondary carpet backing using spunlaid polyester in automotive industry. Further, it is quite imperative for manufacturer to offer products complying with government requirements and safety standards.
Other than textiles, the use of artificial leather have gained prominence over the years. The use of leather in carpet helps to creates unique self-design along with adding style and unparalleled protection to the vehicle floor. With the rapid advancement, the use of improved leather textured carpets has risen, which can be easily maintained and are quite durable. Further, natural or genuine leather or artificial suede are also used to promote the aesthetic features of floor; however, the use of these material are proportionally less than others. Several manufacturers are involved in developing such material to cater to rising demand. For instance, Hydes is OEM leather supplier which is involved in supplying original and authentic % automotive leather along with other fabrics and materials for carpet components.
In terms of material, the global automotive fabric market is segmented into textiles, artificial leather, genuine leather, and artificial suede. The textiles segment led the automotive fabric market with the largest market share in 2019. Automotive textiles are often categorized as non-apparel textiles which significantly find applications in cars, trains, buses, and other vehicles. Automotive textiles consist of different types of textile components such as yarn fibers, filaments, and fabrics. These textiles are counted as an essential aspect of technical textile and are extensively used in in-vehicle applications to promote aesthetic and ensure safety and quality.. Other than the interior trim applications, these textiles are also ideal to be used to reinforce tires, hoses, safety belts, and other such parts. Textile materials are used in preparation of covering materials to ensure interior trim and provide comfort. They are used for reinforcement as well. Technical textiles are one of the fastest growing segments owing to their properties and diversified use in automotive parts and components. With the growth of automotive industry and rise in sales of vehicles, the demand for textiles is expected to rise.
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Key players operating in the global automotive fabric market include SEIREN CO., LTD; SUMINOE TEXTILE CO., LTD.; Kyowa Leather Cloth; SAGE AUTOMOTIVE INTERIORS INC.; and Lear Corporation. Major players in the automotive fabric market are focused on strategies such as mergers and acquisitions and product launches to increase the geographical presence and consumer base globally. For instance, in 2019, Scottish Leather Group expanded its production capacity. Scottish Leather Group Limited, a UK-based leather manufacturer, has announced to open a new factory in Renfrewshire by 2020.
The List of Companies - Automotive Fabric Market
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