Market Trends of Asia-Pacific Automotive Seat Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the APAC Automotive Seat Market according to our research experts:
Increase in Electric Vehicle Production
The factor which is likely to fuel the demand of the automotive seat industry in Asia-Pacific is the growing production of electric vehicles. Ventilated seats, which are used in electric vehicles, will witness a surge in demand over the future years, as more customers start purchasing electric vehicles. As China is the leader in the electric vehicle market, the demand for ventilated seats is likely to witness significant growth over the forecast period in the region.
Top automotive OEMs and seat manufacturers have started spending of huge amount on research and development of seats. The revolution started from the child safety seat, lightweight seats to automatically adjustable seats. Also, autonomous cars are revolutionizing the seating arrangements and car interiors.
For instance, in 2016, Faurecia forms a joint-venture with German automaker Borgward in China to jointly develop complete seats for Borgward vehicles.
Whereas, in 2019, Panasonic unveiled SPACe-L, an autonomous cabin in which seats are positioned against each other. Similarly in 2018, Adient's AI18 concept vehicle seating system which provides a flexible, lightweight, and compact features for urban electric mobility vehicles. These futuristic seats have hidden sensors that are capable of providing intelligent telehealth services while traveling.
China to Capture the Major Market Share
China, being the global automotive manufacturing hub, has the presence of numerous industry participants, in which most of the foreign industry leaders have their joint venture with the local manufacturers. Adient PLC which is one of the leading players in the automotive seating market has many joint ventures in the Asia-Pacific market.
For instance, in 2020, Adient made certain changes to their existing joint venture relationships with Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd. (Yanfeng). Adient has agreed to sell its 30 percent ownership stake in YFAI to Yanfeng for USD 379 million. Adient and Yanfeng are also extending the term of their YFAS joint venture to 2038.
Also, in 2017, Lear Corporation inaugurated its Asia headquarters and technical center located in the Yangpu District of Shanghai, China. Lear has a good presence in Asia with operations in more than 67 locations. It also has about 9 unconsolidated joint ventures in the Asia-Pacific region.
