Market Trends of Europe Automotive Seat Industry
Increasing Demand for Aftermarket Upholstery Modifications May Drive the Market
- Aftermarket seats offer improved comfort and ergonomics, which are crucial factors driving the demand. Many customers seek seats that provide better lumbar support, cushioning, and adjustability to enhance their driving experience and reduce fatigue during long journeys.
- Further, performance-oriented seats designed for racing or sporty driving are gaining popularity among car enthusiasts. These seats often feature bolstering for better lateral support, lightweight construction, and racing-inspired designs.
- Sports seats, bucket seats, and racing-style seats are currently in high demand as these seats provide enhanced support and a sporty aesthetic. Additionally, ergonomic seats designed for long-distance driving, such as those with adjustable lumbar support and integrated ventilation, are also popular.
- As for materials, leather and faux leather are expected to remain in demand for their premium feel and durability. However, sustainable and eco-friendly materials like recycled fabrics and vegan leather alternatives are gaining traction due to increasing environmental consciousness.
- In the wake of soaring demand for comfortable and aesthetically appealing seats, companies are launching such products in order to bridge the gap and capitalize on this evolving opportunity in the aftermarket modification market. The demand for aftermarket seats will continue to grow due to increasing customization preferences, improved comfort and ergonomics, advanced features, and the desire for enhanced driving experiences.
- Further, heated seats are gaining prominence in Europe due to climatic conditions as they offer better comfort and convenience than conventional seats. On the other hand, powered seats are also seeing an apparent demand, especially in premium luxury vehicles. This trend will likely continue during the forecast period because of rising consumer purchasing power in emerging economies and increasing demand for SUVs and luxury vehicles.
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Germany Captures the Major Market Share
- Germany leads the European automotive seat market, followed by Spain and France. Europe has the potential capability to manufacture advanced seats, which led the region to capture a significant share of automotive seat exports in the global market. Regarding seat manufacturing capabilities by country, Germany dominates the major share in the production of seats in Europe, followed by the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic.
- The factor likely to fuel the demand in the European automotive seat industry is the growing production of electric vehicles. Ventilated seats, which are used in electric vehicles, may witness a demand surge in the future as more customers start purchasing electric vehicles. Among the European countries, the Netherlands and Norway have been the leading markets in the electric vehicle industry, and the demand for ventilated seats is likely to witness significant growth over the forecast period in the region.
- With major carmakers in the region, automotive seats also have significant production facilities across the country. Germany has the largest and most dynamic economy in Europe. Germany's automotive seat market reflected a steady growth trajectory in 2021 despite weak market sentiment in overall car sales. The overall car sales of the country decreased by around 10.1% in 2021 compared to 2020.
- In 2022, Germany remained the leading passenger automobile market, with over 2.65 million units sold. Being home to the largest automotive seat manufacturers, Germany leads the way both in terms of production and revenue.
- For instance, in June 2022, Grammer AG (Grammer) announced the establishment of the Ergolab at its headquarters in Ursensollen, Germany, to produce ergonomic and comfortable seats. Team members at the Ergolab work on research and pre-development projects, as well as rigorous comfort and ergonomic testing on prototype and series production seats and components.
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