Market Overview

The global automotive smart glass market has been witnessing significant growth in recent years, owing to the increasing demand for advanced safety and convenience features in vehicles. Smart glass is a type of glass that can change its light transmission properties based on external stimuli, such as light, temperature, and voltage. It is also known as switchable glass or electrochromic glass. The automotive industry is one of the major end-users of smart glass, which is used in various applications, such as windows, sunroofs, and mirrors.

The automotive smart glass market is expected to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period (2021-2026). The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the increasing demand for safety and comfort features in vehicles, and the rising trend of autonomous and connected vehicles are some of the major factors driving the growth of the market.

Meaning

Smart glass is a type of glass that can change its light transmission properties based on external stimuli, such as light, temperature, and voltage. It is also known as switchable glass or electrochromic glass. Smart glass technology is based on the principle of electrochromism, which involves the reversible electrochemical oxidation and reduction of a thin film of an electrochromic material, such as tungsten oxide, on a transparent conductor, such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

When an electric current is applied to the ITO-coated glass, the electrochromic material changes from its colored state to its transparent state, allowing light to pass through the glass. Conversely, when the electric current is removed, the electrochromic material changes back to its colored state, blocking the light. This property of smart glass makes it useful for various applications, such as privacy windows, glare control windows, energy-efficient windows, and dynamic shading systems.

Executive Summary

The global automotive smart glass market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period (2021-2026), driven by the increasing demand for advanced safety and convenience features in vehicles, the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and the rising trend of autonomous and connected vehicles. Smart glass is a type of glass that can change its light transmission properties based on external stimuli, such as light, temperature, and voltage. It is used in various applications, such as windows, sunroofs, and mirrors. The market is segmented by technology, application, and region.

Important Note: The companies listed in the image above are for reference only. The final study will cover 18–20 key players in this market, and the list can be adjusted based on our client’s requirements.

Key Market Insights

1. The automotive smart glass market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period (2021-2026).
2. The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the increasing demand for safety and comfort features in vehicles, and the rising trend of autonomous and connected vehicles are some of the major factors driving the growth of the market.
3. The market is segmented by technology, application, and region. Electrochromic technology is the most widely used technology in the automotive smart glass market.
4. North America and Europe are the largest markets for automotive smart glass, owing to the presence of major automotive manufacturers and the high adoption of advanced technologies in these regions.
5. The market is highly competitive, with the presence of several major players, such as Saint-Gobain, AGC Inc., Gentex Corporation, and Smart Glass International Ltd.

Market Drivers

1. Increasing Demand for Advanced Safety and Convenience Features in Vehicles

The increasing demand for advanced safety and convenience features in vehicles is driving the growth of the automotive smart glass market. Smart glass is used in various applications, such as windows, sunroofs, and mirrors, to provide advanced safety and comfort features, such as anti-glare, privacy, and temperature control.

2. Growing Adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is another major driver of the automotive smart glass market. EVs require advanced technologies to increase their range and reduce their energy consumption. Smart glass can help in achieving these goals by providing energy-efficient windows and sunroofs that can reduce the use of air conditioning and heating systems in EVs. Moreover, smart glass can also provide glare control and privacy features that can enhance the driving experience of EVs.

3. Rising Trend of Autonomous and Connected Vehicles

The rising trend of autonomous and connected vehicles is also driving the growth of the automotive smart glass market. Smart glass can play a crucial role in the development of autonomous and connected vehicles by providing advanced features, such as augmented reality displays, head-up displays (HUDs), and transparent displays that can enhance the driver’s visibility and safety. Moreover, smart glass can also provide communication and entertainment features that can improve the passenger’s experience in connected vehicles.

Market Restraints

1. High Cost of Smart Glass

The high cost of smart glass is one of the major restraints of the automotive smart glass market. Smart glass is a relatively new technology and requires specialized manufacturing processes, which make it more expensive than traditional glass. Moreover, the cost of smart glass varies depending on the type of technology used and the size of the glass, which can further increase the overall cost of the vehicle.

2. Technical Limitations of Smart Glass

The technical limitations of smart glass are another major restraint of the automotive smart glass market. Smart glass technology is still evolving, and there are some technical limitations, such as slow response time, limited durability, and reduced clarity in the colored state, that need to be addressed. Moreover, smart glass requires a constant power source to maintain its properties, which can be a challenge in certain applications.

Market Opportunities

1. Growing Demand for Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Solutions

The growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions is a major opportunity for the automotive smart glass market. Smart glass can help in reducing the energy consumption of vehicles by providing energy-efficient windows and sunroofs that can reduce the use of air conditioning and heating systems. Moreover, smart glass can also help in reducing the weight of the vehicle, which can improve its fuel efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.

2. Increasing Investments in Research and Development

The increasing investments in research and development are another major opportunity for the automotive smart glass market. The automotive industry is investing heavily in the development of advanced technologies, such as autonomous and connected vehicles, which require innovative solutions, such as smart glass. Moreover, the development of new manufacturing processes and materials can help in reducing the cost and improving the performance of smart glass.

Market Dynamics

The automotive smart glass market is highly dynamic and is driven by various factors, such as technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and government regulations. Moreover, the market is highly competitive, with the presence of several major players, such as Saint-Gobain, AGC Inc., Gentex Corporation, and Smart Glass International Ltd. The market is also witnessing a high level of collaboration and partnerships between the key players to develop innovative solutions and expand their market reach.

Regional Analysis

North America and Europe are the largest markets for automotive smart glass, owing to the presence of major automotive manufacturers and the high adoption of advanced technologies in these regions. Asia-Pacific is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the growing demand for EVs and the increasing investments in research and development in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea.

Competitive Landscape

Leading Companies in the Automotive Smart Glass Market:

1. Saint-Gobain S.A.
2. AGC Inc.
3. NSG Group
4. Gentex Corporation
5. Smartglass International Ltd.
6. Research Frontiers Incorporated
7. Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
8. Polytronix, Inc.
9. RavenWindow
10. Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.

Please note: This is a preliminary list; the final study will feature 18–20 leading companies in this market. The selection of companies in the final report can be customized based on our client’s specific requirements.

Segmentation

The automotive smart glass market is segmented by technology, application, and region.

By Technology:

1. Electrochromic
2. Suspended particle device (SPD)
3. Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC)
4. Thermochromic
5. Photochromic
6. Others

By Application:

1. Windows
2. Sunroofs
3. Mirrors
4. Others

By Region:

1. North America
2. Europe
3. Asia-Pacific
4. Middle East and Africa
5. Latin America

Category-wise Insights

1. Electrochromic Technology

Electrochromic technology is the most widely used technology in the automotive smart glass market, owing to its high performance and durability. Electrochromic smart glass can switch from a clear to a dark tint in less than 1 second and can be controlled manually or automatically based on the external stimuli. Moreover, electrochromic smart glass can also provide energy-efficient windows and sunroofs that can reduce the use of air conditioning and heating systems in vehicles.

2. Windows Application

Windows are the most common application of smart glass in the automotive industry. Smart glass windows can provide advanced safety and comfort features, such as anti-glare, privacy, and temperature control, which can enhance the driving experience of the passengers. Moreover, smart glass windows can also improve the energy efficiency of the vehicle by reducing the use of air conditioning and heating systems.

3. North America Region

North America is the largest market for automotive smart glass, owing to the presence of major automotive manufacturers and the high adoption of advanced technologies in this region. Moreover, the increasing demand for EVs and the rising trend of autonomous and connected vehicles are also driving the growth of the market in this region.

Key Benefits for Industry Participants and Stakeholders

1. Enhanced Safety and Comfort Features

Smart glass can provide advanced safety and comfort features, such as anti-glare, privacy, and temperature control, which can enhance the driving experience of the passengers.

2. Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Solutions

Smart glass can help in reducing the energy consumption of vehicles by providing energy-efficient windows and sunroofs that can reduce the use of air conditioning and heating systems. Moreover, smart glass can also help in reducing the weight of the vehicle, which can improve its fuel efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.

3. Improved Performance and Durability

Smart glass technology is based on advanced materials and manufacturing processes, which can improve the performance and durability of the glass.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths:

1. Advanced technology
2. Enhanced safety and comfort features
3. Energy-efficient and sustainable solutions

Weaknesses:

1. High cost
2. Technical limitations

Opportunities:

1. Growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions
2. Increasing investments in research and development

Threats:

1. Intense competition
2. Changing consumer preferences
3. Government regulations

Market Key Trends

1. Growing Adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is driving the growth of the automotive smart glass market, as EVs require advanced technologies to increase their range and reduce their energy consumption.

2. Rising Trend of Autonomous and Connected Vehicles

The rising trend of autonomous and connected vehicles is also driving the growth of the automotive smart glass market, as smart glass can play a crucial role in the development of these vehicles by providing advanced features, such as augmented reality displays, HUDs, and transparent displays.

Covid-19 Impact

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the automotive industry and the automotive smart glass market. The pandemic has led to a decrease in the production and sales of vehicles, which has affected the demand for smart glass. However, the market is expected to recover in the post-pandemic period, owing to the increasing demand for advanced safety and convenience features in vehicles, the growing adoption of EVs, and the rising trend of autonomous and connected vehicles.

Key Industry Developments

1. In March 2021, Saint-Gobain launched SageGlass Gen 5, the latest generation of its electrochromic smart glass technology. SageGlass Gen 5 provides improved color consistency, faster switching speeds, and enhanced durability.
2. In January 2021, AGC Inc. announced the acquisition of Molteno Corporation, a leading manufacturer of electrochromic smart glass. The acquisition will help AGC to expand its portfolio of advanced glass products and strengthen its position in the automotive smart glass market.

Analyst Suggestions

1. Increasing Investments in Research and Development

The automotive industry should invest more in research and development to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions that can meet the changing demands of the market.

2. Collaboration and Partnerships

The key players in the market should collaborate and form partnerships to develop innovative solutions and expand their market reach.

Future Outlook

The global automotive smart glass market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period (2021-2026), driven by the increasing demand for advanced safety and convenience features in vehicles, the growing adoption of EVs, and the rising trend of autonomous and connected vehicles. The market is expected to witness significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region, owing to the growing demand for EVs and the increasing investments in research and development. Moreover, the market is expected to witness several technological advancements and innovations, such as transparent displays, augmented reality displays, and HUDs, which can enhance the driving experience of the passengers.

Conclusion

The global automotive smart glass market is witnessing significant growth, owing to the increasing demand for advanced safety and convenience features in vehicles, the growing adoption of EVs, and the rising trend of autonomous and connected vehicles. Smart glass is a type of glass that can change its light transmission properties based on external stimuli, such as light, temperature, and voltage, and is used in various applications, such as windows, sunroofs, and mirrors.

The market is highly competitive, with the presence of several major players, such as Saint-Gobain, AGC Inc., Gentex Corporation, and Smart Glass International Ltd. The market is expected to witness several technological advancements and innovations, such as transparent displays, augmented reality displays, and HUDs, which can enhance the driving experience of the passengers. The market is also expected to witness significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region, owing to the growing demand for EVs and the increasing investments in research and development.