Market Trends of Automotive Smart Antenna Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Automotive Smart Antenna Market according to our research experts:
Increase in Development of New Smart Antennas
The integration of high-end communication technologies has become an important feature in the global automotive industry. Antennas in vehicles serve a wide range of applications, from receiving satellite-based navigation to making a call. Shark-fin antennas have become the most common element for passenger cars.
Earlier, this type of antenna was offered in luxury sedans and SUVs. Even entry-level cars in developing automobile markets such as India are provided with shark-fin antennas. Driven by the increased adoption and technological advancements, the shark-fin antennas in the future may be even smaller and serve a wide range of purposes compared to a conventional antenna. For instance,
- In July 2022, Maruti Suzuki launched a new Hyryder-based SUV named Vitara in India. The vehicle has fitted with a shark fin antenna.
- In May 2022, Hyundai India launched a new variant, the Corporate edition, of its existing entry-level hatchback Grand i10 Nios, equipped with a shark-fin antenna.
However, future technologies require multiple antennas to establish better communication signals. Although there is an option of installing various antennas, this will interfere with other antennas in proximity.
To eliminate this, TU Wien, Vienna University of Technology, has developed a special antenna box that can be integrated into the front area of the car roof. This technology has been tested, and results showed that the directionality of wireless signals is better around cars. The new antenna variants make cars extremely well-equipped for wireless requirements.
Manufacturers are currently working on a newer type of smart antenna that can replace the conventional antenna. In the future, data exchange will play a significant role in road transportation.
Asia-Pacific is the Fastest Growing Market
Smart antennas are no longer reserved for luxury cars, as these systems are making inroads irrespective of vehicle segment; even in the C and B-segment vehicles.
To retain their loyal consumer base, major premium car manufacturers are trying to improvise on the existing antennas or produce better hardware to stand out.
Although due to the global pandemic the global automotive industry saw a dip in sales as well as demand. However, with life returning to near normal, vehicle sales in the Asia-pacific region are expected to increase in the forecast period.
For instance, in 2021, in the Asia-Pacific region, the total number of vehicles sold equaled about 34 million units, which is 7% high than compared to 2020. Such an increase in vehicle sales is likely to witness major growth for the market during the forecast period.
As the majority of passenger cars come equipped with smart antennas, the increase in the demand and sales of vehicles is expected to drive the market in the Asia-pacific region. Additionally, the SUV segment being the most popular about the buyers, which is expected to have a significant share in the market. The sales of SUVs have gained significant traction with growing consumer preference towards owning a vehicle with better city driving in bad roads and for the better off-road experience.
Asia-Pacific countries are now witnessing a considerable spike in the demand for SUV and crossover vehicles over the past 3-4 years. With the SUVs finding their use in weekend off-road applications, the demand from the customer for better convenience and communication systems in this segment grew substantially which in-turn is driving the demand for smart antennas.
China is the largest market in terms of sales as well as vehicles produced. In 2021, SUVs occupied more than 46% of the total market share in passenger cars. Hence, in the coming years, the market share of SUVs is expected to grow aiding the Automotive Smart Antenna Market.
With the increase in vehicle sale and growing manufacturing industries across the region is likely to witness major growth for the market during the forecast period.
