Autonomous Vehicles Market and Trend Analysis by Technology, Key Player and Forecast, 2021-2036

As cars become ever more sophisticated in terms of technology and performance, a new market segment is emerging – the autonomous, or semi-autonomous vehicle. The roadmap and timeline to the fully autonomous vehicle remain far from clear. The technology for vehicles that drive themselves is here today, but at a cost that is far from what is required for it to become an economic reality.

However, there are clear signs that all interested parties are testing the water and trials are being run to test the technology and systems required. Indeed, Google has been one of the first to run trials of its technology on a self-driving vehicle in California, USA. Many of the vehicle manufacturers are running similar trials to a greater or lesser extent.

The automotive autonomous vehicles market research report provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging autonomous light vehicle sector, major suppliers, top 14 markets, technology trends, and market size forecasts.

What are the market dynamics of the automotive autonomous vehicles market?

The principal political or policy driver for the autonomous car movement is safety and a desire to reduce or eradicate road fatalities. Governments and policymakers across Europe, North America, and Asia are all working towards reducing road accidents and making driving safer. However, their desire to regulate must be weighed up against the general economic health of the global automotive sector and the competitive forces prevailing across the industry.

Much of the technology required for autonomous vehicles already exist in isolation and can be found in the ADAS systems in use and under development today. Such systems, based around the use of a combination of sensors, stereo cameras, long and short-range radar, light detection, and ranging (LIDAR), are among the technologies that form the basis of the autonomous vehicle. The next big step forward will be to combine all these elements and more into systems solutions to enable autonomous driving to become a reality.

In the future it is thought that autonomous vehicles will be multi-modal – larger vehicles for city-to-city travel, and small efficient vehicles for urban travel. Having vehicles much better matched to usage will mean more efficient vehicles sizes– both in absolute size and in terms of the powertrain, with urban vehicles likely suited to the adoption of electrified vehicles. Additionally, driving routes/distances will be optimized for efficiency and improve fleetwide fuel economy.

Also, in a scenario where all vehicles are autonomous, platooning will be possible ensuring greater fuel efficiency. Furthermore, widespread autonomous vehicle adoption will have implications for the supply of roads, with roads and highways likely to be better utilized this would mean that less road infrastructure is required which would be a positive for the environment.

What are the key technologies of the automotive autonomous vehicles market?

The key technologies of the automotive autonomous vehicles market are cockpits & displays, seating, sensors, steering systems, and suspension systems.

Cockpits & displays

Harman maneuvered a Chrysler Pacifica into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino during the 2017 CES to showcase its intelligent car cockpit. The system supports an integrated digital assistant and car-to-home Internet of Things (IoT) functionality, as well as augmented reality navigation. The electronics specialist says it will be production-ready within the next 2 to 3 years.

While head-up displays (HUDs) have been in cars for more than 20 years, OE fitment rates have been slow and gradual. But the HUD market is predicted to flourish as more cars are being equipped with ADAS and drivers are demanding graphically rich data, visual alerts, and greater levels of connectivity. As part of a wave of affordable smart windscreen technology, the next big thing is Augmented Reality HUDs (AR-HUDs) designed for a more comfortable and safer driving experience.

Seating

Future seats will become an even more active safety system. The seat will be an integral part of passenger protection, linked to all active safety systems of the vehicle. Additional seat functions such as the option to rotate the direction of the seat to allow direct communication with other passengers or a seat in a reclined relaxation position will provide maximum crash safety.

Sensors

The development of ADAS is largely reliant on sensors and the accompanying development of predictive software. The main hardware used in ADAS systems, and to be used in autonomous vehicles, consists of radar, Lidar, and cameras. They can be used on their own or harnessed together.

Steering systems

Manufacturers say an autonomous emergency steering system offers a high level of collision avoidance capability by applying automatic braking and automatic steering in situations where a collision is imminent and evading obstacles by braking may not be effective.

Suspension systems

While the autonomous vehicle promises several benefits to the occupants, improved ride comfort will be key to their experience. Any motions that could make passengers feel uneasy or unwell will need to be dialed out of the chassis.

Which are the major automotive autonomous vehicles companies?

The major companies in the automotive autonomous vehicles sector are Aptiv PLC, Bosch, Continental, Denso Corporation, Magna International Inc., Visteon, Yandex, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

Automotive autonomous vehicles market, by company

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Market report scope

 Scope

Based on exclusive interviews, primary research, and proprietary data this global market study includes –

• Autonomous vehicle technology (Levels 1-5 as defined by the SAE) fitment and market size data for the top 14* markets.
• A review of the latest technological developments and market trends that are propelling the autonomous light vehicle sector to the forefront of the automotive industry’s thinking.
• Exclusive interviews with OE suppliers and OEMs covering their views of autonomous and future mobility.
• Review of the major autonomous technology suppliers including their strategies and prospects for future safety developments.
• Review of the major OEMs and the steps they have taken to bring autonomous light vehicles to market.
• Sector PESTER (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Regulatory) analysis.

Reasons to Buy

• Gain a quick overview of the autonomous light vehicle sector globally.
• Understand the size and scope of the world’s markets.
• Hear direct from leading companies on their strategies and plans.
• Review the latest and most significant technological developments in autonomous light vehicles.
• Follow the key trends within autonomous light vehicles and what’s driving them.
• Spot opportunities and threats in the sector.
• Establish key companies’ latest activities and prospects.
• Prepare supply and demand forecasts.
• Produce internal sales plans and forecasts.
• Carry out competitive intelligence.