Automotive Seat Heater Market Research Report Information By Type (Carbon fiber heater, Composite fiber heater) Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicle) Sales Channel (OEM, Aftermarkets) Forecast 2030

The Global Automotive Seat Heater Market size is projected to be worth USD 2136.09 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period (2022–2030).

Global Automotive Seat Heater Market Overview

An automotive seat heater is an electronic device used as a automotive interior comfort product. It is designed as a pad or cushion that encompasses an electric heating system. The global automotive seat heater market is projected to grow at 5.8% CAGR during the forecast period, 2022–20230. In 2020, the automotive seat heater market was dominated by North America with a 31.5% share, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America with shares of 29.5%, 22.0%, 6.2%, and 10.7%, respectively.

COVID-19 Impact on the Global Automotive Seat Heater Market:

With the continuous spread of the novel coronavirus worldwide, automakers are taking extreme measures in the form of plant closures to halt the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. The situation remains uncertain as more European companies suspend work, and the US and APAC automakers extend shutdown periods. The automakers' plans on North American production are an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus; however, currently, the region is the global epicenter of the outbreak, with the daily number of confirmed cases outstripping the number in any other region.

In Europe, many automotive groups, including Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA), and Groupe PSA, have shut most plants across the continent, effectively halting the entire supply chain temporarily. Ford, another key automotive player, has also announced a halt of production activity across Europe. Currently, retail activity is at a standstill, as several European countries have moved into full lockdown. EU-wide production losses due to factory shutdowns have amounted to over 2 million motor vehicles so far, including passenger cars, vans, trucks, buses, and coaches.

Automotive Seat Heater Market Dynamics

• Growing Demand for Comfort Features in Vehicles


• Growing Automotive Aftermarket

Growing sales of automobiles and the focus on safety and comfort of passenger cars and commercial vehicles create scope for the global auto parts and component manufacturers to cater to the automotive aftermarket. Considering the increasing life of vehicles, OEMs are compelled to expand their aftermarket services to capitalize on the existing demand for automotive seat heaters and other components. Certain OEMs are taking up important positions within the aftermarket value chain. For instance, ZF Friedrichshafen AG strengthened its online distribution channel by introducing a brand—BOGE—to sell its automotive parts and components. Other manufacturers capitalizing on the market trends are introducing second service formats or remanufactured parts to compete with independent automotive component players and retain their customers. Moreover, the growing impact of urbanization in terms of changing consumer preferences, choice of vehicle ownerships, rise in shared mobility services, and the growth of pre-owned cars lead to the growth of the automotive aftermarket.  

• High Cost of Seat Heaters

The cost of a seat heater is high as it encompasses an electric heating system. These systems include a resistor, a heating element, a resistor, a relay, and a thermostat. Seat heaters are either available as internally integrated under the seat, called a "heated seat," or as an external device in the form of a cushion or pad. Automotive seats, including heated, powered, ventilated, and climate-controlled seats, offer better convenience and comfort than conventional seats. Thus, high product prices are expected to restrict the growth of the global automotive seat heater market during the forecast period.

• Increase in sales of luxury cars

The increasing living standards and per capita income of people worldwide have raised the demand for luxury vehicles. In addition, the top players in the market are focusing on providing comfort to the driver and passengers, which has led to a demand for luxury vehicles. The manufacturers of luxury vehicles are working on providing safety systems in the vehicles to allow the passengers more comfort and a safer drive. On the other hand, the demand for electric vehicles also increased due to rising concern about environmental pollution, leading to the demand for comfort and safety in the vehicle. The driver's safety system plays an important role in luxury vehicles. Modern vehicles incorporate a vast array of technologies to reduce the likelihood of injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash and provide comfort while driving.

Automotive Seat Heater Market Supply Chain Analysis

The raw materials required for manufacturing automotive seat heaters include iron, steel, aluminum, and rubber. Currently, automotive seat heater suppliers are working to be providers of innovative seat heater solutions. By manufacturing new products with novel features, seat heater providers aim to help their customers meet various goals, including making products look better, improving the durability of the seats, and ensuring overall cost savings. The global automotive seat heater market is highly fragmented and is dominated by marginal unorganized players. The key participants in the global automotive seat heater market are Panasonic, Kongsberg, Gentherm, Continental. These companies hold a considerable share in the global market sales on account of the global reach, brand name, and large production capacities.

A distribution & sales channel is a route through which goods and services from producers arrive at the intended consumer. Distribution & sales channels can be short or long, depending on the number of intermediaries necessary to deliver a product or service. The distribution channel comprises OEMs and aftermarkets. Generally, the distributors are engaged in long-term sales agreements with manufacturers and end users. Automotive seat heaters are extensively used in passenger and commercial vehicles. Likewise, various end-use industries make use of automotive seat heaters to survive in a cold climate.

Automotive Seat Heater Market Segmentation

Based on Type:

Carbon fiber heater and composite fiber heater are the segments based on the application of the Global Automotive Seat Heater Market.  The Carbon fiber segment is expected to have the highest CAGR and dominate the market share during the forecast period. The carbon fiber heaters segment is dominating the global market share as these heaters ensure good strength and require low voltage to produce heat. As the name suggests, it is made of carbon fiber material, a good conductor of electricity that can be designed to incorporate a variety of shapes

Based on Vehicle type:

Passenger car and commercial vehicle are the segments based on the application of the Global Automotive Seat Heater Market.  The Passenger car segment is expected to have the highest CAGR and dominate the market share during the forecast period. Passenger cars are motor vehicles with at least four wheels, used to transport passengers, with no more than eight seats, including the driver's seat. The continuous increase in demand for passenger vehicles has led international automobile manufacturers to increase their production capacities.

Based on Sales Channel:

OEM and aftermarket are the segments based on the application of the Global Automotive Seat Heater Market.  The OEM segment is expected to have the highest CAGR and dominate the market share during the forecast period. OEMs procure and install automotive parts and components while assembling the automobile. Major automotive component manufacturers invest in research and development to offer advanced components and modules and upgrade existing technologies for automotive seat heaters.

Automotive Seat Heater Market Regional Analysis

The regions are classified as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. Europe is estimated to hold the highest revenue market share throughout the forecast period. The use of automobiles in Europe has been growing steadily due to the rising per capita disposable income among individuals. The presence of major automotive manufacturers in the region, including PSA Peugeot Citroen, Mitsubishi Trucks, Isuzu, and Volkswagen, is anticipated to create new opportunities for domestic manufacturers and suppliers of automotive parts and components. In addition, industry players in this region are expanding their presence in emerging countries, including Brazil, India, and Turkey, to strengthen their strategic position in the automotive market across the globe. The high export of automobiles and related components will stimulate the product share over the forecast timeframe. These factors are expected to boost the growth of the automotive seat heater market in Europe during the forecast period.

Due to the rising penetration of high-end luxury cars in the US and Mexico, North America currently accounts for the leading position in the market share. Moreover, the low-temperature conditions in the major regions result in the preference of the automotive seat heater. In addition, the increase in demand for passenger comfort and safety will boost the demand for automotive seat heaters in the region. Furthermore, the automotive industry is one of the most progressive sectors in Mexico. Due to the country's geostrategic location and its focus on expanding production capacities to meet the growing customer base, industry players are involved in mergers and acquisitions. Due to supportive government policies, increasing foreign direct investments are likely to positively influence the automotive seat heater market over the projected timeframe.

Automotive Seat Heater Market Competitive Landscape

The global automotive seat heater market is characterized by the presence of many global, regional, and local vendors. The regional market is highly competitive, with all the players continually competing to gain a larger market share. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and aftermarket services. Therefore, vendors must provide cost-effective and efficient products to survive and succeed in a competitive market environment.

List of Key Companies covered in the automotive seat heater market report:

• Panasonic Corporation (Japan)


• Genthern (US)


• Kongsberg Gruppen (Norway)


• Continental AG (Germany)


• II-VI Marlow Inc (US)


• Langfang Golden time Technology (China)


• Changchun SET Electronics Co. Ltd. (China)


• Guangzhou Tachibana Electronics Co. Ltd. (China)


• IG Bauerhin GmbH (Germany)


• Seat Comfort Systems, Inc (US)


• Champion Seat Systems (US)

Recent Developments:

• In September 2021, Panasonic Corporation, completes acquisition of Blue Yonder, with the aim of enhanced automotive supply chain by combining AI/ML and IoT to deliver smarter and optimized multi-channel commerce


• In July 2020, Kongsberg Gruppen acquired Patria Helicopters AS, a subsidiary of Patria Oyj. With this acquisition strengthens company presence in Bardufoss


• In Aug 2020, Gentherm Automotive GmbH. expanded its new facilities in Bulgaria. This helped increase its business footprint in the global market.


• In October 2021, II-VI Marlow, Inc is in partnership with Eagle-Picher technologies to develop High energy rechargeable lithium batteries. Their goal is to develop portable power solutions for electronics and systems that operate in demanding operational environments for years.


• In February 2019, Gentherm partnerships with Thermoanalytics join to improve human thermal comfort predictions

Automotive Seat Heater Market Report Overview:

The Global Automotive Seat Heater Market is segmented based on type, vehicle type, sales channel, and region in this report. The report is focused on various analytical aspects such as market dynamics, Supply chain analysis, Porter’s five forces, competitive landscape, recent developments, and company profiles. The insights in this report, comprise, discuss views, and predict the emerging and fast-growing segments, regions, and countries with potential for development in the Global Automotive Seat Heater Market.

Segmentation Overview:

By Type:

• Carbon fiber heater


• Composite fiber heater

By Vehicle type:

• Passenger Cars


• Commercial Vehicle

By Sales Channel:

• OEM


• Aftermarkets

By Regions:

• North America


• Europe


• Asia-Pacific


• Middle East & Africa


• South America

Objectives of the Study

• To get a comprehensive overview of the Global Automotive Seat Heater Market.


• To get wide-ranging information about the key factors driving the market and market opportunities


• To gain information regarding the key players in the industry, technology advancements and key developments


• To gain insights about the key country/region in which the automotive seat heater market is growing

Intended Audience

• Automobile Companies


• Manufacturing Companies


• Research Institutes


• Academic Institutes


• Government Organizations