The global automotive sensor market size was valued at USD 24.1 billion in 2017 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% during the forecast period. Automotive sensors are devices capable of detecting and responding to input such as light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure from the physical environment. This input is then converted to human-readable display at the sensor location or transmitted electronically over a network for further processing. Some common automotive sensors include idle air control valve, manifold absolute pressure sensor, O2 sensor, mass air flow sensor, crank position sensor, and anti-lock brake systems among others. The idle air control valve is responsible for regulating the amount of air entering the engine at idle, and assisting in the process of engine warm up. The O2 sensor monitors the content of the exhaust gases being releases from the engine. This sensor is placed in the exhaust stream, and forms a primary component of emissions control chain.

The growing global automotive industry, and rising demand for passenger and commercial vehicles primarily drive the automotive sensor market. The growing electrification and modernization of vehicles, and increasing demand for luxury and technologically advanced vehicles has accelerated the adoption of automotive sensors. The introduction of stringent government regulations regarding safety and vehicular emissions, and increasing demand for ADAS systems boost the adoption of automotive sensors.  The growing development of autonomous cars, and increasing demand of vehicles from countries such as China, U.S, and Western Europe increases the demand for automotive sensors.

Segment Analysis

The global automotive sensor market is segmented on the basis of type, vehicle type, application, and geography. Based on the type, the market is segmented into pressure sensors, speed sensors, temperature sensors, position sensors, oxygen sensors, inertial sensors, image sensors, and others. Position sensors accounted for the highest share in the global automotive sensor market in 2017. Positions sensors are used in a wide range of applications such as controlling seat position, boot position, bending light position, power sunroof, accelerator pedal position, and door position among others.

The application segment is categorized into safety and security, emission control, engine and drivetrain, and others. The safety and security segment is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period owing to growing security concerns, and stringent government regulations regarding vehicular and road safety. The growing popularity of autonomous vehicles would further fuel the growth of this segment.

The vehicle types in the global automotive sensor market include passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles. Passenger vehicles segment dominated the global market in 2017 owing to rising demand of luxury vehicles, and growing adoption of electric vehicles.

Regional Analysis

The automotive sensor market report comprises a detailed geographic distribution of the market across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and MEA. North America is further segmented into U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Europe is divided into Germany, UK, Italy, France, and Rest of Europe. Asia-Pacific is bifurcated into China, India, Japan, and Rest of Asia-Pacific. Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest share in the global Automotive Sensor market in 2017. The primary factors driving market growth in this region include rising demand for luxury automobiles, increasing development of autonomous vehicles, and stringent government regulations regarding vehicular and road safety.

Competitive Landscape

The vendors in the market are launching new products to meet the growing customer needs. In addition, the leaders in the market are acquiring and collaborating with top companies in the market to enhance their offerings in the market and expand their customer base. The Automotive Sensor market is highly competitive with the presence of a large number of small and large vendors. The leading players in the Automotive Sensor market include Denso Corporation, TE Connectivity Ltd., Continental AG, Analog Devices Inc., Eaton Corporation, Ford Motors, Robert Bosch GmbH, Autoliv Inc, AMETEK Inc., and General Electric among others.