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Based on propulsion, the market is segmented into ICE and electric vehicles. In 2023, the ICE segment accounted for over 75% of the market share and is expected to exceed USD 1.2 billion by 2032. Automakers are increasingly integrating lightweight materials, such as high-strength steel and advanced composites, into their ICE-powered vehicle designs. Crash impact simulators are vital for assessing the crashworthiness of these innovative materials and structures, ensuring that weight reduction does not compromise overall safety.
Moreover, the advancement of autonomous driving technologies necessitates extensive crash testing to guarantee the safety of ICE-powered vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and self-driving capabilities. For instance, In March 2023, Toyota advanced its Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) software, utilizing computer simulations to gain deeper insights into vehicle crash injuries. This latest development from the OEM addresses occupant posture changes during automated driving.
THUMS Version 7 now includes more accurate human body models, enhancing critical areas such as the pelvis, abdominal organs, spine, and ribs. Crash impact simulators allow automakers to validate the performance of these systems in various collision scenarios, ensuring the overall safety of their ICE-powered autonomous vehicles.
Based on the simulation, the automotive crash impact simulator market is divided into hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HIL), software simulation, and full-scale crash testing. By 2032, the hardware-in-the-loop segment is expected to exceed USD 855 million due to several key factors. HIL simulations assist automakers in reducing the cost and time required for physical crash test prototypes. Companies that focus on virtual testing reduce development cycles, save expenses, and improve overall efficiency. This strategy is critical in today's competitive market when automakers aim to introduce innovative automobiles swiftly while keeping strong safety standards.
With modern automobiles equipped with extensive safety systems and integrated electronics, comprehensive HIL simulations are required for complete testing and validation. As vehicle technology evolves, stringent testing employing HIL systems becomes increasingly important to ensure that these complex systems are reliable and safe.
U.S. automotive crash impact simulator market is expected to cross USD 430 million by 2032. In the US, automotive OEMs and suppliers are quickly adopting advanced crash impact simulation tools driven by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time data processing. These technologies boost the accuracy and speed of crash testing, making vehicle design optimization and safety improvements more efficient. By leveraging these sophisticated simulations, US automakers can reduce the need for physical tests, shorten development cycles, and rapidly enhance safety features to stay ahead in the market.
European regulations emphasize pedestrian safety, leading to increased investments in crash impact simulators that improve vehicle design for better pedestrian protection. Automakers in Europe use advanced simulations to model complex interactions between vehicles and vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. These precise simulations help engineers refine vehicle designs, integrate active safety systems, and develop solutions that minimize severe injury risks in collisions.
The Asia Pacific region, especially countries like China, India, and Japan, is experiencing rapid growth in automotive manufacturing. This expansion drives the need for crash impact simulation solutions to support new vehicle development and testing. Automakers in the Asia Pacific are investing in these tools to streamline product development, optimize safety features, and ensure compliance with local regulations.