Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market - Size By Power, By Technology, By Features, By Sales Channel, By Vehicle, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Report ID: GMI12397
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Published Date: November 2024
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Report Format: PDF

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Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Size

The global automotive heated steering wheel market size was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% between 2025 and 2034. Undoubtedly the escalating consumer preference for more modern automobiles is a critical factor. Growing consciousness regarding cold weather driving safety and improved driving experience has motivated users. Significant heating ventilation and air conditioning system developments have been a factor as well. More and more automakers are putting emphasis on automakers’ premium outlays, and the energy-efficient strategy can touch off more penetrations of the device in any vehicle type.
 

Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market

In October 2024, a new Ford Bronco lineup for 2025 was released, which came with several updates, including a heated steering wheel that was fitted on a number of trims as standard instead of being part of the optional high and lux package. The Raptor, Badlands, and the Outer Banks trims all now come ready with the feature, which makes it easier to drive during cold weather, thus increasing comfort.

The transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) is also a factor, as heated steering wheels are seen as a more energy-efficient alternative to universal heating while at the same time improving comfort. As the EV market expands, the demand for these energy-efficient comfort features continues to grow, further increasing their integration in modern vehicles.
 

For example, in September 2024, the global headquarters of Toyota granted approval for the 2025 Toyota Tundra to be sold in Australia, with the target date of mid-November. The Tundra is expected to come in a hybrid configuration, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that produces 326 km and 790 Nm of torque. Moreover, it will also retain some additional sporting features, including synthetic leather trim, heated seats and steering, as well as sophisticated infotainment systems.
 

Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Trends

Integration and application of haptic feedback technology, as in heat steering wheels and heated steering wheels, is improving the overall experience of driving a vehicle. Cut for collision or lane departure warnings were relegated to some options of haptic systems, but one haptic steering wheel now delivers gentle vibrations to the driver. The two in combination work for comfort, and the combined traits appeal to consumers who want a more engaging and responsive interface in their vehicles, aiding in the development of a more natural, connected driving experience.
 

For instance, in November 2024, Jaguar put a system for tactile notifications on the steering wheel, aiming to increase driver awareness more than prior. This system, in conjunction with the heated steering wheel, is meant to transmit notifications – the heated steering wheel varies the heat pattern to notify the driver about relevant information without the driver’s attention shifting from the road. This system works along with a more flexibility-based approach, improving safety and retaining functionality.
 

The high costs of acquiring and keeping a heated steering wheel also pose a significant challenge for suppliers. The use of specialized components and technology families increases the cost of manufacturing the steering wheel, which restrains customers with cost-sensitive requirements. Some main conductors have safety concerns, such as steering or minor injuries, etc., that may occur due to the system overheating or short circuits.
 

A continuous flow of research, testing, and quality control is required to ensure safe use without the danger of device failure, which increases operational expenditures. This may impact the chances of widespread acceptance and make it even more difficult for car manufacturers seeking to foster innovation within a suitable range of costs.
 

Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Analysis

Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market, By Power, 2022 - 2034 (USD Billion)

Based on power, the market is segmented into vehicle battery, and alternator. In 2024, the vehicle battery segment accounted for 49% of the automotive heated steering wheel market share and is expected to exceed USD 3.5 billion by 2034.
 

  • These batteries seem to be gaining popularity as one of the main sources that power heated steering wheels in electric and hybrid vehicles. With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, systems powered by batteries are more efficient and heat up more quickly.
     
  • There is a growing requirement for energy-efficient solutions that do not affect the range of vehicles that fuel this growth. To provide standard convenience, manufacturers are minimizing the use of batteries during integration.
     
  • Vehicle batteries are now increasingly designed to be used as not only propulsion energy sources, but systems powered inside the vehicle, including the heated electric vehicle steering wheel, as EVs become more and more common.
     
  • Manufacturers are able to ensure energy efficiency, lessen the wastage of energy in the form of power, and improve the overall range of the vehicle by eliminating or minimizing the comfort of BMS.

 

Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Revenue Share, By Technology, 2024

Based on technology, the automotive heated steering wheel market is divided into capacitive heating, resistive heating, and infrared heating. The resistive heating segment held 54% of the market share in 2024.
 

  • For automotive heated steering wheels, resistive heating is still the most widely used technology as it is cheaper and more reliable. This technology utilizes simple resistive wires which are embedded into the steering wheel to provide heat units.
     
  • It is mainly used in economy and mid-ranged vehicles that need an efficient, durable unit for heating. There are other technologies being developed that are newer, but resistive heating is still the king of the market, as it competes with other methods such as infrared and even capacitive heating in terms of cost efficiency.
     
  • Furthermore, even though resistive heating is an economically beneficial approach, it still maintains a level of sovereignty in respect to energy usage and heat distribution.
     
  • Manufacturers are improving the specifics, such as the quality of wires used and the design of them, to ensure that the device works as intended within seconds. Although other types of heating elements are gaining market share, due to the nature of the vehicle, the heating component must be extremely simple and robust when the vehicle is being used in cold climates.

 

U.S. Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market, 2022 – 2034, (USD Million)

In 2024, the North America automotive heated steering wheel market accounted for 33% revenue share and is expected to exceed USD 1.5 billion by 2034.
 

  • In the U.S., the automotive industry is seeing an increase in consumer demand for heated steering wheels as the market of luxury and comfort features turns in favor of climate. The market for energy-efficient technologies such as infrared and capacitive heating technologies is on the rise.
     
  • The expansion of electric vehicles in the market sphere is a contributing factor as automakers are adding such luxuries in their eco-friendly automobile models to improve user experience.
     
  • In Europe, heated steering wheels alongside other automotive comfort luxuries have a consistent demand due to harsh winters and increasing consumer appetite for premium cars. The trend of driving forces for this need is a rapid adoption of electric vehicles as well as luxury vehicles with high-end technologies such as infrared heating.
     
  • Furthermore, the widespread vehicle regulations around Europe that focus on customer and vehicle comfort are fostering change and improvement across European automobile manufacturers.
     
  • The automotive heated steering wheel market in the Asia Pacific region is growing with the electric and luxury consumer market’s growing interest in premium features alongside cold regions like China and Japan’s influences. With the diverse middle class growing, the demand for comfort technologies has risen steadily. Furthermore, efficient and energy-saving heating innovations are on the rise as well.
     

Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Share

Autoliv, Gentherm, Joyson Safety Systems collectively held a substantial market share of 18% in the automotive heated steering wheel industry in 2024.
 

  • Autoliv develops and sells heated steering wheels and other technologically advanced automotive comfort and safety products. To enhance occupant comfort, Autoliv applies its know-how in occupant protection systems and works with prominent OEMs.
     
  • Further on, Autoliv concentrates on the development of heating elements integrated into advanced airbags and other safety devices for both premium and ordinary vehicles, which makes the company a strong contributor to the automotive comfort thermal systems market.
     
  • Gentherm is implementing global domination strategies and has excelled in the thermal management niche by providing steering wheels paired with heating solutions across its automotive comfort product suite. The company is utilizing both resistive and infrared heating systems.
     
  • Gentherm's ability to source various heating systems for automotive manufacturers is geared towards ensuring they remain relevant and competitive in the highly competitive market for automotive in-car comfort solutions.
     

Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Companies

Major players operating in the automotive heated steering wheel industry are:

  • Autoliv
  • Bombardier Recreational Products
  • BorgWarner
  • Gentherm
  • Hyundai Mobis
  • I.G. Bauerhin
  • Joyson Safety Systems
  • Seco Komos
  • Symtec
  • ZF Friedrichshafen
     

The automotive heated steering wheel market is bound to face increased competition as automakers and sellers seek to improve the comfort and convenience of the interiors, especially with respect to the cold regions. The rise in demand among consumers for improved and comfort features in vehicles is contributing towards the adoption of heated steering wheels in all types of vehicles, including passenger cars, luxury cars, as well as commercial cars.
 

The major players in the automotive heated steering wheel market are technologically advancing in creating heated steering wheels that are able to heat up evenly, warm up in shorter durations, and ensure custom temperatures. The manufacturers have also enhanced their products with effective heating elements, which is in line with the trend of sustainability and electrification of vehicles. Some players are also developing multi-purpose steering wheels that are equipped with heating alongside controlling infotainment, cruise, and driver-assist technologies, increasing the vehicle ergonomics.
 

Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Industry News

  • Between March and May 2024, Li Auto Inc. rolled out the Li L6 in China. This five-seat SUV is packed with features tailored for Chinese families. The SUV promises a touch of luxury, boasting a first row with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, complemented by a heated steering wheel.
     
  • Cadillac, heeding customer feedback, began retrofitting heated steering wheels to its 2022 CT5 and CT5-V models in May 2023. This move was met with enthusiasm, especially since IIHS had earlier predicted the heated steering wheel would gain traction in new Ultra-Premium Cars.
     

The automotive heated steering wheel market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($Bn) and volume (Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Market, By Power

  • Vehicle Battery
  • Alternator

Market, By Technology

  • Capacitive heating
  • Resistive heating
  • Infrared heating

Market, By Features

  • Temperature control
  • Built-in sensors
  • Ergonomic design
  • Safety features

Market, By Sales Channel

  • OEM
  • Aftermarket

Market, By Vehicle

  • Passenger cars
    • Luxury
    • Mid-segment
    • Economy 
  • Commercial vehicles
    • LCV
    • HCV

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
    • Nordics
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • ANZ
    • Southeast Asia
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • MEA
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa

 

Authors: Preeti Wadhwani, Satyam Jaiswal
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
Who are the major players in the automotive heated steering wheel industry?
The key players in the industry include Autoliv, Bombardier Recreational Products, BorgWarner, Gentherm, Hyundai Mobis, I.G. Bauerhin, Joyson Safety Systems, Seco Komos, Symtec, and ZF Friedrichshafen.
What is the market share of the resistive heating segment in the heated steering wheel industry?
How much is the North America automotive heated steering wheel market worth?
How big is the global automotive heated steering wheel market?
Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Scope
  • Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Size
  • Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Trends
  • Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Analysis
  • Automotive Heated Steering Wheel Market Share
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    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 20

    Tables & Figures: 200

    Countries covered: 21

    Pages: 180

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