Automotive Weigh in Motion Market Analysis

Automotive Weigh in Motion Market Analysis

Piezoelectric automotive WIM system consists of at minimum two piezoelectric sensors and one inductive loop. These are the most used sensors in WIM systems and accounted for over 40% demand share in 2019. These sensors can be of many types including piezo quartz bars, piezo ceramic bars, piezo polymer strips, etc.

As per manufactures, these sensors are classified as class 1 and class 2 based on the accuracy of sensor. Class 1 sensor are generally preferred for automotive WIM systems. However, class 2 piezo sensor are used for classification and monitor of vehicle. For improving accuracy of weigh in motion system, a minimum of four sensors are generally adviced in one weighing lane. This category of sensors is increasingly being used in the automotive industry due to the economic benefits along with durability of piezo sensors as compared to other sensors.

The in-road automotive weigh in motion sensors accounted over 55% market share in 2019. These sensors are installed in or under the road pavement to provide data of traffic loading on various locations. These systems are capable of measuring road to tire contact of vehicle with sensor installed in roads. However, this installation type requires maintenance and calibration to ensure the accuracy and data quality generated by them.

The weight enforcement is the major application segment in the automotive weigh in motion market which dominated around 40% share in 2019. Weight enforcement aims to achieve enhanced and improved compliance with loading regulations by governments across the globe. The major objective is to reduce overloading of vehicle and its negative impacts, monitoring road infrastructure wear and tear as well as to provide enhanced safety.

Automotive WIM systems offer multiple applications which help in a more efficient and effective weight enforcement throughout the globe. Growing strict government regulations regarding traffic safety and vehicle overloading is predicted to fuel the segment growth.

Low speed WIM system is a technology where weighing of vehicles takes place in a specific controlled area. This generally takes place outside the major traffic lane on a smooth and flat platform which is longer than 30 meters. There exist many countries where low speed WIM is legally allowed for trade and direct enforcement. Low speed WIM systems are majorly used in tolling and payment applications.

Europe automotive weigh in motion market holds over 34% revenue share as countries like Slovenia, Netherlands, Switzerland, and UK have installed WIM sites. Moreover, due to strict government regulations regarding traffic safety and vehicle overloading, the demand for weigh in motion systems is on a higher side in the region. For instance, on board weighing system is also an option introduced to member states as per directive 96/33/EC for controlling vehicle overloading in these states. Also, with growing vehicle sales and traffic congestion in many European countries, the WIM technology is also expected to flourish in near future.