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Based on air placement, the market is segmented into hood airbag, side airbag, and front bumper airbag system. In 2024, the hood airbag segment held a market share of over 56% and is expected to exceed USD 5 billion by 2034. Hood airbags account for a significant share of the airbag placement segment in the pedestrian protection airbag market due to their effectiveness in protecting pedestrians during collisions. This is particularly important in urban areas, where pedestrian accidents are more common.
These airbags act as a cushion between the vehicle’s hard surfaces, such as the windshield, hood, and engine bay, and the pedestrian, helping to reduce the risk of serious head and chest injuries. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, they often hit the front end, including the windshield, roof pillars, or hood, which can cause severe injuries. Hood airbags are designed to deploy from the vehicle’s hood or engine compartment, covering these areas to absorb impact forces and lower the chances of fatal injuries.
Based on the vehicle, the pedestrian protection airbag market is divided into passenger cars, off highway vehicles, and commercial vehicles. The passenger cars segment held around 58.5% of the market share in 2024, due to their high production levels, widespread use, and increasing focus on safety. These vehicles are the most common type on the roads, representing a large portion of global vehicle sales.
As urbanization grows and pedestrian traffic increases in cities, pedestrian-related accidents have become more frequent, making pedestrian protection systems in passenger cars essential. The high rate of such accidents, particularly in urban areas with dense pedestrian populations, has increased the demand for technologies that reduce injuries and improve safety.
Europe dominated the global pedestrian protection airbag market with a major share of over 34% in 2024, owing to its leadership in automotive manufacturing, strict regulations, and focus on advanced vehicle safety technologies. As one of the largest automotive hubs globally, Germany is home to major car manufacturers such as Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. These companies have been leaders in developing and adopting innovative safety features, including pedestrian protection airbags.
Germany's strong automotive industry not only promotes the use of these airbags domestically but also influences global market trends, as its automakers often set safety standards adopted in other regions.
The demand for pedestrian protection airbags is increasing in the Asia Pacific region due to factors such as rapid urbanization, growing pedestrian traffic, stricter safety regulations, and the adoption of advanced automotive technologies. As one of the most densely populated regions globally, Asia Pacific is experiencing a rise in the number of vehicles, leading to higher traffic congestion and more pedestrian accidents. With urbanization accelerating in many countries, pedestrian traffic is particularly high in cities, emphasizing the need for improved safety features like pedestrian protection airbags to reduce injuries and fatalities during collisions.
The demand for pedestrian protection airbags in North America is increasing due to factors such as rising pedestrian fatalities, greater awareness of vehicle safety, stricter regulatory standards, and advancements in automotive technologies. In the United States, urban expansion, growing traffic congestion, and a rising population have contributed to an increase in pedestrian accidents. This trend highlights the need for technologies that can reduce the severity of injuries during collisions. Pedestrian protection airbags, designed to cushion the impact between vehicles and pedestrians, play a critical role in minimizing injuries and preventing fatalities, making them an essential feature in modern vehicles.