The Global Automotive Steering Sensor market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8.4%, reaching USD 2.7 billion in 2031 from USD 1.8 billion in 2026.
Modern automotive vehicles use automotive steering sensors to detect, measure, and monitor different vehicle dynamics like vehicle steering inputs, braking, driving, and other parameters and normally come as part of the vehicle's electronic stability control or ESC and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). If the steering sensor detects the rate of steering wheel rotation and the angle of the steering wheel, it can also be used to determine the torque applied to the steering wheel by the driver as well and this is the primary job of the performance of the steering sensors in the car. This then relays information to the lane-keeping assist, electronic power steering (EPS), adaptive cruise control, and other driver-assist and safety features that help protect the driver.
The steering sensor has the following components that collectively contribute to accurate steering input measurement for example the sensor element could be in the form of an electromechanical, electrohydraulic, or electro-pneumatic actuator that detects the steering angle, rate of rotation, or steering wheel torque, the signal conditioning circuit that conditions or processes the raw signals from the sensor element to guarantee accuracy and compatibility.
The microcontroller or processor gets the conditioned signals from the sensor and does further processing, the communication interface that communicates with other onboard systems like the electronic control unit or ECU, the mounting mechanism that mounts the vehicle steering column or another relevant component to guarantees accurate measurement of steering inputs and the housing and enclosure that protects the internal components from environmental factors like moisture and other corrosive elements.
The automotive steering sensors market is driven by growth in sales for vehicles globally, whether it is a passenger or commercial heavy-duty vehicle, and the rising popularity of EVs that reduce harmful emissions and are promoted by governments across the globe. The growth in sales of these vehicles will grow the demand for steering sensors to be installed in the vehicles for driver safety proportionally.
Also, the rising focus on safety features integrated into the vehicle will significantly drive the market as automakers are increasingly focusing on improving vehicle dynamics, handling, and overall driving experience, which can be done using automotive steering sensors in vehicles. Thus, the increasing demand for vehicles is expected to drive the growth of the automotive steering sensors market.
With the environmental demand for less harmful emissions and with increasing emphasis on fuel efficiency, the automakers are working towards improving fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle emissions by enabling events like electric power steering, which can contribute to reduced emissions and fuel savings when compared to traditional hydraulic power steering systems. Also, factors like advancements in sensor technology, such as improvements in accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, are increasing the capabilities and applications of automotive steering sensors and growing consumer preference for safety features in vehicles is driving the adoption of ADAS technologies which in turn heavily rely on steering sensors for example for lane-keeping assistance. These are some of the factors that are expected to contribute to the growth of the automotive steering sensor market during the forecast period.
Growth in vehicle production and sales across the globe is predicted to propel the market
Rapid urbanization and industrialization are leading to population growth in several regions across the globe. The population growth is evident in countries like China and India, where automotive production is booming, and with an increase in population, the demand for passenger and commercial vehicles is increasing. The increasing sales are thus increasing the demand for steering sensors to equip these vehicles with advanced safety and driver-assist features.
Also, the increasing popularity of EVs and autonomous vehicles, which are eco-friendly and sustainable, are being encouraged by several governments across the globe to make a sustainable future that requires automotive steering sensors as they rely heavily on electronic controls and sensors like steering sensors. For example, torque vectoring, regenerative braking, and autonomous steering. Thus, the increasing sales of vehicles are expected to positively impact the market growth for automotive steering sensors over the forecast period.
The growing technological advancements are projected to drive the automotive steering sensor market.
There are constant technological advancements that are being made in the field of the automotive industry, including the sensors that are installed in the steering system of the vehicle for driver safety and improved vehicle dynamics and handling, which will enhance the efficiency and reliability of the steering system. These advancements include enhanced sensor technology that improves accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, which then expands the capabilities and applications of automotive steering sensors in the vehicle.
Also, the innovations include MEMS or Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems sensors and integrated sensor systems that enable more sophisticated ADAS functionalities, which are contributing significantly to boosting the automotive steering sensor market growth over the forecast period.
The automotive steering sensor market can be hindered due to several factors, including the fact that the use of advanced steering sensors can be high in cost, especially while using sensors from advanced driver assistance systems or ADAS and autonomous vehicles that are expensive and come with higher costs due to their sophistication and complexity. Also, the integration of sensors into modern vehicles with ADAS or autonomous driving systems can be challenging and time-consuming, with growing concerns about data privacy and risks of data theft due to the increasing connectivity of vehicles and the proliferation of electronic systems.
Cybersecurity threats pose a significant concern for automotive steering sensors, and the changing compliance of safety and regulatory standards can be challenging for steering sensor manufacturers and automakers. Therefore, these factors can contribute to hindering the automotive steering sensor market over the forecast period.
Growth is projected to be prominent in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to show major growth in the automotive steering sensor market. The rapid growth in economies like China, Japan, and India has grown in numbers for automotive manufacturing hubs in the region. This includes manufacturing cars with steering sensors, which will fuel the demand for them in the region.
Also, the growing disposable income among the general public with growing GDP in several countries in the region is contributing to growing car sales that will need steering sensors to build those cars. The presence of OEM or original equipment manufacturers coupled with the rapid growth of the automotive industry in the region are the contributing factors to boost the automotive steering sensors market in the Asia-Pacific region over the forecast period.
Bosch Mobility: The Steering-Angle Sensor can provide an absolute steering-angle value over the complete steering-angle range and is based on Giant Magnetoresistance technology that can be cost-effective and modular.
VBOX Automotive: The Steering Torque Sensor has a fine resolution of steer angle and accurately measures a vehicle’s steering angle or torque in tests.
In April 2023, Nexteer Automotive announced a new modular rack-assist electric power steering system and expanded its cost-effective and modular steering offerings.
In December 2022, Melexis launched a new MLX90376 magnetic position sensor with strong stray field immunity and supports system integration up to ASIL D level functional safety.