Automotive Industry Today

Automotive Knee Airbags Market to Reach USD 350.7 Million by 2035, Driven by Safety Innovation and Sustainable Materials

The automotive knee airbags market is expanding steadily, driven by rising safety regulations, consumer demand for advanced occupant protection, and innovations in sustainable materials. Knee airbags, designed to reduce leg injuries during frontal crashes, are becoming an integral part of modern vehicle safety systems.
Published 24 September 2025

The global automotive knee airbags market is projected to increase from USD 205.3 million in 2025 to USD 350.7 million by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. The growing emphasis on passenger safety, coupled with innovations in sustainable airbag materials and advanced crash protection systems, is fueling the expansion of the automotive knee airbags market.

Quick Stats for the Automotive Knee Airbags Market

  • Market Value (2025): USD 205.3 million
  • Forecast Value (2035): USD 350.7 million
  • CAGR (2025–2035): 5.5%
  • Leading Applications: Passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, luxury & premium car segments
  • Top Growth Regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific
  • Notable Companies: Daicel Corporation, Delphi Automotive Plc, Denso Corporation, Takata Corporation, Toray Industries Inc., Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd, and others

Why the Market is Growing

The global automotive knee airbags market is gaining strong momentum as automakers prioritize occupant safety, regulatory bodies enforce stricter crash safety standards, and consumers demand enhanced in-cabin protection. Knee airbags, which deploy from beneath the dashboard to cushion lower limbs, are increasingly seen as critical components in reducing leg injuries during frontal collisions.

  • Rising Focus on Vehicle Safety: Growing awareness of crash protection and compliance with global safety regulations drive knee airbag integration across passenger and commercial vehicles.
  • Sustainability in Automotive Components: Adoption of recycled and eco-friendly materials in airbag cushions enhances sustainability while maintaining high-performance standards.
  • Luxury & Premium Segment Growth: Rising demand for premium vehicles equipped with advanced occupant protection systems further accelerates knee airbag adoption.
  • Crash-Test Performance Standards: Advancements in vehicle crashworthiness and NCAP safety ratings push automakers to adopt multi-airbag systems, including knee airbags.

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Segmental Analysis

Passenger Cars Lead the Way

Knee airbags are primarily integrated into passenger vehicles, particularly in mid-size sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars, where consumer demand for premium safety features is highest.

Luxury & Premium Cars Expanding Share

Luxury carmakers are expanding the deployment of knee airbags as a standard feature, responding to customer expectations for top-tier safety innovations.

Sustainable Material Adoption Rising

Manufacturers are investing in recycled polyester fabrics for airbag cushions, meeting both safety and environmental standards while appealing to eco-conscious automakers.

Regional Outlook

  • North America: Leads global adoption, driven by stringent safety regulations (NHTSA, IIHS) and consumer demand for multi-airbag systems.
  • Europe: Strong market presence supported by Euro NCAP safety protocols and luxury automakers prioritizing advanced occupant protection.
  • Asia-Pacific: Fastest-growing region, fueled by rising vehicle ownership, regulatory pushes in China and India, and expansion of local automakers.
  • Latin America & MEA: Steady adoption, with growth tied to improving safety regulations and increasing consumer awareness.

Market Dynamics

Key Drivers

  • Increasing global road safety regulations and NCAP crash rating standards
  • Growth in luxury and premium vehicle sales worldwide
  • Innovations in sustainable and lightweight materials for airbags
  • Rising consumer awareness of advanced occupant protection

Restraints

  • High replacement and repair costs for airbag systems
  • Limited adoption in entry-level vehicles in emerging markets
  • Integration challenges in compact and budget-friendly vehicle models

Competitive Landscape

The automotive knee airbags market is moderately consolidated, with leading global suppliers and automotive OEMs collaborating to deliver safety-driven innovations.

  • Global Leaders: Daicel Corporation, Denso Corporation, and Delphi Automotive Plc continue to dominate through strong OEM partnerships.
  • Material Innovators: Toray Industries Inc. pioneers sustainable polyester-based fabrics for airbags.
  • Regional Players: Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd and Takata Corporation support regional automakers with affordable and efficient airbag solutions.

Recent Developments

  • 2025: ZF LIFETEC / ZF Friedrichshafen AG unveiled the Active Heel Airbag, designed to complement knee airbags in reclined comfort seating positions. Integrated into the footwell, it stabilizes the heel during crashes, improving energy absorption. Launch expected by 2028.
  • 2024: Autoliv Inc. introduced 100% recycled polyester airbag cushions, offering equivalent safety performance while reducing GHG emissions by ~50% during polymer production. This innovation applies directly to knee airbag modules.

Future Outlook

The global automotive knee airbags market is set for steady expansion, supported by evolving safety norms, sustainable material innovation, and rising consumer demand for advanced crash protection. As automakers transition toward eco-friendly and technology-driven safety solutions, knee airbags are expected to become a mainstream feature across more vehicle categories.

By 2035, with the market projected to reach USD 350.7 million, automotive knee airbags will play a crucial role in shaping next-generation vehicle safety, offering protection not just as a luxury feature but as an industry standard.

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