The market for technical fabrics created by the airbag industry is largely an anomaly, 'a once in a lifetime'. In less than 15 years, this segment has evolved from virtually nothing into being one of the largest, if not the single largest application for technical fabrics in the world. Airbag systems originally targeted for the driver and passenger are now being proposed for use in several different areas throughout the automobile. Currently, there is the potential for as many as 10 different airbag systems in a single automobile. These include the standard driver and passenger systems, side thorax and side head protection, inflatable curtains, rear seat systems and knee bolsters. The competition for new programs on every level of the supply chain is fierce and intensifying. Cost is ultimately the key, and the automotive companies use the competition among suppliers to get the lowest possible prices for their products. Because of the competition and the pricing pressures, the market favours larger, multi-functional players who have the capacity to serve influential end-users, can generate high volumes and have the economies of scale to offer price-competitive products. Side-impact airbags and inflatable curtain systems are also areas where development is ongoing. Though there is no legislation currently for making these systems mandatory, there is still the potential for growth when consumers become more acceptable of the technology and the potential for added costs.
Price pressure, stiff competition, slow growth mark today's airbag industry
Preissdruck, harter Wettbewerb und langsames Wachstum kennzeichnen die heutige Airbag-Industrie
T3 Technical Textile Technology ; 2 , 1 ; 46-49
2003
4 Seiten, 3 Bilder
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
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