Airbags have become an essential component of vehicle safety systems, helping to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Airbags generally deploy when the impact reaches speeds of 20 kilometers per hour or higher, which is roughly equivalent to a head-on collision with a stationary wall. Driver and passenger airbags are most effective in frontal collisions and may not deploy during diagonal or side impacts. These safety devices are designed to deploy rapidly, cushioning the impact and reducing the risk of injury.

What is an Airbag?

An airbag is a vehicle occupant restraint system that inflates within milliseconds during a collision and deflates afterward. It is made up of an airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. The primary function of the airbag is to offer soft cushioning and restraint to the vehicle occupant during a crash, helping to minimize injuries by preventing direct contact between the occupant and the vehicle's interior.

Over the years, many companies have specialized in the design and production of airbags and their components. Below are the top 10 airbag manufacturers in the world, known for their innovation, quality, and contribution to the safety industry.

Top 10 Airbag Manufacturers in the World:

1. Airbag Systems, Inc.

Airbag Systems, Inc. is a prominent player in the airbag manufacturing industry, known for its expertise in designing and producing high-quality airbag systems for both passenger and commercial vehicles. The company offers a wide range of products, including front airbags, side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags. Their advanced technologies are geared toward improving vehicle safety and performance, with a strong emphasis on reliability and durability.

Notable Contributions:

Specialized in a variety of airbag systems, including front, side, and curtain airbags

Focuses on safety innovation and reliability

Strong presence in the U.S. market

2. Autoliv Inc.

Autoliv Inc. is a global leader in automotive safety systems, with a significant market share in airbag production. The company is known for its comprehensive airbag portfolio, including Bernoulli airbag, front center airbags and side curtain airbags, as well as its advanced sensing technologies. Autoliv has been at the forefront of airbag innovation, consistently enhancing its products to provide better protection to vehicle occupants. Autoliv has operations in 25 countries. Digitalization, combined with a strong focus on safety and sustainability, is a key pillar of Autoliv's operational excellence.

Notable Contributions:

Leading manufacturer of a wide range of airbag systems

Pioneered smart airbag technologies and integrated sensors

Operates in over 27 countries, serving major automakers worldwide

3. Toyoda Gosei

Toyoda Gosei, a subsidiary of Toyota Group, is a major manufacturer of automotive safety systems, including airbags. The company specializes in producing airbags for various vehicle types, from compact cars to large commercial vehicles. Its various airbags provide full 360° coverage to protect occupants from impacts at various directions. The products offered by the company include driver side airbags, passenger side airbags, knee airbags, seat cushion airbags, and curtain airbags, etc. The company has 38, 951 employees as of March 31, 2024.

With a strong focus on innovation, Toyoda Gosei has contributed significantly to the development of next-generation airbag systems that offer enhanced protection and deployment efficiency.

Notable Contributions:

Develops advanced airbag systems for a variety of vehicle categories

Focuses on innovations in airbag sensors and deployment mechanisms

Known for collaboration with Toyota Group in enhancing safety technologies

4. ZF Friedrichshafen AG

ZF Friedrichshafen AG is one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, with a strong presence in the airbag market. The company manufactures advanced airbag systems, including frontal airbags, side airbags, and knee airbags. ZF’s airbag technologies are designed to work seamlessly with other vehicle safety features, such as seatbelts and collision detection systems, to provide optimal protection during accidents. The company has 168,700 employees worldwide.

Notable Contributions:

Integrates airbag systems with other safety technologies

Develops advanced occupant protection solutions for various vehicle types

Strong focus on safety innovation and sustainability

5. DENSO CORPORATION

DENSO Corporation, a major supplier of automotive components, is known for its high-quality airbag systems. The company manufactures airbags for a wide range of vehicles, focusing on improving occupant safety. DENSO has also pioneered several innovations in airbag technologies, including airbag inflators and smart sensors that allow for precise airbag deployment, enhancing protection in the event of a crash. The company is a global Fortune 500 company. The company is striving to lessen the environmental impact across all areas of its business activities, including its products and production processes, with the goal of achieving world-leading environmental efficiency and optimal resource productivity.

Notable Contributions:

Known for airbag inflator technologies and advanced sensors

Collaborates with major automakers to develop cutting-edge airbag systems

Strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly technologies

6. Continental AG

Continental AG is another leading player in the automotive safety market, offering a comprehensive range of airbag systems, including front airbags, side airbags, and advanced restraint systems. Continental is renowned for its innovative solutions, such as adaptive airbags and integration with driver assistance systems. The company’s focus on integrating airbag systems with vehicle electronics enhances overall safety.

Notable Contributions:

Innovates in adaptive airbag technologies and smart inflators

Focus on integrating airbag systems with other vehicle safety technologies

7. Hyundai Mobis

Hyundai Mobis is a key player in the automotive parts industry, providing a wide range of safety systems, including airbags. As a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, the company manufactures high-performance airbags for a variety of vehicles, including compact cars and luxury models. Hyundai Mobis is committed to continuous innovation, and its airbag technologies focus on improving occupant protection through advanced sensors and reliable deployment mechanisms. The company’s five core values are Customer First, Daring Execution, Communication & Cooperation, Respect for People and Go Global. The company focuses on improving technical capabilities, realizing the best quality, bolstering customer confidence, and strengthening customer engagement.

Notable Contributions:

Provides airbags for both Hyundai and Kia models

Focus on integrating airbags with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

Known for innovation in multi-stage airbags and side-impact protection

8. Joyson Safety Systems

Joyson Safety Systems (JSS) is a global leader in the automotive safety industry, specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced safety technologies, including airbags, seatbelts, steering wheels, and other critical components aimed at protecting drivers and passengers. Headquartered in the United States, the company operates globally with a presence in numerous countries, offering a wide range of safety products for major automotive manufacturers.

JSS is renowned for its innovations in airbag technology, contributing significantly to the evolution of automotive safety systems. The company focuses on reducing fatalities and injuries caused by accidents through continuous research, development, and the integration of state-of-the-art technologies into its products 

Notable Contributions

Joyson Safety Systems is known for developing cutting-edge airbag technologies, including side-impact, curtain, knee, and front airbags.

One of the company’s key contributions is the development of multi-stage airbags.

It has incorporated smart sensors into its airbag systems, which can detect the severity of a crash and adjust airbag deployment accordingly.

9. Nippon Kayaku Co. Ltd.

Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. is a renowned Japanese company that has played a pivotal role in the automotive safety industry, particularly through its development of airbag systems and related technologies. Founded in 1923, Nippon Kayaku initially specialized in the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, but over time, the company expanded into the automotive industry, where it became a significant player in the development of safety systems. Today, Nippon Kayaku is a leading supplier of airbag inflators, a critical component in airbag systems, and other safety technologies used in vehicles.

Notable Contributions:

Nippon Kayaku has also contributed to the development of side-impact airbags, a key innovation in automotive safety.

Nippon Kayaku has developed strong partnerships with leading global automotive manufacturers, such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and others.

10. Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.

Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd., based in Japan, is a key player in the airbag manufacturing sector. The company produces airbags for a wide variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Ashimori is known for its innovative approach to airbag design, with a particular focus on improving deployment efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of airbag materials.

Notable Contributions:

Specializes in airbag design and manufacturing for multiple vehicle types

Focus on environmental sustainability in airbag materials

Strong emphasis on improving airbag performance and safety

According to TechSci Research report “Automotive Airbag Market Segmented By Type (Curtain Airbags, Knee Airbags, Front Airbags, and Inflatable Seat Belt), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles), By Demand Category (OEM and Aftermarket), By Regional, By Competition Forecast & Opportunities 2018-2028F,” Global Automotive Airbag Market has valued at USD 13 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.97% through 2028. The market growth is driven by various factors, such as rising safety regulations and standards, technological advancements, etc.

Factors Driving the Growth of Automotive Airbag Market:

1.Rising Safety Regulations and Standards

The increasing focus on safety regulations and standards imposed by governments worldwide is a key factor driving the growth of the automotive airbag market. Regulatory bodies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations have established strict requirements for vehicle safety, including airbag deployment systems. Several countries now mandate the installation of airbags in all vehicles to reduce fatalities and injuries from accidents.

With the tightening of safety regulations, automakers are investing in advanced airbag technologies to comply with these standards. This growing regulatory emphasis is propelling the demand for airbag systems globally.

2. Technological Advancements in Airbag Systems

There has been increased adoption of airbags in both economy and luxury vehicles. The technological advancements in these airbag systems have significantly improved the design, efficiency, and reliability of airbags, driving their adoption in these vehicles. The development of smart airbags, which are equipped with sensors to detect the severity of the crash and deploy accordingly, has contributed to the rise of more sophisticated systems. These smart airbags provide better protection by adjusting their deployment based on factors such as the occupant's size, position, and the nature of the collision.

Moreover, the use of lighter, more durable fabrics and eco-friendly inflators, have improved airbag performance while reducing costs. Innovations in side-impact airbags, knee airbags, and even pedestrian protection airbags have also played a key role in expanding the airbag market.

3. Increasing Consumer Demand for Vehicle Safety

There has been a rise in awareness of the importance of vehicle safety among consumers, which has led to a notable rise in demand for cars with advanced safety features, like airbags. A growing number of consumers consider airbags and other safety technologies as essential factors when purchasing a new vehicle. The life-saving potential of airbags, particularly among younger and more safety-conscious buyers, has led to a surge in demand for airbags across various vehicle segments.

Automakers are responding to this demand by integrating airbag systems into a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to high-end luxury models, further driving market growth.

4. Expanding Automotive Production and Sales

The global automotive market has seen consistent growth, particularly in emerging economies where rising income levels and urbanization are driving vehicle sales. In countries like China, India, and Brazil, the demand for automobiles has risen dramatically, leading to an increase in the need for safety systems like airbags. As the number of vehicles on the road continues to grow, so does the need for airbag systems to ensure occupant protection in the event of an accident.

Moreover, automakers are expanding their production capacities to cater to the growing demand for vehicles in developing regions. This, in turn, is driving the demand for airbags, as they are now a standard feature in most modern vehicles.

5. Automotive Industry’s Focus on Innovation and Safety Features

There has been increased focus on developing vehicles with enhanced safety features among automakers. These include not only airbags but also advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and collision detection. The rising emphasis on safety innovation is pushing manufacturers to develop and integrate advanced airbag technologies, such as multi-stage airbags and side curtain airbags, into their vehicles.

With growing consumer expectations, automakers are striving to offer more comprehensive safety systems, which has further accelerated the growth of the automotive airbag market.

Conclusion:

These top 10 airbag manufacturers—Logistick, Inc., Superior Spring & Manufacturing Co., Joyson Safety Systems, SD Truck Springs, Daystar, SEIREN Co., LTD., Meyer Truck Equipment, Airbagkit, IBER AIRBAG, and BigAirBag—play critical roles in advancing automotive safety. From passenger cars to commercial vehicles and off-road trucks, their innovative airbag systems provide enhanced protection, stability, and comfort for drivers and passengers around the globe. The airbag industry continues to evolve with advancements in technology, ensuring that the safety of vehicle occupants remains a top priority across the world.