The automotive glazing market - France

The history of automotive glazing began with the use of ordinary glass in the early 20th century, replaced in the 1920s and 1930s by laminated and tempered glass to improve passenger safety. The 1980s-1990s saw the emergence of innovative repair techniques, enabling damaged glass to be restored without replacement. Modern automotive glazing can also incorporate additional technologies, such as UV protection films, hydrophobic coatings to improve visibility in the rain, or athermal films that reflect solar heat to maintain a comfortable interior temperature. Some windows can also be tinted to improve privacy and reduce glare from the sun. This is a market in the throes of innovation, with the introduction of connected windows explaining why the price of windscreens and parts is ever higher. Globally, this market is expected to generate sales of 25 billion by 2023, and a CAGR of 5.4% between 2022 and 2027. Growth in global vehicle production, increased demand for interior comfort and government regulations aimed at enhancing vehicle safety are expected to boost the automotive glazing market. In addition, rising sales of high-end and luxury cars are likely to boost demand for advanced glazing technologies in the coming years. This market has been hit hard by inflation, and we're seeing a drop in demand which is affecting garage owners' incomes. In fact, many French people are adopting a "survival of the fittest" approach to reduce their car maintenance costs. For example, they tend to buy second-hand parts, change their windows or repair their cars themselves. We can also observe a 9.9% rise in raw materials and parts prices between the first half of 2023 and 2024, as well as a 5.9% increase in labor costs over the same period.