The automotive industry continues to enrich consumer convenience and the in-vehicle experience. A major contributor is advancements in audio technology: speakers, acoustics, and applications.
This analysis provides insights on
• audio technology and component roadmap,
• current offerings and forecasts,
• key tier players showcasing revolutionary audio technologies, and
• future audio transformation trends in the evolving digital ecosystem.
Growth opportunities for audio technology are significant in the era of connected, autonomous, shared, and electric mobility. Premium automakers have already implemented the most advanced technologies in their vehicles, and many mass-market manufacturers are offering branded audio as an upgrade option.
Frost & Sullivan conducted in-depth discussions with thought leaders from original equipment manufacturers, Tier I suppliers, and technology providers. The analysis considers the industry landscape in terms of increasing speaker counts, audio signal processing, and software transitions in three areas: factory fitted (branded/unbranded) speaker technology; surround sound systems; and 3D spatial audio. The analysis examines also growth opportunities for automakers and suppliers.
Revenue forecast
The revenue estimate for the base year 2023 is $3.33 billion, with a CAGR of 4.1% for the study period 2023–2030
The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Automotive Audio Industry
Transformative Megatrends
Why
- The influence of CASE technologies in the automotive industry is revolutionizing multiple areas on the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and customer ends.
- Audio technology plays a role in the user journey, and the shift in audio applications across connected vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), shared mobility, and autonomous vehicles will redefine the future of in-vehicle audio technology.
Frost Perspective
- With vehicles shifting from a driver to assist mode, the consumers will need something to do or divert their attention, making audio a main parameter for the customer journey experience.
- Therefore, OEMs must transform audio applications and use cases to meet the Mega Trends of CASE and improve the consumer experience.
Industry Convergence
Why
- Hardware speaker capability and amplifiers influence in-vehicle audio technology.
- However, the expanding innovation in digital signal processing has started to lead to audio advancements in applications, such as 3D spatial sound and sonic reproduction, that function on software audio optimization, converging hardware-driven speaker technology with a software audio module.
Frost Perspective
- The vehicle architecture transition will drive the modernization of audio software in the automotive industry during the next 5-7 years.
- Companies such as Harman, Blackberry QNX, and DSP Concepts will lead the way.
Innovative Business Models
Why
- Software-defined vehicles significantly influence many automotive areas, including audio technology.
- Upcoming software-driven acoustic platforms will accommodate advanced tuning tools and creative signal processing over the air (OTA), creating new revenue streams for upgradable applications.
Frost Perspective
- An entirely software-driven audio foundation will allow OEMs to explore new audio-based service collaborations.
- Innovative tier providers or multimedia content providers will offer value-added features, such as upgrading branded audio or directional navigation alerts, and create new revenue streams by offering an on-demand or subscription service.
Scope of Analysis
- The analysis focuses on tier suppliers and start-up sound solutions revolutionizing in-cabin audio.
- The forecast reflects the penetration of basic OEM-fitted audio and the impact of upcoming software-driven upgrade opportunities on it, further reflecting growing demand of advanced audio technologies such as surround sound and 3D audio with OEMs promoting in-cabin consumer entertainment.
- The analysis encompasses major sound technologies in the North American automotive market, from the availability of basic and premium speaker technology to the capability of surround sound and 3D spatial audio. It examines future use cases of audio applications and showcases the impact of transforming sound technology to allow connected cars, connected living, and shared mobility.
- There will be a revolution in automotive sound technology, with opportunities for OEMs to monetize SDVs and features on demand (FoD).
Segmentation
Automotive Audio Technology
Basic Audio
- Basic audio refers to a factory-fitted audio speaker system in the vehicle, which the OEM can upgrade.
- Basic audio technology represents unbranded and branded audio speakers.
- Depending on the automaker market, the audio system might vary across vehicles regarding speaker count and audio supplier brand.
Surround Sound
- Surround sound is a technique for enhancing sound reproduction. It uses multiple audio channels from speakers surrounding a listener, creating a multidimensional sound environment.
- The technology falls into the 5.1 or 7.1 category, showcasing a mix of 6 or 8 audio channels relying on a combination of speakers.
3D Audio
- 3D audio is a spatial format that uses multiple speakers to create a feeling of three-dimensional audio atmosphere.
- Speaker placements can be the same as surround sound or increased such as above, below, by the side, behind, and/or in front of the listener in addition to software acoustic tuning, creating a depth in sound space around the listener.
Competitive Environment
| Number of Competitors | 5+ Tier I supplier, 10+ audio suppliers, and 20+ OEMs |
| Competitive Factors | Performance, cost, innovation, technology, clarity, and brand awareness |
| Key End-User Industry Verticals | Consumer and automotive |
| Leading Competitors | Harman, Panasonic, and Bose |
| Other Notable Competitors | Alps Alpine, and Sony |
| Distribution Structure | OEMs, aftermarket retail sales |
| Notable Partnerships | DSP Concepts with BdSound; Qualcomm with Arkamy |
Key Competitors
Basic Audio
- HARMAN KARDON
- JBL
- BANG & OLAFSEN
- BURMESTER
- BOWERS & WILKINS
- BOSE
- ALPS ALPINE
- KRELL
- FENDER
- MARK LEVINSON
- BEATS AUDIO
Surround Sound
- HARMAN KARDON
- BURMESTER
- BOSE
- PANASONIC
- ALPS ALPINE
- SONY
3D Sound
- BOWERS & WILKINS
- BURMESTER
- PANASONIC
- SONY
OEM
- AUDI
- BMW
- CHEVROLET
- FORD
- HONDA
- HYUNDAI
- JEEP
- LEXUS
- MERCEDES-BENZ
- NISSAN
- TESLA
- TOYOTA
- VOLKSWAGEN
- VOLVO
Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow?
The Strategic Imperative 8™
The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Automotive Audio Industry
Key Findings
Overview of an In-Vehicle Audio Technology Roadmap
Audio Penetration by Technology
Audio Penetration Snapshot by OEM Brand
Audio Technology Supplier Portfolio Snapshot
Scope of Analysis
Segmentation
Definitions and Implementation Analysis
Definitions and Implementation Analysis (continued)
Competitive Environment
Key Competitors
Audio Component Roadmap
Automotive Speaker Technology Roadmap
Interior Speaker Placement Variations
Future of Vehicle Interior Speaker Placements
Overview of Audio Technology Use Cases in a CASE World Across Connected Cars and XaaS
Growth Metrics
Growth Drivers
Growth Restraints
Forecast Considerations
Revenue and Unit Shipment Forecast
Revenue Forecast by Audio Technology
Unit Shipment Forecast by Technology
Pricing Trends and Revenue Forecast Analysis
Growth Metrics
Revenue and Unit Shipment Forecast
Forecast Analysis—Basic Audio
Growth Metrics
Revenue and Unit Shipment Forecast
Forecast Analysis—Surround Sound Technology
Growth Metrics
Revenue and Unit Shipment Forecast
Forecast Analysis—3-D Audio Technology
Audio Offering—BMW
Audio Offering—Chevrolet
Audio Offering—Ford
Audio Offering—Jeep
Audio Offering—Mercedes-Benz
Audio Offering—Toyota
Audio Penetration Snapshot by OEM Brand
Audio Offering—Alps Alpine
Audio Offering—Bose
Audio Offering—Harman
Audio Offering—Panasonic
Audio Offering—Sony
Audio Technology Supplier Portfolio Snapshot
Characteristics of Audio in Evolving Digital Ecosystems
Automotive Audio Technology Use Cases
Mapping Audio Technology Use Cases Across Smart Cars and CaaS
Mapping Audio Technology Use Cases Across MaaS and CLaaS
Growth Opportunity 1—Partnerships
Growth Opportunity 1—Partnerships (continued)
Growth Opportunity 2—CASE Audio
Growth Opportunity 2—CASE Audio (continued)
Growth Opportunity 3—Product Differentiation
Growth Opportunity 3—Product Differentiation (continued)
Best Practices Recognition
Frost Radar
Benefits and Impacts of Growth Opportunities
Next Steps
Take the Next Step
List of Exhibits
List of Exhibits (continued)
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| Deliverable Type | Market Research |
|---|---|
| Author | Ashwini Ankit Suvarna |
| Industries | Automotive |
| No Index | No |
| Is Prebook | No |
| Keyword 1 | Automotive Audio Market |
| Keyword 2 | North American Audio Growth |
| Keyword 3 | Innovations Audio Sector |
| Podcast | No |
| WIP Number | PFBF-01-00-00-00 |
Growth Opportunities in the North American Automotive Audio Sector, 2023 2030
Software-Defined Upgrades Will Adapt to the Transformative Megatrends of Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric Vehicles
02-May-2024
Global
Market Research

