Whiplash Protection System Market to Hit $7.99 Bn by 2034

Whiplash Protection System Market Size, Share, Trends and Growth Forecast 2034

According to market projections, the whiplash protection system sector is expected to grow from USD 3.57 billion in 2024 to USD 7.99 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 8.4%. Cervical sprains from car accidents are common, with over a million cases annually. OEMs are integrating whiplash protection as safety becomes a priority. Once limited to luxury cars, it's now in budget models. Despite a sales dip in 2019-2020, a rebound is expected.

Last Updated: 17 February 2025 Category: Automotive Technology Insight Code: 1087 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Senior Research Analyst

Dr. Arjun Patel

Reviewed By

Aditi Shivarkar

The whiplash protection system market is projected to reach USD 7.99 billion by 2034, growing from USD 3.87 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Whiplash Protection System Market Size 2023 to 2034

  • Cervical sprains are among the most common injuries resulting from car accidents, with over one million neck injuries occurring annually. The evolution of safety systems such as airbags and seat belts in vehicles has been rapid, leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate whiplash protection into their designs. As both consumers and governments worldwide increasingly prioritize safety, the whiplash protection market is poised for significant growth.
  • Initially, whiplash prevention technology was predominantly featured in luxury vehicles due to cost constraints for buyers. However, as safety systems become more affordable and consumer awareness rises alongside improved purchasing power, OEMs are progressively incorporating this safety feature into their more budget-friendly vehicle models.
  • Global automotive sales experienced a 4% decline in 2019, marking the second consecutive year of decreasing demand. Prior to the pandemic, forecasts anticipated global automotive sales to reach 80 million units in 2020. However, with the challenging economic landscape persisting, new car demand is expected to remain negative throughout 2020. Nevertheless, sales are projected to rebound rapidly beyond the forecast period.

Technological Developments Will Help This Market Grow

The seat with neck injury protection system is designed to safeguard the front passenger's neck in the event of a rear collision. It features a backrest connected to the seat below via a specially designed hinge, determining the backrest's movement during a rear impact. Additionally, the seat back includes cracks allowing the seat cushion to move slightly backward upon impact, combined with high-mounted head restraints to limit head movement during a crash. Volvo has been at the forefront of researching and developing whiplash prevention systems for over a decade. Their WHIPS system is effective in collisions where factors such as impact angle, speed, and condition of the striking vehicle are involved. Volvo claims significant reductions in both short-term and long-term injuries with the WHIPS system, although its cost remains a limiting factor due to the expenses associated with its construction and testing.

Reactive head restraint systems are anticipated to become the most prevalent anti-whiplash systems in automobiles, while pendulum systems are expected to experience slower growth. Combination drivers are likely to be the primary users of whiplash protection systems in the market.

Manufacturers are actively investing in impact protection technology to enhance product quality and reduce costs. Volvo's recent safety initiative, announced on March 20, 2020, aims to share safety-related information with all original manufacturers and suppliers. These factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

North America Captures the Largest Market

Whiplash Protection System Market NA, EU, APAC, LA, MEA Share, 2024

The United States maintains its dominant position in the whiplash protection market, owing to its leadership in automobile sales, which exceeded 4.7 million vehicles in 2019. With diverse market demands, the U.S. stands out as a major manufacturer of automotive safety products. In 2019 alone, approximately 17 million car headlights were sold in the country. The surge in luxury car sales across the U.S. has notably impacted the automotive neck response systems industry, prompting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to intensify research and development efforts aimed at creating effective and cost-efficient whiplash protection systems. Luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus, which respectively sold 324,830 units, 316,090 units, and 298,110 units in 2019, contribute significantly to this trend. As the U.S. market continues to flourish, it reinforces the country's leading position in automobile whiplash prevention, poised for further growth in the forecast period. However, OEMs must remain vigilant in delivering on their safety promises to avoid falling behind on advancements and risking product obsolescence. Furthermore, the integration of government-mandated security measures into safety systems can significantly influence consumer preferences and needs in the market.

Whiplash Protection System Market Companies

Whiplash Protection System Market Leaders

  • Autoliv Inc.
  • Robert Bosch GmbH
  • Continental AG
  • Delphi Automotive
  • Denso Corporation
  • Grammer AG
  • Hyundai Mobis
  • Lear Corporation
  • Takata Corporation
  • Wabco

Whiplash Protection System Industry Segmentation

By Vehicle Type

  • Passenger Cars
  • Commercial Vehicle

By System Type

  • Reactive Head Restraint
  • Proactive Head Restraint
  • Others

By Geography

  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Rest of North America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East and Africa
    • South Africa
    • Rest of Middle-East and Africa
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About The Author

Dr. Arjun Patel is a distinguished expert in the automotive industry, holding advanced degrees in Automotive Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. His expertise spans automotive market dynamics, technological advancements, and sustainable practices. Dr. Patel excels in conducting in depth research and analysis on market trends, consumer preferences, and the economic implications within the automotive sector. He is renowned for his insightful publications on topics such as electric vehicles, autonomous driving technologies, and the evolution of sustainable transportation solutions. Dr. Patels research contributions have significantly advanced understanding in the field, earning him recognition as a leading authority in automotive research and analysis.

FAQ's

A whiplash protection system (WPS) is a safety feature designed to reduce the risk of neck and spinal injuries, commonly known as whiplash, during rear-end collisions. It typically consists of a combination of components such as specially designed head restraints, seat structures, and energy-absorbing materials that work together to support and protect occupants heads and necks from excessive forces and rapid acceleration/deceleration movements.

A whiplash protection system (WPS) differs from traditional head restraints and seat designs by incorporating advanced features and technologies specifically aimed at mitigating the risk of whiplash injuries. These may include active head restraints that automatically move into position during a rear-end collision, energy-absorbing materials in the seatback and headrest, and adjustable seatback angles to optimize occupant positioning and support during impact.

Implementing a whiplash protection system (WPS) in vehicles offers several benefits, including reductions in the severity and frequency of whiplash injuries for occupants involved in rear-end collisions. By providing better support and restraint for occupants heads and necks, WPS can minimize the risk of soft tissue injuries and associated pain and discomfort. Additionally, fewer injuries may result in reduced insurance claims and medical expenses for vehicle owners and insurers, contributing to overall cost savings.

Regulatory standards and safety ratings organizations play a crucial role in driving the adoption and implementation of whiplash protection systems (WPS) in vehicles by establishing guidelines and criteria for evaluating their effectiveness and performance in crash tests and safety assessments. Organizations such as the IIHS and Euro NCAP evaluate WPS based on factors such as head restraint geometry, seat design, and dynamic test performance to assess their ability to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in real-world rear-end collisions.

Current trends and advancements in whiplash protection system (WPS) technology include the integration of active safety features such as collision detection and avoidance systems, sensor-based head restraint adjustments, and adaptive seat designs that automatically adjust to optimize occupant positioning and support during rear-end collisions. These innovations promise to further enhance occupant protection and comfort in future vehicle models by providing proactive measures to prevent accidents and minimize the impact of collisions on occupants heads and necks.

Inderscience, European Transport Safety Council, Taylor & Francis Online, Volvo Cars UK, Links Automotive Macclesfield, Saab Central.

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