Market Overview:
"The global on board units market was valued at US$ 2.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to register a CAGR of 14.7% over the forecast period and reach US$ 8.9 billion in 2032."
Report Attributes |
Details |
Base Year |
2023 |
Forecast Years |
2024-2032 |
Historical Years |
2021-2023 |
On Board Units Market Growth Rate (2024-2032) |
14.7% |
An OBU (on-board unit) is a device installed in a vehicle that serves multiple functions, including transmitting and collecting data for various applications. It records traffic and driving data and can connect to roadside and satellite navigation systems. One of its primary uses is for electronic toll collection (ETC) by automatically billing and recording tolls. However, OBUs can also offer additional services, such as diagnostic and emergency data storage, route planning, and navigation.
Moreover, OBUs play a crucial role in facilitating communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and roadside systems. They enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-roadside (V2R) communication, enhancing overall road safety and traffic management. With their versatile capabilities, OBUs have become an integral part of modern transportation systems, providing a wide range of functionalities and contributing to more efficient and intelligent transportation networks.
The on-board units are anticipated to witness substantial demand growth due to continuous technological advancements aimed at meeting specific requirements, including enhanced performance, accuracy, and data security. When utilized for emergency data, these units act as an interface for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) services, delivering critical warnings and driving information to drivers.
On Board Units Market Trends and Drivers:
Rapid Adoption of On-Board Units in Autonomous Vehicles: The increasing adoption of autonomous driving technology is a major driver fueling the demand for on-board units in vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to grow, the market for on-board units is growing in parallel. Advanced technologies are being embraced as consumers seek improved safety standards and a higher standard of living.
Research & Development Initiatives: The development of on-board units is influenced by new technological advancements, which have a significant impact on manufacturers in this industry. The process of conceiving, developing, and launching a conventional communication satellite can take up to five years or even longer. Research and development efforts play a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of on-board units.
Increasing Efficiency at Tolling Facilities: Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems have gained high acceptance among drivers as they minimize or eliminate delays often associated with traditional toll facilities. On-board units equipped with Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) can reliably identify vehicles at highway speeds, enabling seamless toll transactions. By connecting to roadside electronic readers through antennas, on-board units facilitate Open Road Tolling (ORT) technology, allowing for toll collection without requiring vehicles to stop.
On Board Units Market Restraining Factors:
High Initial expenditure: Vehicle makers and fleet operators frequently need to make a sizable initial expenditure in order to install on-board units and related technology. For certain stakeholders, especially smaller businesses, the expense of integrating new communication technologies and infrastructure might be a deterrent.
Compatibility and Interoperability Problems: As the market for on-board units develops, compatibility and interoperability problems could occur. For on-board components to operate effectively across multiple boundaries, different regions or nations may adopt distinct communication protocols and technologies.
Aversion to Change: Due to an aversion to change or worries about potential interruptions to their current operations, some drivers and fleet operators may be unwilling to adopt new technologies like on-board devices.
Anticipating Future Communication Needs for Market Growth: To effectively cater to existing customers and attract new ones, on-board unit service providers must anticipate future communication needs. Having a solid understanding of evolving technologies and communication requirements is crucial for continued market growth. However, this aspect may pose a significant growth challenge for the global market in the forecast period.
Resistance from Traditional Toll Collection Systems: New on-board unit-based technologies may encounter resistance in areas with established traditional toll collection systems. There may be difficulties in promoting the switch from manual to electronic tolling.
On Board Units Market Opportunities:
V2V Communication: In the forecast period, vehicle-to-vehicle communication is expected to dominate the market share for on-board units in terms of application. The potential of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication to wirelessly exchange data about the speed and location of nearby vehicles holds great promise in preventing collisions, reducing traffic congestion, and improving overall traffic conditions, thus positively impacting the environment.
Autonomous Driving: On-board units have a lot of options thanks to the quick development and uptake of autonomous driving technology. The need for sophisticated on-board devices with capabilities for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, sensor integration, and autonomous control will increase as self-driving cars become more common.
Connected Vehicles: As the number of vehicles that can connect to the internet and communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and the cloud rises, there are more chances than ever for on-board units to play a crucial part in facilitating effective communication and data exchange.
ETC and Tolling Systems: Electronic toll collection (ETC) systems are becoming more and more well-liked across the globe as a result of their capacity to ease traffic and boost tolling effectiveness. Since on-board devices are essential to ETC systems, manufacturers now have the chance to provide cutting-edge, integrated solutions as tolling technologies become more widely used.
On Board Units Market Segmentation:
By Technology:
- Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC)
- Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
By Connectivity:
- Cellular Networks
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
By Application:
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication
- Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Communication
- Vehicle-to-Pedestrian Communication
By Region:
- North America
- Europe
- Latin America
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
The North American region, particularly the United States and Canada, leads in the adoption of on-board units and is witnessing the highest growth rate due to the increasing penetration of connected vehicles and smart transportation systems. Government initiatives promoting Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and the implementation of tolling solutions contribute to market growth. Additionally, the presence of major automotive manufacturers and technology companies drives innovation in on-board unit technologies.
Europe is a significant market for on-board units, with countries like Germany, the UK, and France at the forefront of adoption. The region's focus on environmental sustainability and smart city development supports the integration of on-board units with ITS solutions. European nations have well-established tolling systems, creating demand for advanced on-board units that facilitate efficient toll collection and traffic management.
The Asia Pacific region, led by countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, is expected to dominate the on-board units market during the forecast period. The region's growing automotive industry, urbanization, and smart city initiatives fuel the demand for connected vehicle solutions and intelligent transportation systems. Moreover, the rising adoption of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies presents opportunities for on-board unit manufacturers.
South Korea On Board Units Market Overview:
The South Korea on board units (OBU) market was valued at US$ 110.1 million in 2023 and is expected to register a CAGR of 16.3% over the forecast period and reach US$ 428.5 million in 2032.
Thе South Korеa on board units markеt is growing stеadily, drivеn by incrеasing consumеr prеfеrеncе for continuous travеl еxpеriеncеs and rеducеd wait timеs at toll booths. Thе South Korеa on board units markеt growth is drivеn by thе rapid еxpansion of thе country's smart transportation infrastructurе and growing adoption of Elеctronic Toll Collеction (ETC) systеms. As South Korеa advancеs its smart city initiativеs, thе dеmand for OBUs, facilitating sеamlеss toll collеction, traffic managеmеnt, and data collеction is rising. Also, factors contributing to this growth includе govеrnmеnt support for smart mobility solutions, rising vеhiclе ownеrship, and tеchnological innovations in communication and sеnsor tеchnologiеs. Thе intеgration of OBUs with Vеhiclе to Evеrything (V2X) tеchnology is furthеr driving markеt growth by еnhancing rеal timе traffic data еxchangе and improving road safеty.
Morеovеr, initiativеs likе thе Intеlligеnt Transport Systеm (ITS) aim to еnhancе traffic managеmеnt and safеty, еnhancing thе dеmand for OBUs. Furthеrmorе, thе incrеasing adoption of еlеctric vеhiclеs and thе corrеsponding nееd for еfficiеnt flееt managеmеnt systеms arе еncouraging dеmand for OBUs, driving thе South Korеa on board units markеt growth.
Leading Companies in On Board Units Market & Competitive Landscape:
The landscape in the global on board units market is characterized by presence of several key players, thus adding to the level of competitiveness. These companies focus on technological advancements, product innovation, and strategic collaborations to gain a competitive edge. Market competition is driven by factors such as pricing, product performance, customer service, and global market reach, leading to a dynamic and evolving competitive environment.
Company List:
- Mitsubishi
- Continental AG
- Commsignia
- Solaredge Technologies Inc
- Movyon SpA
- Q Free ASA
- Harman Automotion
- Unex Technology Corporation
- Danlaw Inc.
Research Scope
Report Metric |
Report Details |
On Board Units Market size available for the years |
2021-2032 |
Base Year |
2023 |
Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
14.7% |
Segment covered |
Technologies, Connectivity, Application, and Regions |
Regions Covered |
North America: The U.S. & Canada Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, & Rest of Latin America Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, ASEAN, & Rest of Asia Pacific Europe: Germany, The U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, BENELUX, NORDIC, & Rest of Europe The Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of MEA |
Fastest Growing Country in North America |
The U.S. |
Largest Market in Asia Pacific |
China |
Key Players |
Mitsubishi, Continental AG, Commsignia, Solaredge Technologies Inc, Movyon SpA, Q Free ASA, Harman Automotive (A Samsung Company), Unex Technology Corporation, Danlaw Inc., and among others. |
Frequently Asked Question
What are some key trends driving revenue growth of the global on board units market?
Some key trends driving market revenue growth include rapid adoption of on-board units in autonomous vehicles, research & development initiatives and increasing efficiency at tolling facilities. Positive changes in these On Board Units (OBU) market trends are expected to propel market growth.
Which industries are the primary consumers of on board units?
The primary industries consuming on board units vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure communication and vehicle-to-pedestrian communication
What are some factors impacting the competitive landscape of the global on board units market?
The competitive landscape is influenced by factors such as technological advancements, product innovation, pricing strategies, customer service, global market reach, and strategic collaborations among key players.
How can I obtain more information about the global on board units market report?
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What is the expected growth rate of the global on board units market?
The expected growth rate of the global on board units market is projected to be 14.7 % during the forecast period.