Global Driving Simulator Market: Evolution of autonomous vehicles across the globe is considered to be a predominant factor responsible for the growth of the market during the forecast period.

The global driving simulator market is projected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2025 from an estimated USD 1.5 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 7.1 % during the forecast period. Evolution of autonomous vehicles across the globe is considered to be a predominant factor responsible for the growth of the market during the forecast period. Automotive manufacturers are investing significantly in the development of components that are used in autonomous vehicles, which include sensors and processors. Therefore, automotive OEMs have been using driving simulators to test the capabilities and performance of these components in the vehicle.

Demand for various features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, collision avoidance system, blind-spot monitor, and lane departure warning system has increased with the advent of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS). Automotive companies all over the globe are making developments in the aforementioned technologies to remove the possible glitches, which may perhaps cause injury to the driver. Therefore, manufacturers put ADAS systems to test on simulators, which, in turn, provide them with a realistic view of the entire vehicle performance. Therefore, driving simulators are aiding automobile manufactures with pre-testing capabilities for system improvements.

Automotive manufacturers mainly use advanced driving simulators for the purpose of research and testing as they provide exceptional testing capabilities in realistic surroundings. The technologies used in these testing machines are undergoing several advancements, including clear image formation, better quality control loaders, and extensive motion capabilities. Factors such as high initial cost of machines and lack of infrastructure in developing countries are expected to impede the growth of the market. However, increasing efforts by the governments of developing countries to attract automotive companies for building R&D centres in these nations will gradually reduce the impact of such hindrances on market growth.

Simulators are increasingly used in the marine and aviation industries. In the aviation industry, flight simulators are used for training pilots as well as the crew members by delivering a real-time experience of a flight. Flight simulators have been gaining importance, especially for military and commercial aircraft training purposes. These testing machines aid in developing new and improvised skills in pilots for operating and handling flights in critical situations, which, in turn, helps in reducing the risk associated with the passengers. Reduced risk, coupled with reduction in the training cost, is expected to bolster the market growth over the forecast period.

The global driving simulator market is dominated by major players such as Mechanical Simulation Corporation (US), Cruden B.V. (Netherlands), ECA GROUP (France), Moog (US), and Oktal (France).
Europe is the largest driving simulator market, followed by North America. Europe is home to leading vehicle manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Renault, and Daimler. The European automotive industry has witnessed rapid development because the government adopted favourable policies in the manufacturing sector. Germany is estimated to account for the largest share of the European market during the forecast period. The European automotive industry is highly inclined toward innovation, technology, and development of high-performance and fuel-efficient vehicles. Factors such as stringent driving safety norms and rising investment in research and development in the automotive industry are expected to propel the European market.