Airbags have become an essential component of vehicle safety systems, helping to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Airbags generally deploy when the impact reaches speeds of 20 kilometers per hour or higher, which is roughly equivalent to a head-on collision with a stationary wall. Driver and passenger airbags are most effective in frontal collisions and may not deploy during diagonal or side impacts. These safety devices are designed to deploy rapidly, cushioning the impact and reducing the risk of injury.

What is an Airbag?

An airbag is a vehicle occupant restraint system that inflates within milliseconds during a collision and deflates afterward. It is made up of an airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. The primary function of the airbag is to offer soft cushioning and restraint to the vehicle occupant during a crash, helping to minimize injuries by preventing direct contact between the occupant and the vehicle's interior.

Over the years, many companies have specialized in the design and production of airbags and their components. Below are the top 10 airbag manufacturers in the world, known for their innovation, quality, and contribution to the safety industry.

Top 10 Airbag Manufacturers in the World:

1. Airbag Systems, Inc.

Airbag Systems, Inc. is a prominent player in the airbag manufacturing industry, known for its expertise in designing and producing high-quality airbag systems for both passenger and commercial vehicles. The company offers a wide range of products, including front airbags, side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags. Their advanced technologies are geared toward improving vehicle safety and performance, with a strong emphasis on reliability and durability.

Notable Contributions:

Specialized in a variety of airbag systems, including front, side, and curtain airbags

Focuses on safety innovation and reliability

Strong presence in the U.S. market

2. Autoliv Inc.

Autoliv Inc. is a global leader in automotive safety systems, with a significant market share in airbag production. The company is known for its comprehensive airbag portfolio, including Bernoulli airbag, front center airbags and side curtain airbags, as well as its advanced sensing technologies. Autoliv has been at the forefront of airbag innovation, consistently enhancing its products to provide better protection to vehicle occupants. Autoliv has operations in 25 countries. Digitalization, combined with a strong focus on safety and sustainability, is a key pillar of Autoliv's operational excellence.

Notable Contributions:

Leading manufacturer of a wide range of airbag systems

Pioneered smart airbag technologies and integrated sensors

Operates in over 27 countries, serving major automakers worldwide

3. Toyoda Gosei

Toyoda Gosei, a subsidiary of Toyota Group, is a major manufacturer of automotive safety systems, including airbags. The company specializes in producing airbags for various vehicle types, from compact cars to large commercial vehicles. Its various airbags provide full 360° coverage to protect occupants from impacts at various directions. The products offered by the company include driver side airbags, passenger side airbags, knee airbags, seat cushion airbags, and curtain airbags, etc. The company has 38, 951 employees as of March 31, 2024.

With a strong focus on innovation, Toyoda Gosei has contributed significantly to the development of next-generation airbag systems that offer enhanced protection and deployment efficiency.

Notable Contributions:

Develops advanced airbag systems for a variety of vehicle categories

Focuses on innovations in airbag sensors and deployment mechanisms

Known for collaboration with Toyota Group in enhancing safety technologies

4. ZF Friedrichshafen AG

ZF Friedrichshafen AG is one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, with a strong presence in the airbag market. The company manufactures advanced airbag systems, including frontal airbags, side airbags, and knee airbags. ZF’s airbag technologies are designed to work seamlessly with other vehicle safety features, such as seatbelts and collision detection systems, to provide optimal protection during accidents. The company has 168,700 employees worldwide.

Notable Contributions:

Integrates airbag systems with other safety technologies

Develops advanced occupant protection solutions for various vehicle types

Strong focus on safety innovation and sustainability