Domestic technical textiles Industry Segment-wise consumption of ...

Helmets
Helmets are used as protective headgear for two wheelers. The typical motorcycle helmet has an inner
layer of polystyrene or polypropylene foam and an outer layer made of plastic, glass, and other
synthetic fibres. The chief purpose of a helmet is to absorb the impact of a crash and thus prevent
primary injury to the brain, rather than preventing skull and face fractures. The outer shell prevents
sharp objects from puncturing the skull and also protects the inner liner upon contact with the road.
The inner foam lining is crushed following impact, thereby increasing the stopping time and distance
of the helmet. This, in turn, limits the accelerative forces on the brain, reducing the chance of primary
brain injury.
Product characteristics
The two types of helmets available are:
1. Full face helmet
2. Open face helmet
The critical characteristics of the helmets are -- protection of head, clear vision through the visor,
quick release chin strap and appropriate ventilation (in case of full face helmets). The outer shell is
made from Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) or Polypropylene or glass fibre plastic which is
hard in nature. The inner side of the shell is expected to provide cushion to the rider and is made from
regulated density concussion padding.
Market dynamics and key growth drivers
The sales of helmets are primarily driven by growth in the two-wheeler sales. The trend of the two-
wheeler market is described below:
Number of two wheeler sales in India
(in million nos) 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Domestic Sales 4.8 5.36 6.21 7.05 7.87 7.25
Exports 0.18 0.27 0.37 0.51 0.62 0.82
Total Sales 4.99 5.63 6.58 7.57 8.49 8.07
Source: SIAM
In the last five years, the sale of two wheelers in the domestic market has increased by 8.5% CAGR
and a similar growth of around 8% is expected for the next five years as well.
The following cities account for around 20% of the two-wheelers on road.