Automotive Axle Market

Automotive Axle Market Snapshot 2023 to 2033

The automotive axle market is poised to be valued at USD 8.3 billion in 2023. It is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 12.1%, surging to reach USD 26.1 billion from 2023 to 2033.

An increase in the preference of consumers for hybrid and luxury vehicles with advancements in technology leads to a substantial rise in disposable income. Consequently, it is estimated to boost the growth of the automotive axle market in the forthcoming years.

Growing demand for heavy-duty commercial vehicles that can carry heavy loads such as long trailers is increasing sales of passenger vehicles in developing economies. Also, countries such as China and India are expected to propel the growth of the market.

The growing concerns over growing carbon emissions and their environmental repercussions have caused a shift in the consumer’s preference for hybrid and electric vehicles over conventional vehicles. This is increasing the adaption of automotive axles in heavy vehicles.

Also, an increase in sales of luxury vehicles requiring high torque and performance is positively influencing the demand for automotive axles market growth.

Technological advancement has led to a surge in the adoption of lightweight axles, which provide improved efficiency and contribute to lowering the overall weight of the hybrid, electric vehicle (EV), and commercial vehicles favoring market growth.

The aftermarket services for replacing and maintaining axles in powertrains are also creating new market opportunities. Moreover, a growing inclination toward EV and hybrid vehicles is anticipated to propel market growth. The automotive industry is focusing on developing technically advanced axle that is lightweight, small yet fuel and performance efficient.

Key Takeaways of the Market

• The anticipated size of the automotive axle market in 2018 was USD 2.5 billion.
• Growth in carbon emissions impacting the environment has caused an upward shift in the consumer’s preference.
• Replacement of aftermarket services by maintaining the axles in powertrains also creates market opportunities.

Attributes	Details
Projected Forecast Value (2022)	USD 7.2 billion
Projected Forecast Value (2023)	USD 8.3 billion
Projected Forecast Value (2033)	USD 26.1 billion
Growth rate	12.1% CAGR
Forecast period	2023 to 2033

Historical Analysis 2018 to 2022 vs. Forecast Outlook 2023 to 2033

The global automotive axles market expanded at a CAGR of 11.3% between 2018 and 2022. Growth forecasts remain optimistic, with the market predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 12.1% from 2023 to 2033.

The transportation industry largely depends on heavy commercial vehicles for exporting activities. Also, manufacturers of cars are focusing on increasing their strength along with making them cost-efficient. The increase in purchasing power among buyers to invest in luxurious cars is expected to drive the growth of the market.

The penetration of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles is accelerating the demand and sales for automotive axles. Manufacturers are planning to add smart features to automotive axles to increase the functioning of the same. Automotive axles are thus gaining popularity due to the strength they provide.

Prominent Drivers of the Automotive Axle Market

Key Innovations in Automotive Axles to Improve Maintenance and Performance

Recent developments in the automotive industry have opened doors for the innovation of automotive axles. The latest axle innovation for heavy-duty commercial vehicles is focusing on improving maintenance and performance. The trend has led to changes in designing to regenerate torque load needs and including the appropriate axle for the electric application.

Meeting greenhouse emission regulations, downsizing, weight reduction, and torque-carrying qualities have been prioritized in drive and steer axle development. Additionally, the rise in vehicle electrification and innovation continues for drive axles coupled with an electric powertrain, which is bolstering demand for the same.

Drive axles are developed to have significant ratios to handle big axle input torques caused by lowering engine revolutions per minute at highway speeds to aid engine down speeding for line-haul logistics vehicles by road transportation. Also, the increasing use of 612 configurations can be applied to building single-drive axles to support engine down-speeding and quick ratios.

The steer axle system has improved kinematics with less bump and roll steer being transmitted to the driver through the seat or the steering wheel, which can help reduce driver fatigue.

The Vital Focus is on Developing Lightweight Automotive Axles

Manufacturers of automotive axles are focusing on developing lightweight, fuel-efficient axles that can carry heavy cargo loads. These axles are not only lightweight but also have enhanced cargo-carrying capacity due to their reduced size and workhorse.

Axles are designed to incorporate significantly light ergonomics, leading to efficiency compared to traditional axles. These axles are developed based on their scalability for light, medium, and heavy-duty rear-wheel-drive-based pickups.

Axle designs are also changing due to the evolution of powertrains in automobiles. The downsizing of the axle helps in improving vehicle traction as well as in limiting the risk of wheel slippage while accelerating on ice-covered and wet roadways.

Manufacturers are focusing on developing fast axles with low ratios, which are going to help the engines operate at a slow speed. Many axles now also include modular motor design, which provides easy service and maintenance accessibility and is scalable due to their motor interchanging capability.

Trough Areas Faced by the Automotive Axle Market

Raw Material vs. Investment Costs are the Key Differentiator

The fluctuating cost of raw materials used for manufacturing automotive axles is creating key restraints for the growth of the market. The prices of the metals used for making axles such as steel, copper, and aluminum are rising significantly. This is negatively affecting the profit revenue for automotive axle manufacturers.

The majority of automobile manufacturers source their automotive components from manufacturing hubs such as China. The high initial cost of technologically advanced and lightweight axles is another important restraining factor to market growth.

The high-cost aftermarket service is encouraging the sales of counterfeit products, which are of low cost and less quality but can compromise the performance of the vehicle. This negatively affects the growth of the market. In addition, the aftermarket service cost of maintenance and replacement can also prove to be a hefty investment depending on the model of the vehicle and car brand.

Region-Wise Insights

The region-wise analysis elaborates on the prominent growth factors shaping market growth across various geographies. The two main regions profiled in this section include North America and Europe. Both regions accounted for 31% and 27.2% of the global revenue in 2022.

The United States is a prominent market in North America. A revenue share exceeding 25% was registered in the United States as of 2022. The analysis of the market in Europe includes Germany and the United Kingdom.

Region/Country	The United States
Key Growth Factors	Growth in demand for commercial and luxury vehicles. Simplistic design delivers performance at reduced maintenance and operating costs.
Key Statistics	Captured a market share of 25.21% in 2022.

Region/Country	North America
Key Growth Factors	The presence of key manufacturers such as DANA Incorporated, Meritor Inc., and American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. has raised the demand for automotive axles. Secured multiple next-generation full-size truck front and rear axle programs with global OEM customers.
Key Statistics	Secured a market share of 31% in 2022.

Region/Country	Europe
Key Growth Factors	Hotspot for technological advancements in the automotive industry. Development of passenger and heavy vehicles is carried out on a large scale.
Key Statistics	Developed a market share of 27.2% in 2022.

Region/Country	Germany
Key Growth Factors	Integration of smart features into axles fuels the growth of the market. New axle achieves optimum maintenance-friendliness. Results in higher cost-efficiency.
Key Statistics	Estimated to record a 6.9% CAGR from 2023 to 2033.

Region/Country	The United Kingdom
Key Growth Factors	Research and development to make automotive axles cost-efficient is underway.
Key Statistics	Expanded at a market share of 7.22% in 2022.

Region/Country	China
Key Growth Factors	Significant developments are made about new product launches and key innovations. Suitable for short-distance transportation.
Key Statistics	Augmented to develop a 6.8% CAGR from 2023 to 2033.

Region/Country	India
Key Growth Factors	Offers drive axles, non-drive axles, front steer axles, and specialty and defense axles among other products. Provides these products to the leading domestic and global manufacturers of trucks and buses. Pertains to segments such as light, medium, and heavy commercial vehicles, military and off-highway vehicles, aftermarket, and exports.
Key Statistics	Registered to command 7.77% of the total market share in 2022.

Category-Wise Insights

The category-wise section expands on the growth parameters prevailing across prominent segments. The ones profiled in this report include vehicle type and axle type.

By vehicle type, passenger cars are likely to account for over 50% of all automotive axles demand. This is because of increasing automobile ownership amid large-scale urbanization. By axle type, demand for drive axles is forecast to generate high revenue.

Category	Vehicle Type
Subcategory	Passenger Cars
Key Growth Factors	Increasing investments in passenger vehicles. High sales for auto manufacturers, especially in the entry-level vehicles category. Rising preference for personal mobility trends over public transport to enhance Sales prospects. Manufacturers to expand their foothold in the passenger vehicles segment.
Key Statistics	Accounted for 55% of the market share in 2022.

Category	Axle Type
Subcategory	Drive Axle
Key Growth Factors	Popularity among both manufacturers and consumers. Ability to have better traction in different terrains. Possess better strength to carry heavy loads without causing problems. Ductile strength increasing integration of drive axles.
Key Statistics	Captured a market share of 68% in 2022.

Start-Ups in the Automotive Axle Market

Key start-up players in the automotive axles are Pony.ai, Kavak, WM Motor, Chehaoduo, ZongMu Technology, ECARX, SouChe Holdings, Youxia Motors, and Hozon Auto. From offering new and innovative product lines to consolidating their market presence, these start-ups have left no stone unturned. Some specific instances of key automotive axle start-ups are as follows:

• In July 2022, self-driving start-up Pony.ai announced its decision to mass produce autonomous driving trucks in China, in collaboration with equipment manufacturing giant Sany Heavy Industry. The trucks are slated to come with “Level 4” autonomous driving technology, which might allow full self-driving on highways and urban roads. These are going to feature advanced axle and drivetrain systems.
• In June 2021, ZongMu Technology announced a receipt of USD 190 million in Series D Round funding to enhance Research and Development and mass production capabilities of ADS and ADAS controllers, cameras, millimeter-wave radars, and ultrasonics. The funding will also involve the development of high-grade automotive axle systems for high-powered new energy vehicles.

Market Competition

Key players in the automotive axles market are ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Melrose Industries PL, American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Meritor Inc., Dana Incorporated, Daimler AG, Talbros Engineering Limited, and GNA Group.

• In June 2022, Meritor Inc. launched Protec independent front suspension for motorcoach applications. The company is focusing on offering specifically designed suspension for heavy load requirements of motor coaches.
• In December 2021, Meritor Inc. announced that it has agreed with Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co Ltd., Daimler Truck’s joint venture in China. The company is likely to produce custom versions of long-haul tandem and single-rear drive axles for heavy-duty on-highway tractors.

Key Players	Dana Incorporated
New Advancements	Continued to successfully execute as front runners in the transformation to a zero-emission world. Took extraordinary operational actions to serve customers, including scaling operations to support near-term market share gains. Focused on offering complete in-house electrification capability. Coupled with the ability to leverage significant company-wide synergies. Enabled to provide exceptional customer satisfaction by placing in a strong position to deliver profitable above-market sales growth.
Year/ Month	February 2023

Key Players	American Axle and Manufacturing Inc.
New Advancements	Reflected customer production shutdowns and continued supply chain volatility. Provided cutting-edge electric propulsion technology and our heritage in beam axles. Continued to provide a solid foundation for the future.
Year/ Month	May 2023

Report Scope

Report Attributes	Details
Market Value in 2023	USD 8.3 billion
Market Value in 2033	USD 26.1 billion
Growth Rate	CAGR of 12.1% from 2023 to 2033
Base Year for Estimation	2022
Historical Data	2018 to 2022
Forecast Period	2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units	Revenue in USD billion and CAGR from 2023 to 2033
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, Pricing Analysis
Segments Covered	Axle Type, Application, Vehicle Type, Region
Regions Covered	North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; South Asia and Pacific; East Asia; The Middle East and Africa
Key Countries Profiled	The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, The United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, Romania, India, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, GCC countries, South Africa, Israel
Key Companies Profiled	Dana Incorporated; American Axle and Manufacturing Inc.; Daimler AG; Meritor Inc.; GNA Group; Melrose Industries Plc.; ZF Friedrichshafen AG; BorgWarner Inc.; Hyundai Wia Corporation; Talbros Engineering Limited
Customization	Available Upon Request

Key Segments Profiled in the Automotive Axle Market Industry Survey

By Axle Type:

• Dead Automotive Axle
• Drive Automotive Axle
• Lift Automotive Axle

By Application:

• Front Automotive Axle
• Rear Automotive Axle

By Vehicle Type:

• Passenger Cars
• Light Commercial Vehicles
• Heavy Commercial Vehicles

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• South Asia and Pacific
• East Asia
• The Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the Top Trend in the Market?

Growth in carbon emissions impacting the environment.

Why Passenger Cars are Preferred?

Increasing investments in passenger vehicles raises the market.

What was North America's Expected Share in 2022?

North America generated a 31% market share in 2022.

What Drives Sales of the Market?

Development of lightweight automotive axles.

What is the Growth Forecast for the Market?

The market is forecast to thrive at a CAGR of 12.1% through 2033.