Automotive Actuators Market Size, Share & Analysis

[357 Pages Report] Automotive actuators market is projected to grow from USD 20.9 billion in 2023 to USD 29.3 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.9%. The key factors driving the Automotive Actuators Market are increasing automation and electronic systems in all categories of vehicles, from economy to high-end vehicles, to enhance vehicle and passenger safety and in-vehicle comfort level, thereby driving the Automotive Actuators market.

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Market Dynamics

DRIVER: Rising production of premium vehicles.

Globally, consumers’ general lifestyle and purchasing habits have improved due to better economic situations in established and emerging nations. Growing per capita wealth has caused a shift in consumer preferences as needs have adapted to new lifestyles. It has benefitted the sales of high-end cars outfitted with cutting-edge safety and comfort technologies. There is a noticeable contrast in lifestyle, particularly in developing nations like China and India. The fundamental cause of the consistent increase in demand for luxury cars in these nations is the expanding purchasing power and a trend towards more sophisticated safety and comfort features. Well-known German automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi dominate the global luxury vehicle market.

The Luxury or premium cars are offered with modular technologies, including power windows, a panoramic sunroof, an electrically operated tailboard, electrically powered seats, heated and ventilated seats, automated climate control, an extra rear seat air control system with fan speed and temperature control, and more. When paired with integrated drive electronics, these intelligent electric actuators enable OEMs to maintain energy economy while introducing new features. In powered seats, actuators regulate the functions, including massage, heating and cooling, and lumbar support. Advanced and complex seating systems are being developed due to the growing usage of actuators in powered seats in vehicles. The market for automotive power windows actuators is expanding due to consumer desire for more comfort and convenience features in vehicles. Hence, the growing demand for luxury vehicles equipped with comfort features and safety systems is majorly driving the sales of automotive actuators.

RESTRAINT: Declining share of diesel passenger cars

Globally, the decline in sales of diesel cars, primarily in the passenger vehicle category, has been mainly attributed to rising pollution. Diesel vehicle sales have significantly decreased due to tax reforms and air quality concerns. Due to rules that impose higher tariffs on diesel vehicles and raise worries about nitrogen oxide emissions, the market for new diesel automobiles is significantly dropping in Europe. Instead, new customers are choosing to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles. According to the ACEA reports, the registrations for diesel vehicles decreased by 19.7% to 1.5 million units, giving them a 16.4% market share, 3.1% less than in 2021.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports that sales of new diesel cars in the UK decreased from 10,330 units in 2022 to 9896 units in 2023. Furthermore, in the European Union, automakers will be subject to heavier fines if their fleet breaches the region’s increasingly stringent pollution regulations. The application of wastegate, VGT, and EGR actuators varies in petrol and diesel vehicles. Most diesel vehicles have EGR systems and turbochargers fitted. Nonetheless, the market share for diesel passenger vehicles is steadily declining worldwide. In contrast, the passenger car market is dominated by gasoline engines in regions such as North America and Asia Pacific. Thus, this will impact the demand for actuators installed in wastegate, VGT, and EGR systems in diesel vehicles and may act as a restraining factor for mentioned automotive Actuators in the coming years.

OPPORTUNITY: Rising demand for electric vehicles

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles is driving the demand for electric actuators. The market for electric actuators is expanding because of its crucial role in providing precise control over crucial operations, including steering, braking, and throttle control. According to EV-Volumes, global EV sales continue to become strong. A total of 6 million new electric vehicles were delivered during the first half of 2023, an increase of 40 % compared to the 2022 first half. China EV sales increased by +37 % in 2023 H1, compared to +82 % in 2022 vs 2021. The EV sales in the US and Canada increased by 50% compared to last year.

Thus, increasing sales of electric vehicles is likely to boost the demand for linear actuators and other motion control components. In 2023, Marelli introduced a new line of multifunctional smart actuators geared towards electric automobiles, making activating complicated vehicle features more accessible. This technology will assist automakers in reducing complexity and making integration with future vehicles’ mechanical and electronic environments easier, where future cars are expected to include more than 100 actuators. Thus, rising demand for electric vehicles will increase the penetration rate of electric actuators, creating futuristic growth opportunities for the global automotive actuators market in the coming years.

CHALLENGE: Weight and cost reduction

Many automakers use weight-reduction techniques to reduce the weight of their vehicles. Using lightweight materials like carbon fiber and aluminum and optimizing aerodynamic designs have been international automakers’ main tactics. Automotive companies consider lighter components for weight reduction to fulfill consumer demands for cars with higher fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. These developments are a result of tightening environmental regulations. Through technical developments, Tier I suppliers are creating lightweight solutions without sacrificing the structural integrity of the componentry. Fitting more electronic components, such as infotainment systems, automotive cameras, and ADAS systems, also increases the weight of the cars. The cost of installing such advanced technologies in vehicles will increase the overall production cost as well. OEMs and Tier I suppliers must overcome obstacles to maximize vehicle efficiency through cost-benefit optimization and mass-market commercialization. Furthermore, the rising prices of commodities like steel, plastic, aluminum, etc. make it harder for Tier-I suppliers to create efficient goods. In the long term, this can result in lower profit margins needed to keep up the global rivalry.

Automotive Actuators Market Ecosystem.

The major OEMs of the Automotive Actuators Market have the latest technologies, diversified portfolios, and strong distribution networks globally. The major players in the market include Robert Bosch (Germany), HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA (Germany), Johnson Electric (China), Denso Corporation (Japan), and Continental AG (Germany).

The engine segment holds the largest share of the automotive actuators segment.

For ICE vehicles, the engine segment is projected to dominate the automotive actuators market by application from 2023 to 2030. Actuators installed with the engine applications include a cooling valve, EGR, throttle, brake, and turbo actuators. Cooling valves, throttle, and brakes are the commonly used actuators applicable in all ICE vehicles. Further, stringent emission regulations and rising fuel costs have restricted the diesel passenger vehicle market and certainly shifted the OEM’s focus on engine downsizing on a global level. Major OEMs such as Ford, GM, Volkswagen, and Hyundai Motors are offered smaller GDI engines and gasoline turbochargers. All these engines require mandatory installation of EGR and turbo actuators. The growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles with equivalent or more performance, like naturally aspirated engines, has stimulated the demand for automotive actuators for engine applications. Further, light and heavy commercial vehicles must be installed with automotive actuators such as Cooling valves, throttle, brakes, EGR, and turbo application. With rising vehicle production, the market for automotive actuators is striving to grow in the upcoming years.

By Motion, Linear actuator is projected to be the largest market for automotive actuators.

Linear motion is analyzed to lead the global automotive actuators market during the forecast period. Actuators with linear motion have various applications in the automotive industry for controlling the throttle to regulate engine speed when idling, controlling fuel vapor flow between the emission system and the intake manifold, and power window and lock. The key advantages of linear actuators are small size, reliability, long life, better performance, and low cost. Owing to these benefits, these actuators play a significant role in various automotive applications such as raising and lowering hoods, powered seats & windows, pickup truck accessories, braking, automotive throttling, and tailgates. Owing to the versatility and ability to enhance various automotive functions of Electric linear actuators, these actuators are utilized in applications such as power seats, HVAC systems, power windows, and tailgates, among others, and consistency will dominate as most of these applications are gaining significant traction in the upcoming years.

Battery electric vehicle holds the largest market share in electric & hybrid vehicle type.

The actuators market for electric & hybrid vehicles is growing significantly over ICE cars, and BEV holds the largest share at a global level with more than 70% market share in 2022. Due to the introduced stringent emission regulations worldwide, unstable oil prices, and shifting focus toward an environment-friendly ecosystem have fueled the demand for electric vehicles globally. Further, the penetration of advanced and connected technologies in EVs is higher, and demand for luxury and premium electric cars is rising. Luxury brands such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla are gaining market share in luxury EV sales and adding other luxury EV models to their product lineups. Multiple OEMs have announced the launch of several EV models in the coming years. Growing medium to high-range electric vehicle sales installed with advanced technologies would push this segment’s demand for automotive actuators. Increasing sales of electric and hybrid vehicles have prompted global OEMs and tier-1 companies to develop products specific to these powertrain vehicles. In September 2023, Marelli launched its new range of multipurpose smart actuators aimed at electric cars, designed to simplify the actuation of complex vehicle functions. These new smart actuators include an electronic module that autonomously controls the actuator itself and connects it to the vehicle’s electronic network. These advanced actuators are integrated into various components of electric vehicles, including the drivetrain, power steering, braking systems, and suspension. This is fuelling the market growth of automotive actuators in battery electric vehicles.

Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing market in the Automotive Actuators market.

Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest-growing region for the Automotive Actuators Market. The automotive industry in the Asia Pacific region includes manufacturing vehicles and aftermarket parts, which generates huge sales of commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles for the region with its high production levels. Many countries across the Asia-Pacific region stand out as strong competitors in the automotive sector. Japan, China, and South Korea all boast impressive car manufacturing industries. This growth in the sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles is expected to boost the market as major actuators are involved in the different parts of these vehicles for various functions like controlling the engine operation and controlling the opening and closing of power seats, power windows, door lock, and tailgate.

The present and future of the Asia Pacific region seem to focus on electric vehicles. To retain their reputation in the automotive industry, it appears as though Asia-Pacific vehicle manufacturers will have to continuously develop and evolve their production of electric and eco-friendly vehicles. This future aspect is expected to involve a higher penetration of electric actuators in the coming years.

Key Market Players

The Automotive Actuators market is consolidated with players such as Robert Bosch (Germany), HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA (Germany), Johnson Electric (China), Denso Corporation (Japan), and Continental AG (Germany) are the prominent players in the market. These companies adopted new product launches, partnerships, and joint ventures to gain traction in the market.

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Scope of the Report

With the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations per the company’s specific needs.

The study segments the Automotive Actuators Market:

Automotive Actuators Market, By Product Type

• Brake actuators
• Cooling Valve actuators
• EGR actuators
• Grill Shutter actuators
• Headlamp Actuators
• HVAC Actuators
• Power Seat Actuators
• Power Window Actuators
• Steering Column Adjustment Actuators
• Sunroof Actuators
• Tailgate Actuators
• Throttle Actuators
• Turbo Actuators
• Telescopic Actuators
• Piezoelectric Actuators
• Door Lock Actuators

Automotive Actuators Market, By Application

• Engine
• Body control & exterior
• Interior

Automotive Actuators Market, By Actuation

• Hydraulic
• Pneumatic
• Electric

Automotive Actuators Market, By Motion

• Linear
• Rotary

Automotive Actuators Market, By Vehicle Type

• On-highway Vehicle
• Off-highway Vehicle

Automotive Actuators Market, By On-Highway Type

• Passenger cars
• Light Commercial Vehicles
• Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Electric & Hybrid Actuators Market, By Vehicle Type

• Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV)
• Fuel-cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

Electric & Hybrid Actuators Market, By Application

• E-Powertrain
• Body control & exterior
• Interior

Recent Developments

• In May 2023, HELLA is adding another key component to its existing electrification portfolio by expanding the product portfolio with an electronic valve actuator (eVA). In a thermal management system, this eVA controls valves precisely and helps ensure the coolant is directed as required. Thus, the service life and efficiency of the lithium-ion battery and the overall ranges of electric vehicles can be increased. HELLA will supply the valve actuator to an electric platform of a German car manufacturer; production start is scheduled for 2025 at the HELLA electronics plant in Bremen.
• In April 2023, Johnson Electric showcased its innovative technology solutions at the 2023 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2023) at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center. Solutions include Thermal Management Solutions, Autonomous Drivetrain, Chassis, and Autonomous Vision Solutions. Autonomous Vision Solutions consists of a LuMEMS sensor for automatic leveling headlamp, a Headlamp condensation management device, and a Headlamp digital aiming actuator. With this, Johnson Electric helps its customers embrace the future trend of the thriving mobility world.
• In Jan 2022, Johnson Electric launched an all-in-one e-axle solutions pack for new energy vehicles. Now in mass production, the pack covers the full range of applications from safety parking four-wheel drive mode switching to electric drive position sensing. Johnson Electric brings a new solution to the market, using motor actuators and humidity management technology to remove the moisture inside the headlights actively. This active CMD (Condensation Management Device) actuator provides a new level of protection beyond the temporary reduction of condensation.

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