Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 자동차 밸런스 샤프트 시장은 2025년에 176억 7,000만 달러를 차지하고 예측 기간 동안 CAGR 8.0%를 나타내 2032년에는 302억 9,000만 달러에 이를 것으로 예측됩니다.
특히 인라인 4기통 엔진과 V6 엔진에서는 진동을 완화하고 내연 엔진의 매끄러움을 향상시키기 위해 필수적인 엔진 부품이 자동차용 밸런스 샤프트입니다. 밸런스 샤프트는 소음, 진동, 하슈네스(NVH) 레벨을 줄이고, 엔진의 수명을 늘리고, 과도한 진동을 줄여 운전의 쾌적성을 향상시키는데 도움이 됩니다.
국제자동차공업회(OICA)에 따르면 세계의 자동차 생산 대수는 2019년 약 9,200만대에 달했습니다.
높아지는 저배출 가스·저연비 요구
자동차 제조업체는 엄격한 연비 규제나 배출 가스 규제에 의해 연료의 사용량이나 온실 효과 가스의 배출량이 적은 저연비의 내연 기관을 만들 필요에 강요되고 있습니다. 게다가, 자동차 제조업체는 유럽 연합(EU)에 의한 2035년의 내연 기관(ICE)차 금지나 미국의 기업 평균 연비(CAFE) 기준 등, 세계 각국의 정부가 보다 엄격한 CO2 배출량 목표를 실시하고 있는 것에 따라, 연비를 개선하는 경량으로 마찰을 저감하는 밸런스 샤프트를 짜넣어 엔진 성능을 높이고 있습니다.
높은 제조 비용과 설계의 복잡성
밸런스 샤프트는 효율과 긴 수명을 보장하기 위해 정밀한 엔지니어링과 고급 재료를 사용하여 제조됩니다. 보다 복잡한 설계가 필요하고 자동차 제조업체의 제조 비용이 증가합니다. 경비를 절감하고 이익을 높이기 위해 일부 제조업체는 밸런스 샤프트를 사용하지 않고 진동을 줄이는 듀얼 매스 플라이휠과 우수한 엔진 마운트와 같은 대체 기술을 고려하고 있습니다.
고성능 경량 재료 개발
밸런스 샤프트의 첨단 재료 혁신의 기회는 연비 향상과 이산화탄소 배출량 감축을 목적으로 한 차량 부품의 경량화의 움직임에 의해 만들어지고 있습니다. 또한 효율성을 희생하지 않고 더욱 경량화할 수 있는 중공 밸런스 샤프트의 개발에 대한 관심도 높아지고 있습니다.
다른 엔진 기술과의 경쟁
첨단 하이브리드 시스템과 수소 연료전지는 자동차 기술의 발전과 함께 보급되고 있는 2개의 새로운 파워트레인의 선택사항입니다. 또한 기존의 밸런스 샤프트 시장을 위태롭게 하는 것은 당연히 진동이 적은 로터리 엔진이나 프리피스톤 엔진의 개발입니다.
COVID-19의 유행은 자동차 밸런스 샤프트 시장에 큰 영향을 미쳤으며, 대부분은 자동차 판매 감소, 공장 폐쇄, 세계 공급망의 혼란에 의한 것이었습니다. 자동차 생산의 극적인 침체를 일으켰습니다. 일부 자동차 제조업체가 운영을 일시 중지 한 결과 밸런스 샤프트 및 기타 엔진 부품 수요가 감소했습니다.
예측 기간 동안 인라인 4 기통 엔진 부문이 최대가 될 전망
인라인 4기통 엔진 부문은 비용 효과, 출력, 연비 효율의 이상적인 비율 때문에 예측 기간 동안 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예상되며 인라인 4기통 엔진은 다양한 자동차 부문에서 널리 이용되고 있습니다. 하기 때문에 부드러운 운전과 엔진 소음의 저감에는 밸런스 샤프트가 필요합니다.인라인 4 기통 엔진은 소형으로 제조가 용이하고, 가솔린과 디젤 양쪽의 파워트레인에 대응할 수 있기 때문에 중급 세단, SUV, 소형 트럭에 자주 사용되고 있습니다.
소형상용차(LCV) 부문은 예측기간 중 가장 높은 CAGR이 예상됩니다.
예측기간 중 소형상용차(LCV) 부문이 가장 높은 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다. LCV에서의 밸런스 샤프트의 사용은 터보차저가 장착된 인라인 4기통 엔진 등의 최첨단 엔진 기술의 채용에 의해 더욱 뒷받침되고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양이 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예상됩니다. 저연비 자동차에 대한 수요가 높아짐에 따라, 성능 향상이나 진동 저감을 위해 내연 기관에 채용되는 케이스가 늘어나고 있습니다. 또한, 이 지역 시장 지위는 대형 자동차 제조업체나 부품 제조업체가 존재해, 저렴한 가격으로 생산할 수 있는 것에 의해 강화되고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미는 엔진 기술 향상과 연료 소비량이 적은 자동차에 대한 수요가 높아짐에 따라 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 현대의 내연 기관에 있어서의 밸런스 샤프트의 사용은 미국 환경 보호청(EPA)등의 조직이 정한 엄격한 배출 기준, 경량으로 고성능의 엔진에의 요망에 의해 추진되고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Automotive Balance Shaft Market is accounted for $17.67 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $30.29 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. An essential engine part intended to lessen vibrations and improve internal combustion engine smoothness, especially in inline-four and V6 configurations, is an automotive balance shaft. The secondary imbalance brought about by the engine's reciprocating motion is offset by these shafts, which are usually installed in pairs and rotate in opposite directions. Balance shafts help reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, increase engine longevity, and improve driving comfort by reducing excessive vibrations. Modern materials and manufacturing processes have produced balance shafts that are strong and lightweight, improving engine performance and efficiency.
According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), global vehicle production indeed reached approximately 92 million units in 2019.
Growing need for low emissions and fuel efficiency
Automakers are being forced to create fuel-efficient internal combustion engines that use less fuel and release fewer greenhouse gases due to strict fuel economy regulations and emission standards. Engine refinement relies heavily on balance shafts, which allow engines to be downsized for increased fuel efficiency while maintaining smooth operation. Additionally, automobile manufacturers are enhancing engine performance by incorporating lightweight, friction-reducing balance shafts that improve fuel economy in response to governments around the world enforcing stricter CO2 emission targets, such as the European Union's 2035 ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and the U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.
High production costs and design complexity
Balance shafts are manufactured using precise engineering and premium materials to guarantee efficiency and longevity. Heat treatment, balancing techniques, and precision machining are all part of the production process, which raises the overall cost of manufacturing. Furthermore, the incorporation of balance shafts into contemporary engines necessitates a more intricate design, raising the cost of production for automakers. In an effort to reduce expenses and boost profits, some manufacturers are looking into alternate techniques like dual-mass flywheels and better engine mounts to reduce vibration without the use of balancing shafts.
Developments in high-performance, lightweight materials
Opportunities for advanced material innovations in balancing shafts are being created by the move toward lightweight vehicle components to improve fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. Because they are lighter without sacrificing strength or performance, aluminum, magnesium, and composite alloys are replacing traditional steel-based balancing shafts. There is increasing interest in the development of hollow balance shafts, which further reduce weight without sacrificing efficiency. Moreover, balance shaft manufacturers now have new growth opportunities as automakers use these cutting-edge materials more frequently to increase powertrain efficiency.
Competition from other engine technologies
Advanced hybrid systems and hydrogen fuel cells are two new powertrain options that are becoming more popular as automotive technology develops. The need for balancing shafts is lessened by the smoother operation of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which have fewer moving parts. Furthermore, endangering the conventional balance shaft market are developments in rotary and free-piston engines, which naturally produce fewer vibrations. Future car models may require balancing shafts in a very different way if automakers experiment with these new technologies.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the automotive balance shaft market, mostly as a result of decreased vehicle sales, factory closures, and disruptions in global supply chains. Lockdown measures during the first few months of the pandemic caused a dramatic drop in automobile production as labor shortages, logistical difficulties, and limited supplies of raw materials plagued manufacturers. Balance shafts and other engine parts were in lower demand as a result of the temporary suspension of operations by several automakers. Declining car purchases as a result of economic uncertainty and consumers priorities shifting toward necessities had an adverse effect on market expansion.
The inline 4-cylinder engine segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The inline 4-cylinder engine segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period because of their ideal ratio of cost-effectiveness, power output, and fuel efficiency, inline 4-cylinder engines are extensively utilized in a variety of automotive segments. Balance shafts are necessary to improve smooth operation and lower engine noise because the design of these engines naturally produces secondary vibrations. Inline 4-cylinder engines are a popular option for mid-range sedans, SUVs, and small trucks because of their small size, ease of manufacturing, and ability to work with both gasoline and diesel powertrains.
The light commercial vehicles (LCVs) segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the light commercial vehicles (LCVs) segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. The need for LCVs has increased due to the growing use of last-mile delivery services and e-commerce, especially in urban and suburban areas. Automakers are also being pushed to create smaller, high-performance engines with balancing shafts in order to improve durability and lessen vibrations due to tighter emission standards and fuel efficiency laws. The use of balancing shafts in LCVs is further supported by the incorporation of cutting-edge engine technologies, such as turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engines. Additionally, the role of balance shafts in LCV engines is growing in importance as fleet operators place a higher priority on dependability and cost-effectiveness, which is bolstering the segment's robust market expansion.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share. The high production and sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, especially in China, the largest automobile market in the world, are responsible for the region's dominance. Balance shafts are increasingly being used in internal combustion engines to improve performance and lessen vibrations as a result of stricter emission regulations and rising demand for fuel-efficient automobiles. Furthermore, the region's market position is strengthened by the presence of significant automakers and component manufacturers as well as affordable production capabilities.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR driven by improvements in engine technology and the growing demand for cars that use less fuel. Leading automakers and suppliers in the area concentrate on lowering engine vibrations and enhancing performance, especially in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The use of balancing shafts in contemporary internal combustion engines is being propelled by strict emission standards established by organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the desire for lightweight, high-performance engines.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Automotive Balance Shaft Market include Linamar Corporation, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Bharat Forge Limited, Schaeffler AG, Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd., TFO Corporation, Hirschvogel Holding GmbH, Mitec-Jensen Automotive Systems (Dalian) Co Ltd, American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., SAC Engine Components Pvt. Ltd., Engine Power Components, Inc., MAT Foundry Group Ltd., Otics Corporation, Thyssenkrupp AG and Sansera Engineering Limited.
In January 2025, Linamar Corporation has announced an investment of over $1 billion to advance automotive technology in the province. This significant investment focuses on developing cutting-edge vehicle powertrain solutions and green automotive technologies, including components for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid systems.
In December 2024, Industriewerk Schaeffler INA-Ingenieurdienst GmbH has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Dhruva Automation & Controls (P) Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Dhruva"). Dhruva, based in Pune, India, is an engineering and service provider specializing in smart industrial automation and software solutions in the Asia/Pacific region.
In May 2024, ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) have officially completed their joint venture, establishing a new entity known as ZF Foxconn Chassis Modules. The joint venture officially commenced with Foxconn acquiring a 50% stake in ZF Chassis Modules GmbH.