세계 자동차 생산량 증가는 자동차 기어의 채택을 촉진하고 있습니다. 보다 효율적이고 내구성이 뛰어난 기어의 개발 등 기어 기술의 혁신은 2024년 450억 6,000만 달러 시장 규모를 돌파하고 2032년에는 약 763억 8,000만 달러 규모에 도달할 수 있는 원동력이 되고 있습니다.
이와 더불어, 고성능 및 고급 자동차에 대한 소비자의 선호도가 높아지면서 자동차 기어의 채택을 촉진하고 있습니다. 교체 부품 및 업그레이드를 포함한 자동차 애프터마켓 분야의 확대는 2026-2032년 6.82%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)로 시장 성장을 가능하게 하고 있습니다.
자동차 기어 시장 정의/개요
자동차 기어는 드라이브 트레인의 서로 다른 부품 간에 토크와 회전 운동을 전달하기 위해 자동차에 사용되는 기계 부품입니다. 엔진에서 발생하는 동력의 속도와 방향을 조정하여 자동차의 원활한 주행과 성능을 보장하는 데 필수적입니다. 기어에는 베벨 기어, 헬리컬 기어, 스퍼 기어, 유성 기어 등 다양한 유형이 있으며, 각 기어는 변속기 시스템 내에서 특정 기능을 수행하도록 설계되어 있습니다.
자동차 기어는 수동 및 자동 변속기, 차동장치, 트랜스퍼 케이스 등 다양한 차량 시스템에 광범위하게 적용되고 있습니다. 기어는 엔진 출력을 효율적으로 바퀴의 구동으로 조정하여 차량 성능을 향상시키고 부드러운 기어 변속을 가능하게 하는 중요한 역할을 합니다. 기어는 승용차, 상용차, 전기자동차에 사용되어 전체 드라이브 트레인의 효율성과 운전의 편안함에 기여합니다.
자동차 기어 시장은 주로 세계 자동차 생산량 증가로 인해 큰 성장을 이루고 있습니다. 국제자동차산업협회(OICA)에 따르면 2022년 세계 자동차 생산량은 전년 대비 5.7% 증가한 8,500만 대에 달할 것으로 예측됩니다. 이러한 자동차 생산량의 급증은 변속기, 차동장치, 기타 중요한 차량 시스템에서 필수적인 부품인 자동차 기어 수요와 직결됩니다. 저연비 차량에 대한 추세는 첨단 기어 시스템의 개발로 이어져 시장 성장을 더욱 촉진하고 있습니다.
자동차의 전동화는 자동차 기어 시장의 또 다른 주요 촉진요인입니다. 미국 에너지부의 보고서에 따르면, 2022년 전기자동차의 세계 판매량은 1,000만 대에 달할 것으로 예상되며, 2021년 대비 55% 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다. 이러한 전기 파워트레인으로의 전환은 기어 제조업체에 새로운 비즈니스 기회를 가져다주고 있습니다. 전기자동차는 고유한 구동계 구성에 특화된 기어 시스템이 필요하기 때문입니다. 전기 모터의 높은 토크 출력을 견딜 수 있는 가볍고 내구성이 뛰어난 기어에 대한 수요는 기어 설계 및 소재의 기술 혁신을 촉진하고 있습니다.
또한 자동 수동변속기(AMT)와 듀얼 클러치 변속기(DCT)의 채택이 확대되고 있는 것도 자동차 기어 시장을 견인하고 있습니다. 유럽자동차공업협회(ACEA)는 2023년 유럽 신차 승용차의 40% 이상이 AMT 또는 DCT를 탑재할 것으로 예상하고 있습니다. 이러한 첨단 변속기 시스템은 원활한 작동과 연비 향상을 보장하기 위해 정밀하게 설계된 기어가 필요합니다. 최근 동향으로는 2024년 7월 1일, 자동차 공급업체 ZF Friedrichshafen AG가 전기자동차 변속기 전용으로 설계된 차세대 경량 및 고효율 기어를 발표하여 진화하는 시장 수요에 대응하기 위한 업계의 기술 혁신에 대한 의지를 보여주었습니다.
자동차 기어 시장은 자동차의 성능과 효율성에 중요한 요소이지만, 기술 발전, 규제 및 환경 압력, 시장 수요, 전기차 보급, 자동차 생산의 세계화, 애프터마켓 및 교체 수요, 기어 설계의 혁신 등 다양한 요인에 의해 영향을 받고 있습니다. 재료, 제조 기술, 배기 가스 기준의 기술 발전은 성능과 수명을 향상시키는 가볍고 내구성이 뛰어난 복합재료와 첨단 금속의 개발로 이어지고 있습니다. 이러한 발전은 큰 억제요인으로 작용하고 있습니다.
규제 및 환경 압력도 자동차 산업에 영향을 미치고 있으며, 강화된 배기가스 규제는 보다 효율적인 변속기 개발과 파워트레인 최적화를 촉진하고 있습니다. 또한, 자동변속기, 전륜구동 차량, 전기자동차에 대한 소비자의 선호도 역시 기어 제조 트렌드에 영향을 미치고 있습니다.
전기자동차(EV)의 급속한 성장은 자동차 기어 시장에 과제와 기회를 동시에 가져다 주며, EV는 기어의 수가 적을 수 있지만 높은 토크 특성으로 인해 높은 정밀도와 내구성이 요구됩니다. 내연기관과 전기 모터를 결합한 하이브리드 시스템은 동력원을 효율적으로 관리하기 위해 복잡한 기어 시스템을 필요로 하는 경우가 많아 혁신적인 자동차 기어에 대한 수요를 촉진하고 있습니다.
세계 공급망은 자동차 기어 시장에서 중요한 역할을 하고 있으며, 국경을 넘어 생산 비용을 관리하고 품질을 유지하는 능력은 기어 제조업체의 경쟁력에 큰 영향을 미칩니다. 신흥 시장으로 시장 확대는 아시아태평양, 라틴아메리카, 아프리카 일부 지역과 같은 지역의 자동차 보유량 증가로 인해 성장 기회를 제공합니다.
세계 자동차 보유 대수가 노후화됨에 따라 자동차 애프터마켓의 교체용 기어에 대한 수요는 안정적이며, 신차 판매가 부진한 상황에서도 기어 시장의 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. 자동차의 편안함과 성능에 대한 소비자의 기대치가 높아짐에 따라 소음, 진동, 소음 감소와 같은 기어 설계의 혁신이 점점 더 중요해지고 있습니다.
Increasing vehicle production globally is propelling the adoption of automotive gears. Innovations in gear technology, such as the development of more efficient and durable gears is driving the market size surpass USD 45.06 Billion valued in 2024 to reach a valuation of around USD 76.38 Billion by 2032.
In addition to this, growing consumer preference for high-performance and luxury vehicles is spurring up the adoption of automotive gears. The expanding automotive aftermarket sector, including replacement parts and upgrades are enabling the market to grow at a CAGR of 6.82% from 2026 to 2032.
Automotive Gears Market: Definition/ Overview
Automotive gears are mechanical components used in vehicles to transmit torque and rotational motion between different parts of the drivetrain. They are essential for adjusting the speed and direction of power generated by the engine, ensuring smooth operation and performance of the vehicle. Gears come in various types, including bevel, helical, spur, and planetary gears, each designed for specific functions within the transmission system.
Automotive gears are widely applied in various vehicle systems, including manual and automatic transmissions, differential systems, and transfer cases. They play a crucial role in adjusting engine output to drive wheels efficiently, enhancing vehicle performance, and enabling smooth gear shifts. Gears are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles, contributing to overall drivetrain efficiency and driving comfort.
The automotive gears market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing production of vehicles worldwide. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), global vehicle production reached 85 million units in 2022, representing a 5.7% increase from the previous year. This surge in vehicle production directly correlates with the demand for automotive gears, as they are essential components in transmissions, differentials, and other crucial vehicle systems. The trend towards more fuel-efficient vehicles has also led to the development of advanced gear systems, further propelling market growth.
Electrification of vehicles is another major driver of the automotive gears market. The U.S. Department of Energy reported that electric vehicle sales globally reached 10 million units in 2022, a 55% increase from 2021. This shift towards electric powertrains has created new opportunities for gear manufacturers, as electric vehicles require specialized gear systems for their unique drivetrain configurations. The demand for lightweight and durable gears that can withstand the high torque output of electric motors has spurred innovation in gear design and materials.
Also, the growing adoption of automated manual transmissions (AMTs) and dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) is boosting the automotive gears market. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) noted that in 2023, over 40% of new passenger cars in Europe were equipped with AMTs or DCTs. These advanced transmission systems require precision-engineered gears to ensure smooth operation and improved fuel efficiency. In a recent development, on July 1, 2024, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a leading automotive supplier, announced the launch of a new generation of lightweight, high-efficiency gears specifically designed for electric vehicle transmissions, demonstrating the industry's commitment to innovation in response to evolving market demands.
The automotive gears market is a critical component of vehicle performance and efficiency; however, it is influenced by various factors such as technological advancements, regulatory and environmental pressures, market demand, electric vehicle proliferation, globalization of automotive production, aftermarket and replacement demand, and innovation in gear design. Technological advancements in materials, manufacturing techniques, and emissions standards is leading to the development of lightweight and durable composite materials and advanced metals that improve performance and longevity. These advancements are a major restraining factor.
Regulatory and environmental pressures are also affecting the automotive industry, with stricter emission regulations encouraging the development of more efficient transmissions and optimizing powertrains. Similarly, consumer preferences for vehicles with automatic transmissions, all-wheel drives, and electric vehicles have also influenced gear manufacturing trends.
The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) presents both challenges and opportunities for the automotive gears market. While EVs may use fewer gears, their high torque characteristics necessitate high precision and durability. Hybrid systems, which combine internal combustion engines and electric motors, often require complex gearing systems to manage power sources efficiently, driving demand for innovative automotive gears.
Global supply chains play a critical role in the automotive gears market, with the ability to manage production costs and maintain quality across borders significantly impacting the competitiveness of gear manufacturers. Market expansion into emerging markets presents opportunities for growth, driven by increasing vehicle ownership in regions like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa.
As the global vehicle fleet ages, there is a steady demand for replacement gears in the automotive aftermarket, supporting the growth of the gears market even during slower new vehicle sales. Innovations in gear design, such as noise, vibration, and harshness reduction, are increasingly important as consumer expectations for vehicle comfort and performance rise.
Planetary gears are emerging as a dominant force in the automotive gears market, owing to their compact design and high efficiency. According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Energy, planetary gear systems can achieve efficiency rates of up to 98% in automotive applications, significantly higher than traditional gear arrangements. This superior performance has led to widespread adoption in various vehicle systems, including transmissions, electric drive units, and hybrid powertrains. The versatility of planetary gears allows for multiple gear ratios within a single compact unit, making them ideal for the increasingly complex and space-constrained modern vehicle designs.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has further cemented the prominence of planetary gears in the automotive sector. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that global EV sales reached 10 million units in 2022, a 55% increase from 2021. Planetary gears are particularly well-suited for EV powertrains due to their ability to handle high torque loads while maintaining efficiency across a wide range of speeds. Their compact nature also allows for better integration with electric motors, contributing to overall powertrain efficiency and vehicle range.
Automotive manufacturers are increasingly investing in advanced planetary gear technologies to meet the demands of future mobility solutions. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) noted that in 2023, over 60% of new vehicle models introduced in Europe featured some form of planetary gear system in their powertrains. For instance, on August 1, 2024, Bosch, a leading automotive supplier, announced the launch of a new planetary gear set specifically designed for next-generation electric vehicle transmissions. This innovation promises to deliver improved efficiency and power density, highlighting the ongoing importance of planetary gears in shaping the future of automotive propulsion systems.
Passenger cars dominating the automotive gears market, driven by the sheer volume of production and the constant demand for improved performance and efficiency. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), global passenger car production reached 57.2 million units in 2022, accounting for over 70% of total vehicle production. This significant market share translates directly to a high demand for automotive gears, as each passenger car requires multiple gear systems for its transmission, differential, and other drivetrain components. The ongoing trend towards more sophisticated transmissions in passenger cars further amplifies the demand for high-quality, precision-engineered gears.
The shift towards electrification in the passenger car segment is reshaping the automotive gears market. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that in 2023, electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for 13% of new passenger car sales in the United States, a 30% increase from the previous year. This transition necessitates specialized gear systems designed to handle the unique requirements of electric powertrains, including high-torque, low-speed operation and seamless integration with electric motors. As a result, gear manufacturers are innovating to meet the evolving needs of electrified passenger vehicles.
The continuous pursuit of fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in passenger cars is driving advancements in gear technology. The European Commission's 2023 report on CO2 emissions from new passenger cars noted a 15% reduction in average emissions since 2017, partly attributed to improvements in powertrain efficiency, including advanced gear systems. For instance, on July 15, 2024, ZF Friedrichshafen AG announced the launch of a new 8-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars, featuring an innovative gear design that promises to improve fuel efficiency by up to 5% compared to previous models. This news underscores the ongoing importance of gear technology in enhancing the performance and environmental impact of passenger vehicles.
The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as the dominating global automotive gears market, primarily due to its robust automotive manufacturing sector. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China alone produced 27.02 million vehicles in 2023, accounting for nearly a third of global vehicle production. This massive production volume translates to an equally significant demand for automotive gears across various vehicle systems. The region's rapid economic growth, increasing urbanization, and rising disposable incomes have further fueled the automotive market, consequently driving the demand for gears.
Japan and South Korea also contribute significantly to the region's dominance in the automotive gears market. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) reported that in 2023, Japanese automakers produced 7.84 million vehicles domestically, with a substantial portion incorporating advanced gear technologies. The emphasis on fuel efficiency and performance in these markets has led to continuous innovation in gear design and manufacturing processes. Additionally, the growing electric vehicle (EV) market in the region, particularly in China, has created new opportunities for gear manufacturers to develop specialized products for EV powertrains.
The North American automotive gears market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by technological advancements and the region's strong automotive manufacturing base. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, motor vehicle and parts manufacturing contributed USD 230.8 Billion to the U.S. GDP in 2023, highlighting the sector's economic significance. This robust industry backdrop has created a fertile ground for innovations in automotive gear technology, particularly in areas such as lightweight materials and advanced manufacturing processes. The increasing adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in the region is further accelerating the demand for specialized gear systems designed for these new powertrain configurations.
Canada and Mexico also play crucial roles in the North American automotive gears market growth. Statistics Canada reported that the country's motor vehicle manufacturing industry generated USD 54.5 Billion in revenue in 2022, a 12% increase from the previous year. This growth has been accompanied by increased investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, including those related to gear production. The push for more fuel-efficient vehicles across North America has led to the development of more sophisticated transmission systems, driving demand for high-precision gears.
The trend towards vehicle electrification is reshaping the North American automotive gears market. The U.S. Department of Energy reported that electric vehicle sales in the United States reached 807,180 units in 2022, a 65% increase from 2021. This shift is creating new opportunities for gear manufacturers to develop innovative solutions for electric powertrains. In a recent development, on July 20, 2024, Magna International, a leading North American automotive supplier, announced the launch of a new family of compact, high-efficiency gearboxes specifically designed for electric vehicle applications. This news underscores the region's commitment to advancing gear technology in response to evolving market demands and environmental considerations.
The automotive gears market is a dynamic and competitive space, characterized by a diverse range of players vying for market share. These players are on the run for solidifying their presence through the adoption of strategic plans such as collaborations, mergers, acquisitions, and political support.
The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions. Some of the prominent players operating in the automotive gears market include: