Automotive Actuator Market Size & Share Analysis - Trends, Drivers, Competitive Landscape, and Forecasts (2024 - 2030)

Automotive Actuator Market Data

Automotive Actuator Market Analysis

The automotive actuator market generated revenue of USD 21.0 billion in 2023, which is expected to witness a CAGR of 5.2% during 2024–2030, to reach USD 29.6 billion by 2030. The key factors driving the growth of this market are automation in vehicles, advancement in features, and the changing need of consumers for control systems.

These devices convert energy taken from electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic sources and provide linear or rotary motion in a number of applications in the automotive industry.

Further, the growing popularity of advanced technologies in automobiles, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), adaptive cruise control (ACC), and adaptive front lighting systems (AFS), drives the market.

In the past, vehicles were equipped with mechanical linkages to connect controls, such as pedals or levers, which have now been replaced by actuators. For Example, throttle valves were linked to accelerators with mechanical linkage, and they have now been replaced with electronic actuators and control systems. In recent times, because of technological advancements, older systems have been replaced with actuators as they offer more-precise control and efficiency.

Automotive Actuator Market Trends & Drivers

Technological Advancements in Vehicles

In recent years, the automotive industry has seen a remarkable transformation because of technological advancements. This journey began with the use of mechanical linkages, which are now being replaced with sophisticated systems (a combination of sensors, processors, and actuators).

• The increasing demand for vehicles has resulted in these technological advancements, which is the main reason behind this growing market. Thus, automobile companies are sourcing advanced actuators from auto parts manufacturers for their newer models.
• These devices reduce the burden on drivers and offer easier control over the vehicles. For instance, in the past, the steering was directly connected to the steering column, which required a lot of effort in changing directions, especially while parking. Later, this arrangement was replaced with the power steering system to reduce steering effort. This system uses a hydraulic or electric actuator to provide power assistance.
• These compact yet powerful devices are essential in ADAS, AFS, ACC, and many other advanced systems of vehicles.
• Companies are focusing on the launch of enhanced actuators and control systems to increase their market share. For instance, in September 2023, Marelli Holdings Co. Ltd. introduced a new line of multipurpose smart actuators for EVs, to ease the control of complex vehicles and reduce the complexity of vehicle design.

Rise in Comfort and Safety Demand

Consumers' priorities have changed over time, and nowadays, comfort and safety are the main preferences. People are ready to invest more in expensive vehicles with better comfort and safety features, rather than budget cars.

• The automotive actuator market is projected to grow significantly because of the expected boom in the economies of emerging countries. This growth will also be a result of substantial investments in the automotive sector because of the rise in the demand for safer and more-comfortable vehicles.
• The market is becoming more fragmented because of the rising number of players, who are providing an increasing variety of features within budget. This is working as a catalyst for the market growth and motivating the older players to come up with new functionalities in their vehicles.
• The advanced features becoming common in budget vehicles as a result of this intense competition such as power windows and electronically adjustable seats, which have resulted in the increasing production of actuators.
• The adoption of transmission control systems and active suspension systems is another key reason for the market growth. These technologies increase the comfort, safety, and fuel economy of vehicles with the help of actuators.

Cost Pressure and Durability of Structure

The automobile industry has been highly price-sensitive, and it has been a great challenge for companies to cut initial costs and make a profit. The use of actuators has increased the difficulties because of their complex structures with integrated sensors and electronic components.

• Cost and durability are directly proportional to each other. Actuators consist of hundreds of components, which is why they are so expensive; hence, to cut the cost would be to degrade the quality of those components.
• For instance, a linear actuator consists of many components, of which the motor is one of the most important. It had many copper windings, and to reduce the cost, manufacturers must either decrease the winds or change the material. However, this would affect the lifespan and power of the motor, thus reflecting a direct negative impact of cost-cutting on durability.
• Long-term reliability and lifespan should be considered while implementing new technologies. Automotive actuators require advanced design and testing processes to ensure the performance of vehicles in extreme conditions, which increases the cost pressure.

Automotive Actuator Industry Outlook

Automotive Actuator Type Insights

• The hydraulic category holds the largest revenue share in the automotive actuator market. The increasing demand for heavy-duty vehicles is driving this category.
• Hydraulic actuators convert pressure to motion by compressing fluids. They provide a greater force and power compared to others; hence, they are used to provide actuation in components such as throttle and pistons.
• Whereas, the electric actuator category is projected to grow at the highest CAGR, of around 5.5%, during 2024–2030. This will be because of the rise in the demand for in-vehicle comfort, advanced features, and electric vehicles.
• Furthermore, electric variants are easier to operate, less prone to damage, and maintainable with less effort than their hydraulic counterparts.

During the study, three types of actuators are covered in the report:

• Hydraulic (Largest Category)
• Electric (Fastest-Growing Category)
• Pneumatic

Application Analysis

• The throttle category held the largest market share, of around 55%, in 2023. This is because of the significant impact this application brings by controlling the amount of air entering the engine.
• Earlier, the operation was mechanically controlled, and it has now been replaced by drive-by-wire or electronic systems, which enhance fuel efficiency, accuracy, and the smoothness of acceleration.

 Below are the major applications in which automotive actuators play an important role:

• Throttle (Largest Category)
• Fuel Injection
• Brake (Fastest-Growing Category)
• Others

Vehicle Type Insights

• The passenger vehicles category held the larger market share, of around 70%, in 2023. The rise in the demand for and production of these automobiles and the technological advancements being introduced in them are the key drivers for this category.
• On the other hand, the commercial vehicles category is predicted to be the faster growing, due to the rise in the level of industrialization and the need for new technologies for greater efficiency.

During the study, we have come across two major types of vehicles:

• Passenger Vehicles (Larger Category)
• Commercial Vehicles (Faster-Growing Category)

Market by Motion

• The linear category holds the larger revenue share in the industry because linear motion provides precise control, compact design, and wide applicability in vehicles. These variants help in providing either push or pull and change in angle motions.
• Some of their key applications are seat adjusters, door openers, automatic windows, and sunroofs.

Two motions in the report are:

• Linear (Larger and Faster-Growing Category)
• Rotary

Asia-Pacific is Largest and Fastest Growing Region

• Geographically, APAC is the largest and fastest-growing market, advancing at a CAGR of around 5.8% during 2024–2030. This significant demand for automotive actuators in this region is because of the technological advancement in vehicles and the high demand for automobiles.
• China, Japan, India, and South Korea are leading the market. China is the largest manufacturer and buyer of these components because it has the largest automobile market.
• The Chinese automotive industry is driven by both high demand and the integration of advanced technologies in vehicles, making it competitive and offering a lucrative opportunity for actuator providers.

The regions and countries analyzed for this report include:

• North America
  • U.S. (Larger and Faster-Growing Country Market)
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany (Largest Country Market)
  • U.K. (Fastest-Growing Country Market)
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific (APAC) (Largest and Fastest-Growing Regional Market)
  • China (Largest Country Market)
  • Japan
  • India (Fastest-Growing Country Market)
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America (LATAM)
  • Brazil (Largest and Fastest-Growing Country Market)
  • Mexico
  • Rest of LATAM
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa (Fastest-Growing Country Market)
  • U.A.E. (Largest Country Market)
  • Rest of MEA

Market Nature - Fragmented

The market has a high degree of fragmentation because of the presence of many domestic and international players. The continual appearance of innovative technologies and new government regulations for vehicle efficiency, passenger safety, and emissions.

Automotive Actuator Companies News

• In May 2023, HELLA announced plans for expanding its existing electrification portfolio with an electronic valve actuator (eVA). The device provides motion to valves with the help of an electric motor, enabling precise control over valves in the thermal management system. This will improve the life cycle and efficiency of electric vehicles.
• Johnson Electric showcased its motor, actuator, and integrated system solutions at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in April 2023. Some of these solutions are thermal management solutions, smart cabin solutions, autonomous drivetrain solutions, and autonomous solutions.