Automotive Clutch Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Transmission Type (Manual, Automatic, Automated Manual Transmission, Others), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles), By Region & Competition, 2019-2029F

Market Overview

Global Automotive Clutch Market was valued at USD 21.3 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 30.03 Billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 5.95% during the forecast period. The automotive clutch market plays a key role in the global automobile industry, enabling efficient power transfer from the engine to the gearbox. Clutches facilitate gear shifting, torque management, and acceleration/deceleration. Technological advancements, including dual-clutch and electronically controlled systems, are improving gear-shifting speed, fuel efficiency, and driving comfort. Lightweight materials and high-performance friction components are enhancing vehicle efficiency by reducing weight.

Growth in vehicle sales across passenger cars, LCVs, UVs, and 4X4 segments, especially in emerging economies, is driving market demand. Environmental regulations and consumer trends toward fuel economy and low emissions are influencing clutch innovations. The aftermarket segment remains significant, offering spare clutches due to wear. Economic fluctuations also impact production costs and pricing strategies. For instance, In November 2024, Nidec Mobility launched the world’s first electric clutch ECU for two-wheelers, enabling gear shifts without using the clutch lever. The ECU adjusts automatically as the vehicle’s drive force changes during acceleration, deceleration, or stops. Using a model base development approach, Nidec delivered prototypes in just five months, a process that usually takes a year. This method involves creating and verifying system and control models.

Key Market Drivers  

Increasing Vehicle Production and Sales

The automobile industry on an international level has been gradually showing signs of revival after the disturbance caused by the covid outbreak, thereby resulting in a higher car manufacturing and purchase. The new economy countries especially the Asian region like India, China and Brazil are urbanizing and their per capita income is increasing thus increasing on per capita spending on automobiles. For example, Toyota in 2023, boasted of a 15% increased sales of vehicles in these regions and therefore, an increase in the demand for automotive parts such as clutches. This growth is not only in the segment of passenger vehicles, but also in the commercial vehicles due to the increase in e-commerce and logistics. Some of the automobile manufacturers that have increased their production include Ford, Volkswagen and others which have increased the need for a strong and durable clutch system. Also, with the current trend in the automotive industry where car manufacturers are designing lighter and high-performance cars, there is a need to come up with new clutch systems that can efficiently manage the new power and torque figures.

Technological Advancements in Clutch Systems

Advancements in clutch technology are by far the biggest factors that are influencing the growth of the market. DCTs and AMTs have brought changes in the vehicle performance due to better shifting and efficient fuel consumption. The current DCT system, which BorgWarner released in 2023, has an enhanced control unit and lighter materials; these improvements make the fuel efficiency of the DCT system 10% higher and its emissions 15% lower. These technologies are not only limited to new car models but are also being introduced in the aftermarket section where people want to get better systems for their cars. Also, there are increasing complex applications of clutch systems with electronic control units (ECUs) to improve the precision and control of clutch systems for better automobile handling and driving experience. These developments are forcing manufacturers to strive for the creation of high-tech, reliable products for increasingly diverse market requirements.

Growing Demand for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

The emergence of EVs and HEVs is another significant factor spurring the automotive clutch market as well. As for the pure electric vehicles, they do not necessarily contain the conventional clutch system; however, hybrids usually require some unique clutches to control the two power sources. Aisin Seiki launched a new clutch system in 2024 that is specifically for hybrid vehicles and the system increases the fuel efficiency by twenty percent and decreases the emission by twenty five percent. This innovation is one of the manifestations of the shift in the industry towards sustainable means of transportation. Governments across the globe are enforcing strict emission standards and providing subsidies for the use of EVs and HEVs which in turn is boosting the demand for high end clutch systems. The global automotive industry’s concern towards minimizing emissions and improving efficiency is a major reason why the new clutch technologies are being developed and incorporated into hybrids.

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Key Market Challenges

High Cost of Advanced Clutch Systems

A major issue that has been observed in the automotive clutch market is the fact that sophisticated clutch systems tend to be very expensive. Some of the examples of indirect acting technologies include dual-clutch transmissions, and automated manual transmissions which are relatively expensive as compared to clutch systems due to the engineering complexity and use of expensive materials. For instance, in 2023 Valeo SA observed that while the advanced DCT systems were slowly penetrating in some of the emerging markets because of their high cost. This price sensitivity is a significant issue, especially in the areas where clients are not very comfortable to pay a higher price for features they do not use. To overcome this challenge, manufacturers are paying attention to the enhancement of production efficiencies and the identification of affordable and quality materials. Nevertheless, the question of the balance between the introduction of innovations and their cost remains acute to expand the circle of users of such complex systems.

Complexity and Maintenance Issues

Modern clutch systems are far from simple and the complexities that are associated with them present severe issues as far as maintenance and repair are concerned. Complex systems such as the DCTs and AMTs need specific skills, and equipment to fix and this serves as a disincentive to the consumers and service providers. According to Eaton Corporation’s report in 2024, a large number of customers’ complaints related to the challenge of accessing skilled technicians to work on their complex clutch systems. This makes the systems more expensive to maintain and requires longer downtimes which are not good for owning the system. However, to train and certify technicians to deal with these systems is also very useful but it takes time, money and other resources. Manufacturers of clutch systems and the services providers require to liaise and come up with a holistic program and support system to make the maintenance of these advanced clutch systems effective and easily available.

Environmental Regulations and Emission Standards

High environmental standards and emission control is one of the greatest threats that the automotive clutch market faces. Governments of various countries have been setting high standards of emission control and this applies pressure on manufacturers to produce improved technologies. The following year in 2023, Schaeffler AG was forced to stop assembling one of its clutch systems due to the failure to meet new emission rules within the European Union. To adhere to these strict standards, manufacturers have to dedicate a lot of resources towards research and development; hence, the cost and general difficulty of manufacturing clutch systems rises. There is always the need for firms to adapt to these requirements when designing their products, while at the same time, making them sustainable in the market. This challenge is further compounded by the fact that the regulatory environment differs from one region to another hence calling for a regional approach to product development and regulation.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Smart Clutch Systems

The incorporation of smart clutch systems is among the most discussed topics in the automotive market. These systems use different sensors and artificial intelligence to improve the functionality of the clutch and the car in general. In 2023, ZF Friedrichshafen AG was able to introduce a smart clutch system that has the provision for predictive maintenance and real-time performance. With this system, it becomes possible to predict the problem areas and inform the drivers before a failure happens, thus, minimizing time losses and expenses for repairs. On the same note, smart clutches can learn from the driving environment and hence enhance fuel consumption and the performance of the car. The desire for connected and autonomous cars is expected to increase the demand for smart clutch systems because they offer the level of accuracy and durability required for new-age car applications.

Shift Towards Lightweight Materials

The automotive industry’s drive for lighter vehicles to achieve better fuel economy and power-to-weight ratio is spurring the use of lightweight materials in clutch production. Manufacturers are incorporating carbon fiber and other lightweight materials such as aluminum alloys to enhance the clutch systems’ strength. In 2024, EXEDY Corporation released a new line of clutches that were made from lightweight composite materials which caused the weight of the clutches to be slashed while their performance was boosted. These lightweight clutches not only improve the efficiency of cars but also reduce emissions and are in compliance with the use of sustainable resources in the world. It can be forecasted that the tendency towards the reduction of clutch weight will remain in force as manufacturers aim at achieving the best balance of performance, efficiency, and eco-friendliness of the product.

Expansion in Emerging Markets

The global increase in automotive markets especially in the emerging economies is one of the key trends that affect the automotive clutch market. Such a scenario is evident in countries such as India, China, and Brazil where there is high economic growth and urbanization, therefore a high number of people are acquiring vehicles. In the year 2023, Schaeffler India Limited increased the production capacity to meet the increasing demand for clutch systems in the region. Further, the local manufacturers are now focusing on new technologies and strategic tie-ups to have a better market hold. The expansion of the automotive industry in these areas provides a great opportunity for clutch producers to increase the sales of their products. Another factor that is also pushing the market is the trend of companies to produce products tailored to the needs and wants of consumers in these markets.

Segmental Insights

Transmission Type Insights

Automatic transmission dominated the segment in the automotive clutch market due to several key factors. One of the primary drivers is the growing consumer preference for convenience and ease of driving. Automatic transmissions eliminate the need for manual gear shifting, making driving less stressful, especially in heavy traffic or on long journeys. As a result, more consumers are opting for vehicles with automatic transmissions, which has led to increased demand for clutches tailored for these systems.

The continuous advancements in automatic transmission technology, such as dual-clutch and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), have further fueled the segment's dominance. These systems offer enhanced fuel efficiency, smoother driving experiences, and quicker gear shifts, making them highly desirable in modern vehicles. The development of advanced clutch systems for automatic transmissions, such as electronically controlled clutches, has also contributed to the segment's growth by improving the performance, efficiency, and durability of automatic transmission systems.

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles, which often use automatic transmission systems, has expanded the market for automotive clutches. As the global automotive industry shifts towards cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles, the demand for automatic transmission systems, and consequently, the clutches that support them, is expected to continue growing.

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Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific dominated the region in the automotive clutch market due to several key factors. First, the region is home to some of the world’s largest automotive manufacturing hubs, including China, Japan, India, and South Korea. These countries are not only major producers but also high-volume consumers of automobiles, driving significant demand for automotive clutches. The increasing production of both passenger and commercial vehicles in these countries is a primary driver of market growth.

Asia-Pacific has seen a rapid rise in vehicle sales, particularly in emerging economies like India and China. The expanding middle class, urbanization, and improving economic conditions have led to higher disposable incomes, fueling demand for personal vehicles. This has significantly boosted the need for clutches, particularly for automatic transmissions, which are becoming more popular in the region.

The automotive industry in Asia-Pacific is also embracing technological advancements, including the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles, which often feature advanced clutch systems. The shift towards electric and fuel-efficient vehicles in countries like China is further propelling the demand for innovative clutch solutions.

Moreover, the region’s strong automotive aftermarket industry plays a vital role in sustaining the clutch market, as the large vehicle parc creates a continuous demand for replacement clutches and associated parts. As automotive manufacturing continues to expand and evolve, Asia-Pacific is expected to remain the dominant region in the automotive clutch market, driven by its manufacturing capabilities, consumer demand, and technological progress.

Recent Developments

• Valeo SA launched its new high-performance clutch system designed for electric and hybrid vehicles in 2023. This system aims to enhance vehicle efficiency and reduce emissions, aligning with the company’s strategy to capitalize on the growing demand for eco-friendly automotive solutions. The new clutch system features innovative materials and design improvements that provide smoother operation and longer service life, making it an attractive option for both OEMs and the aftermarket.
• In 2023, BorgWarner introduced an advanced dual-clutch transmission system that improves fuel efficiency and driving dynamics. This new system incorporates a sophisticated control unit and lightweight materials, offering a 10% increase in fuel efficiency and a 15% reduction in emissions. BorgWarner’s launch of this advanced DCT system marks a significant step in its efforts to provide innovative solutions in the automotive clutch market, catering to the increasing demand for high-performance and environmentally friendly vehicles.
• Aisin Seiki launched a new clutch system specifically designed for hybrid vehicles in 2024. This system improves fuel efficiency by 20% and reduces emissions by 25%, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The new clutch system features advanced materials and engineering, providing reliable performance under the unique conditions of hybrid powertrains. Aisin’s launch of this product is part of its broader strategy to support the transition towards greener automotive technologies.

Key Market Players

• AISIN CORPORATION
• BorgWarner Inc.
• Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket GmbH & Co. KG
• VALEO
• ZF Friedrichshafen AG
• Eaton Corporation plc
• EXEDY Corporation 
• Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
• HALDEX AB
• Setco Automotive Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Automotive Clutch Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Automotive Clutch Market, By Transmission Type:

o   Manual

o   Automatic

o   Automated Manual Transmission

o   Others

• Automotive Clutch Market, By Vehicle Type:

o   Passenger Vehicles

o   Commercial Vehicles

·         Automotive Clutch Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe & CIS

§  France

§  Germany

§  Spain

§  Italy

§  United Kingdom

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Vietnam

§  South Korea

§  Thailand

§  Australia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Turkey

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Automotive Clutch Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Automotive Clutch Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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