Automotive Clutch Market

Automotive Clutch Market Size

The global automotive clutch market size was valued at USD 12.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2025 and 2034. An important factor propelling the market is the increasing consumer requirement for passenger and commercial vehicles. Rising incomes and urban migration in developing countries have resulted in increased sales of cars and, consequently, increased installations of clutches in vehicles, mostly manual and semi-automatics.

Another factor boosting clutch manufacturing is the development of new technologies in transmission systems, such as dual-clutch systems, which enhance fuel economy while providing consumers with smoother driving experiences. There is also support for the rise in demand for clutches due to the expansion of the automotive aftermarket to cover vehicle repairs and maintenance. In addition, there are opportunities innovative clutch technologies owing to the rising shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles.

For instance, according to GMI, the hybrid electric vehicle conversion kit market size was valued at USD 344.3 Million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 15% between 2024 and 2032. Such growing rapid conversion of the kingdom to hybrids and electric vehicles is likely to create requirements for automotive clutches for EVs in the future.

The increasing focus on fuel-efficient transmission systems is another important factor in the automotive clutch market. For example, dual-clutch and automated manual transmission (AMT) are expected to gain popularity because of their contributions towards saving fuel and reducing emissions. Governments that impose tighter environmental policies are pushing automakers towards modern clutch systems. This tendency is well-developed among parts of the world such as Europe and North America with strict emission restrictions.

Automotive Clutch Market Trends

Automotive clutch manufacturers are developing brands of aftermarket clutches to satisfy the increasing repairs caused by more vehicles and more maintenance and repair services required. Aftermarket clutches are substitute products for original equipment and are widely acceptable in many classes of vehicles, particularly in commercial fleets. These brands enhance customer satisfaction by creating opportunities for brand loyalty through providing additional services like long-term spare part warranties and quick service. Additionally, it assists companies in capturing new opportunities for profits since the enhancement of electric vehicles (EVs) reduces the market of conventional clutch systems.

In May 2024, Schaeffler India’s marketing department launched a Accessories campaign targeted towards increasing the sales of LuK brand clutches and clutches and other drivetrain parts in the aftermarket segment. As the monsoon season approaches, the campaign seeks to assist commercial vehicle fleets in reinvigorating operations. It also reiterates LuK’s innovative, durable, and high-quality reputation in the automotive clutch market.

Ad films of the campaign show users who have employed LuK's advanced clutch technology that achieves over twice the average lifespan offered by typical clutches and can be serviced very fast. The firm’s competencies include new hybrid systems which expand the company’s grasp in OEM and aftermarket capabilities. This is part of a broader marketing campaign by Schaeffler called Badhechalo while it is also responding to other existing campaigns.

A major obstacle in the automotive clutch market is the increasing demand for electric vehicles. The market for conventional clutches will decline as these clutches will not be needed in the future as EVs use a direct drive system. Additionally, the traditional clutch market is projected to struggle in the long term.

This transition to electric propulsion is particularly difficult for those manufacturers that are dependent on the revenue from the traditional clutch systems. To pursue new niches in the dynamic market such as hybrid vehicles or electronic clutches, clutch makers will have to adjust and innovate their products. In the same regard, as manufacturers of cars shift their focus to investing more in EV technology, these companies to have some transformation work to do.

Automotive Clutch Market Analysis

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Based on the vehicle, the market is segmented into passenger and commercial vehicles. In 2024, the passenger segment accounted for over 80% of the automotive clutch market share and is expected to exceed USD 15 billion by 2034.

• Due to the high production and sales volume in this category, the automotive clutch industry is dominated by the passenger vehicle segment. The growth is driven by the increasing demand for passenger cars, especially in the emerging markets boosted by urbanization and higher disposable income.
  
• Also, clutches and other components including the clutch are often maintained and replaced in these vehicles, making the aftermarket segment grow as well.
  
• In addition, the appeal of passenger vehicles has also risen because of the enhanced innovations in transmission technologies like dual clutches and automated manual transmission, which in return has fueled the growth of this market.
  
• Lastly, the growth of electric vehicles is also starting to impact the design of passenger vehicles, causing the market to switch to newer subtype clutches and drivetrains.
  

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Based on the sales channel, the automotive clutch market is divided into OEM and aftermarket. The OEM segment held above 85% of the market share in 2024.

• OEMs are the most significant players in the automotive clutch industry since they procure the core clutch systems from vehicle manufacturers and provide it to them during vehicle assembly.
  
• This is further enhanced by their capacity to supply well-designed, high-quality, and warranty-supported components specific to each automobile make.
  
• Nevertheless, the aftermarket segment share is growing exponentially due to the aging population of vehicles that need servicing or enhancements. The growth in the vehicle population, especially in areas that tend to have a high proportion of old vehicles, increases the demand for aftermarket parts due to their inexpensive nature and practicality.
  
• Besides this, the emerging DIY repair culture, online auto parts retailing, and wider servicing networks also facilitate the use of aftermarket clutches. The aftermarket has also become a significant sector with the improvement of automobile technology that incorporates complex dual-clutch or automated manual transmission systems that require more compatible parts and services.
  

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In 2024, the China automotive clutch market accounted for 60% revenue share in Asia Pacific and is expected to exceed USD 4 billion by 2034.

• China holds a pivotal position in the automotive clutch industry due to its high production volume of vehicles for both local consumption and international sales. China is the leading market in the automotive industry globally, and this has led to increased sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, leading to the demand for clutches.
  
• The country’s affordable manufacturing capabilities enable it to produce high-quality clutches at competitive prices, attracting global customers.
  
• Further, China possesses a strong OEM and replacement parts market due to its developed automotive aftermarket service network. The expansion of clutch technologies, including automated manual transmissions, is also increasing in popularity in China, which increases clutch sales.
  
• Lastly, the automotive sector aid provided by the government, like encouraging local producers, is another contributing factor to the advantages that the country has in the market.
  
• Strong demand for performance and fuel-efficient vehicles, including limited automated and manual transmissions, similarly influences the European automotive clutch market. The adoption of advanced transmission systems and more emission regulations are in place due to the dual-clutch and hybrid system.
  
• Moreover, European EV markets are growing, which alongside advanced sustainability methods, are changing the traditional dynamics as well as the competitive standard of using clutch systems to support EV drivetrain systems.
  
• Further, there is stiff competition among major automotive manufacturers, making Europe one of the key markets for both OEM and aftermarket clutches. Aftermarket parts are in more demand due to the increased number of vehicles out on the roads.
  
• The North American market for automotive clutches is supported by strong demand for passenger cars, particularly the heavily mechanized manually and automated manual transmission vehicles.
  
• The regional preferences towards light trucks and SUVs translate to a proportionately more robust clutch sale because these vehicles are equipped with strong transmission systems. The adoption of electric vehicles is not picking up in North America at the pace as in other parts of the world, hence there continues to be a good demand for traditional clutch systems.
  
• In addition, there is a strong presence of aftermarket services in the region due to a wide spread of service centers and an existing need for economically priced repairs. Though OEMs continue to lead the market, the aftermarket opportunities are growing as more vehicles hit the phase where replacement components are needed.
  

Automotive Clutch Market Share

Magna International, Schaeffler AG and ZF Friedrichshafen AG collectively held a substantial market share of over 25% in the automotive clutch industry in 2024.

• This phenomenon is being caused by these companies concentrating their efforts on each market's competitive situation with automotive clutch product innovations and new technologies. Clutch system upgrades such as dual-clutch and automated manual transmission are being introduced with the growing need for fuel-efficient and high-performance vehicles.
  
• Manufacturers form strategic alliances and mergers and acquisitions as a common occurrence to bolster their capabilities and penetrate different markets. Cost leadership, improvement of the supply chain, and other ways to remain competitive in the industry are also adopted by leading players.
  
• Some manufacturers are focusing their resources on developing new technologies for use in hybrid and electric vehicles because of the growing trend of electric vehicles. Also, other companies are beginning to invest in this new technology because of the potential growth in the aftermarket segment. There has always been a new challenge, and there have also been competitors that focus on low-spending individuals and faster repair.
  

Automotive Clutch Market Companies

Some of the major players operating in the automotive clutch industry are:

• Aisin Seiki
• BorgWarner
• Eaton
• Exedy
• F.C.C
• GKN Automotive
• Magna
• Schaeffler
• Valeo
• ZF Friedrichshafen
  

The kick shape parameters considered to analyze the automotive clutch market that creates competitive rivalry due to constant evolution of technology, cost cutting, and consequential market needs. It is foreseen that automotive OEM whose grasp extends to providing robust, dependable, and energy efficient clutch systems as well as nurturing business relations with many OEMs will do well in the industry.

Therefore, the competition is stiff further by the increasing trend towards the designing and performance, economy, and motor enjoyment of the vehicle. Nowadays, self-adjusting clutches, dual clutch systems (DCT), and even an electronic clutch actuator for the increasing population of manual and automatic vehicles is being joined to advanced technologies in the clutch system.

Automotive Clutch Industry News

• In May 2023, Schaeffler India commenced a digital marketing initiative towards its LuK brand to market its clutches and drivetrain components in the aftermarket sector. The campaign is tuned to take advantage of the monsoon season as it seeks to boost the performance of commercial vehicle fleets. It points to LuK's innovation, strength, and reputation in the manufacture and supply of durable and efficient transmission solutions. It focuses on the technologically advanced clutch systems. Ad films are being produced showing satisfied LuK customers whose clutches outlast the average unit and are easily serviced.
  
• In October 2023, Clutch Industries enhanced the US market with its dual-variant class of innovative clutch systems named UniClutch, which integrates features from both UniClutch and UniClutch Sport. This system was designed to increase performance and efficiency via patented dual-core technology to drive torque capacity as well as drivability. Its flexible design reduces the burden of inventory, increases the speed of setup, as well as solves typical setup problems. Thanks to its patented Flex Fit technology, the product can be easily mounted, thereby cutting labor costs and lowering stock concerns for auto repair shops and sellers.
  

The automotive clutch market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) and volume (Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Transmission

• Manual Transmission (MT)
• Automatic Transmission (AT)
• Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Market, By Type

• Friction clutch
• Dog clutch
• Hydraulic clutch
• Others

Market, By Vehicle

• Passenger vehicles
  • Hatchback
  • Sedan
  • SUV
• Commercial vehicles
  • Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV)
  • Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV)

Market, By Propulsion

• ICE
• Electric vehicles
  • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

Market, By Sales Channel

• OEM
• Aftermarket

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Nordics
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Southeast Asia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa