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Automotive Roof Rail Market - By Roof Rail, By Material, By Vehicle, and By Sales Channel Growth Forecast 2025 – 2034

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Automotive Roof Rail Market Size

The global automotive roof rail market size was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2024 and is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.1% between 2025 and 2034. The growth of the market can be attributed to the rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers. As per Statista’s estimates, more than 27 million SUVs have been sold worldwide in 2023 and this vehicle category made up more than 43 percent of the entire passenger cars market. The increasing inclination towards SUVs and crossovers has remarkably propelled the automobile market towards advancement.
 

Automotive Roof Rail Market

Statista suggests that SUVs have gained remarkable traction as they account for over 27 million sales, giving it a staggering 43% percentage market share of the overall automobile global market. With their increased space and vast interior, SUVs are ideal for have versatile needs as one would require different vehicles to complete different tasks. These vehicles blend comfort, function, and performance, relieving the burden of families, city passengers, and outdoor lovers. Considerable models come with roof racks to enhance the hauling capacity, with options available on all models.
 

Buyers also install roof racks after-market for fun road trips, camping, and sporting events. Urban buyers now want functional cars that are visually appealing, making roof racks crucial car accessories. This growing focus also further reinforces the important function that SUVs and crossovers are playing in the automotive accessory of automotive roof rail market.
 

As healthy lifestyles become the norm, camping, biking, kayaking, and even skiing are gaining traction with many becoming more adventure infused. Sociologist in North America and Europe are reporting a rise in interest in these activities and nature-based tourism, and for such activities, roof rails have become paramount for enthusiasts, allowing easy fitting of outdoor gears, such as bike racks, cargo carriers, and roof tents, and giving greater ease in travel, especially road trips and weekend getaways.
 

After the outbreak of the pandemic, many consumers began increasingly to choose domestic than international vacations, and this had quite an effect on the increase demand for roof rails which is becoming a standard characteristic in car design.
 

Automotive Roof Rail Market Trends

The roof rail market for vehicles is on the cusp of an evolution led by modern materials like composite materials, aluminum alloys, and carbon fiber as these materials help in making the roof rails lighter, stronger, and corrosion resistant. These changes not only aid in improving the fuel efficiency of the vehicles but also decree the maintenance needs as the weight of the vehicle is drastically reduced. Alongside, the manufacturers are adopting eco-friendly practices especially in regions of Europe where the emission laws are stricter.
 

In addition, companies are developing eco-friendly coatings that improve the aesthetics of the vehicles while also protecting the environment by increasing the longevity of the roof rails. Such innovations will lead to an ever-increasing demand for vehicles that are both eco-friendly and efficient hence boosting competition and growth in the automotive roof rail market.
 

Recently, companies involved in the manufacturing of automotive, have begun to introduce vehicles with a modern rugged design by launching innovative roof rails that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, even further facilitating in improving the overall design of the vehicle. For instance, in July 2024, Audi India introduced the Bold Edition of the Q5 SUV for a price of Rs. 72.3 lakhs.
 

With limited quantities of the q5 bold edition being released, the new model comes with a black styling package that includes high gloss black accents on the roof rails, window surrounds, ORVMs, and Audi logos. The SUV is also available in five additional colors: Glacier White, Navarra Blue, Mythos Black, District Green, and Manhattan Gray.
 

The international transportable customized cross-border service and cargo box aftermarket are growing, especially in North America and Europe, and so too is demand for multipurpose removable lifting roof rail systems. Many customers expressed a need of removable lifting roof rails being raised for heavy-duty requirements or flush and retractable designs for a lower profile look.
 

Accessories like cargo boxes, bike racks, and roof baskets, increase practicality. Easy to use, do-it-yourself installation kits at reasonable prices appeal to adventure enthusiasts, as well as those who are more budget conscious. This ability to improve vehicles for road trips, camping, and other similar activities boosts the market expansion.
 

Usually, compact and economically priced cars do not integrate roof rails in order to reduce the expenditure and maintain a competitive edge in pricing. These vehicles emphasize being cost efficient and are generally used for city travel and commuting where roof rails are of little importance to many consumers.
 

This restricts the installation of roof rails in small inexpensive cars which are highly in demand, and the situation is similar in price sensitive markets like the Asia Pacific region and some countries in Latin America. Hence, the global roof rail market is more reduced in size in the SUV, crossover, and luxury cars segment than the small vehicles market.
 

Automotive Roof Rail Market Analysis

Automotive Roof Rail Market Size, By Vehicle, 2022 – 2034, (USD Billion)

Based on vehicle, the market is divided into passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In 2024, passenger cars segment held a automotive roof rail market share of over 75% and is expected to cross USD 3 billion by 2034. People tend to personalize their passenger vehicles based on their desires to go on long road trips, carry more items, or use the car for outdoor activites. One of the most common accessories used these days are bike racks, roof boxes and roof tents which have become some of the essentials for customization.
 

This customization is mostly favored in areas where adventure tourism is on the rise. This change has enabled passenger vehicles to focus on roof rail building. The introduction of electric and hybrid cars has also benifitted the building of roof rails. Car producers are incorporating modular and aerodynamic car roof rails without affecting range and efficiency. Environmentally cautious consumers prefer using roof rails as they are able to enhance the vehicles performance without compromising on sustainability.
 

Automotive Roof Rail Market Share, By Material, 2024

Based on material, the automotive roof rail market is categorized into aluminum, steel, composite plastic and others. The aluminum segment held a market share of around 55% in 2024. Aluminum roof rails are increasingly becoming the go to option for both automobile businesses and average consumers due to their low cost and inventory. These have helped lower the vehicles weight along with improving the fuel economy which supports the automobile industry's vision of sustainability.
 

Moreover, their ability to withstand rust enables them to be used in various climatic conditions. However, this trend remains prevalent in Western countries, mainly Europe and North America, where emission regulations are more stringent and materials are required to be sustainable. In order to make the vehicles not only more sustainable but also more affective in performance, the focus on aluminum roof rails with improving technologies will be increased.
 

China Automotive Roof Rail Market Size, 2022 -2034, (USD Million)

Asia Pacific dominated the global automotive roof rail market with a major share of around 35% in 2024 and China leads the market in the region. In countries such as India, Indonesia, and Thailand, urbanization and a growing middle class are driving higher vehicle ownership, especially for SUVs and crossovers. These vehicles often include roof rails, meeting consumer needs for utility and style. Rising disposable incomes allow more people to buy vehicles with features like roof rails, which are practical for urban living, weekend trips, and carrying goods.
 

China’s government promotes lightweight materials in vehicles to meet sustainability and emission goals. This has led to innovations in materials including aluminum for roof rails, which are strong and durable. The rise of EVs has further increased demand for lightweight roof rails to improve performance and battery efficiency. Automakers are using advanced materials to meet these needs, driving demand for aluminum roof rail systems.
 

In North America, rising interest in outdoor activities such as camping and biking is boosting demand for vehicles with roof rails. These rails, useful for carrying gear, are popular in SUVs and pickup trucks. Post-pandemic domestic travel and outdoor adventures have further increased their demand. Many consumers in North America customize their vehicles, often adding roof rails. The aftermarket segment is growing, with DIY installation kits being a favorite due to their ease of use, reflecting a strong DIY culture and driving growth.
 

In Europe, premium car brands such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz often include roof rails as standard or optional features. Sleek designs including flush and retractable roof rails are in demand. European consumers prefer high-quality products that combine style and function, driving demand for advanced roof rail systems. EU regulations on emissions and fuel efficiency are pushing automakers to use lightweight materials such as aluminum and composite plastics. These materials improve performance and meet standards.
 

Automotive Roof Rail Market Share

Thule Group and Magna International hold a market share of around 10% in the automotive roof rail industry. Thule Group focuses on growing its product range by introducing innovative roof rail systems and accessories. The company invests heavily in R&D to create modular and lightweight roof rails for various vehicles, including SUVs, crossovers, and electric cars. By offering products that combine functionality and style, Thule attracts both OEMs and aftermarket customers. Its focus on high quality and customizable solutions helps it secure a strong position in the global market.
 

Magna International works closely with leading automotive OEMs to provide integrated roof rail systems. By collaborating with OEMs, Magna ensures its products meet specific vehicle needs, such as lightweight designs for electric and hybrid vehicles. The company uses advanced materials including aluminum and composite plastics to deliver high-performance roof rail systems that match current automotive trends. These partnerships provide steady revenue and strengthen Magna’s role in the market.
 

Automotive Roof Rail Market Companies

Major players operating in the automotive roof rail industry include:

  • Atera GmbH
  • Bryton
  • Cruzber
  • JAC Products
  • Magna International
  • Minth Group
  • Rhino-Rack USA
  • Thule Group
  • VDL Hapro
  • Yakima Products
     

The automotive roof rail market is characterized by an international and regional competition and vendors comprising a strategic regional segmentation which enables manufacturers to cater to different customer requirements across vehicle types and segments. Through strategic mergers and acquisitions, international vendors have managed to gain the upper hand in the industry through expansion and breath of offering with aerodynamically designed lightweight customizable roof rails. Due to their emphasis on innovation and meeting global requirements, they have established themselves in markets that have a high demand for automotive production and premium offerings.
 

Regional vendors are actively participating by providing cost efficient solutions to local automakers and people who are short on budget due to their ability to understand local market needs. The market shows attributes of increasing demand for good quality materials coupled with new-age manufacturing for electric and hybrid cars and if regional players want to sustain they would need coincide with global competition through innovation or building partnerships.
 

The region is expected to see a significant increase in mergers and acquisitions which would increase competition greatly due to domestic companies attempting to amalgamate with other domestic companies to bridge technological divides. With all of the events mentioned previously, the competition inside the automotive roof rail market is bound to change greatly fueling innovation and expenditure.
 

Automotive Roof Rail Industry News

  • Rivian has commenced the New Year with a new patent for integrated roof rail lighting. The patent claims lights that integrate with the cross bars of their electric SUV and pickup trucks which the vehicle’s battery would power. These lights would function as brake lights, indicators or assist during unlocking the vehicle by projecting light in various directions. Alongside it, they showcase spot lights that would work on steep declines to provide better visibility. Two further features BRIEFWERS are NUS blasting or lighting up an area during the vehicle’s handover or switch off sequences.Scope will be comphented from NUS which further states that NUS slowly activates lights within a specific range to the changing speeds of the vehicle.
     
  • The new generation which CRUZ launched in May 2023 moves the number of components from two per vehicle to now three per vehicle. This makes for better roof bars boosting the experience for passengers and on sold products by distributors. They also utilize a 30×20 rectangular galvanized steel profile set. A portion of the CRUZ Airo and CRUZ Airo Dark ranged into an aerodynamic alumina profile with the latter containing a textured black coating.
     

The automotive roof rail market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue ($Bn) and shipment (units)  from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Market, By Roof Rail

  • Fixed roof rails
  • Flush roof rails
  • Raised roof rails
  • Retractable roof rails

Market, By Material

  • Aluminum
  • Steel
  • Composite plastic
  • Others

Market, By Vehicle

  • Passenger cars
    • Sedans
    • Hatchbacks
    • SUVs
    • Others
  • Commercial vehicles
    • Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)
    • Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs)

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
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • Southeast Asia 
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina 
  • MEA
    • UAE
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia

 

Authors: Preeti Wadhwani, Aishvarya Ambekar
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
Who are the major players in the automotive roof rail industry?
The key players in the industry include Atera, Bryton, Cruzber, JAC Products, Magna International, Minth Group, Rhino-Rack USA, Thule Group, VDL Hapro, and Yakima Products.
What is the size of the Asia Pacific automotive roof rail market?
Why is the passenger cars segment significant in the automotive roof rail industry?
How big is the automotive roof rail market?
Automotive Roof Rail Market Scope
  • Automotive Roof Rail Market Size
  • Automotive Roof Rail Market Trends
  • Automotive Roof Rail Market Analysis
  • Automotive Roof Rail Market Share
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    Premium Report Details

    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 20

    Tables & Figures: 200

    Countries covered: 21

    Pages: 175

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