Market Trends of Automotive Brake Pad Industry
Passenger Car is the Leading Segment in the Market
The passenger car segment is the largest segment in the automotive brake pad market, driven by factors like the increasing volume of passenger cars, changing consumer preferences toward vehicle upgradation, technological advancement in braking systems, etc.
The huge volume of passenger cars on the roads contributes directly to the demand for brake pads. In 2023, 57.01 million units of passenger cars were sold globally, as compared to 50.75 million units in 2022, registering a year-on-year growth of about 1.2%. The increase in passenger car production and sales and the anticipated greater adoption of electric vehicles across the globe are expected to create a surge in demand for advanced automotive brake pad products with higher durability and greater heat dissipation capability in the coming years.
Stringent safety regulations and increasing consumer awareness regarding vehicle safety also drive the market studied. Being the most widely used personal mode of transport for individuals and families, passenger cars are prone to accidents and thus are subject to strict safety norms. Governments in many regions have introduced mandatory regulations regarding braking systems in cars.
- For instance, in July 2023, the NHTSA proposed a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard to require automatic emergency braking systems, including pedestrian AEB, on light vehicles. The NHTSA projects that this proposed rule would save at least 360 lives a year and reduce injuries by at least 24,000 annually.
The rising investments from premium and luxury car manufacturers to develop new products with advanced features, coupled with the increasing demand for passenger cars in developed nations, are compelling key market players to invest in research and development to introduce advanced materials and designs that enhance the durability, performance, and safety of brake pads.
- For instance, in August 2023, Totachi Industrial Co. Ltd, based in Japan, expanded its comprehensive solution by initiating the manufacturing of brake pads. The latest addition to its product lineup encompasses brake pads designed for passenger cars across diverse brands. These brake pads are meticulously crafted to serve as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) products, guaranteeing exceptional quality.
Hence, the passenger car segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific Witnessing Highest Potential for Growth
Globally, Asia-Pacific is the most dominant region in the automotive break pad market, followed by Europe and North America. Asia-Pacific is likely to possess the highest growth rate, with countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea expected to contribute significantly in terms of revenue in the global anti-lock braking system due to safety norms and firm government regulations.
China is expected to emerge as one of the major regions, owing to its largest automotive market in the world. China was the world's largest regional market for automobiles in 2022, accounting for over 23.6 million unit sales alone. This growth directly influences the demand for brake pads, as each vehicle requires this essential component. The automotive industry in China is evolving, and so is the brake pad technology.
Noise reduction, extended pad life, and enhanced braking performance are crucial features. In urban environments where noise pollution is a concern, low-noise brake pads are highly sought after. The brake pad market in China is highly competitive, with both local and international players vying for market share. Multiple key market players are making substantial investments to establish new production facilities within the country.
- For instance, in June 2023, Tenneco, a US supplier, set its sights on boosting revenue from its brake parts business in China by focusing on local manufacturers of electrified vehicles, which also drive the brake pad market in the country.
Moreover, the growing vehicle production and sales in India's automotive sector make the country a potential market for brake pads. The aftermarket segment plays a substantial role in the Indian brake pad market. Regular brake pad replacement is essential for road safety and vehicle maintenance, which fuels aftermarket sales. Numerous players in the market are investing heavily in setting up new production units in the country to meet the rising demands for local and international markets and enhance their profitability and market share.
- For instance, in March 2023, Brakes India, a tier-1 supplier to both Indian and global OEMs, introduced ZAP brake pads featuring advanced friction technology tailored for electric vehicles. These specialized brake pads are designed to meet the unique needs of electric vehicle customers, providing improved corrosion protection and ensuring quieter braking.
Due to such favorable developments across Asia-Pacific, the demand for automotive brake pads is likely to grow at a decent rate during the forecast period.
