PUBLISHER: Market Xcel - Markets and Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1716753
PUBLISHER: Market Xcel - Markets and Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1716753
Global automotive connector market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.87% during the forecast period, 2025-2032, growing from USD 8.19 billion in 2024 to USD 13.93 billion in 2032. The automotive connectors market is witnessing strong growth due to growing vehicle electrification, growing use of advanced driver-assistance systems features, and the in-vehicle electronics explosion. With the latest vehicles featuring more sophisticated infotainment systems, ADAS technologies, and electric powertrains, demand for high-performance, reliable connectors has become critical. Auto manufacturers are focusing on connectors with the capability of wireless data transfer and power delivery, with the ability to face tough automotive conditions.
Technological progress is transforming the market with the development of miniature, light-weight connectors with greater voltage and data rate needed in future automobiles. The trend for electric cars is especially strong, calling for high-voltage specialty connectors with high levels of safety. Further, increasing vehicle architecture complexity is also spurring innovation in modular connector systems for reducing assembly and maintenance.
The aftermarket market is growing significantly, driven by vehicle aging and replacement part needs. As the automotive sector puts more emphasis on connected and autonomous vehicles, connectors are changing to accommodate faster communication protocols and greater bandwidth demands.
With innovation finding means to deliver the needs of electrification, connectivity, and automation, the automotive connector market is set to grow progressively, driven by the industry's shift towards smarter and more efficient mobility solutions.
For instance, in October 2024, HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. expanded its flexible printed circuit (FPC)/flat flexible connector (FFC) connector family to support MIPI D-PHY (1.5 GBPS) and eDP1.3 (5.4 Gbps) specifications. With an operating temperature of up to 125C, the FH75M Series satisfies extensive heat demands found in automotive applications. The FH75M Series FPC connector meets additional automotive requirements, including resistance to shock and vibration, hydrogen and sulfur gases, humidity, and corrosion.
Growing Electric Vehicles Drive the Market
The swift transition to electric vehicles is contributing importantly to growth in the automotive connectors market. EVs necessitate specific high-voltage connectors for battery systems, power distribution, and charging interfaces, leading to enormous new demand.
High-performance interconnects are being driven by innovation in connector designs that satisfy strict safety constraints and manage higher power loads from suppliers. The move to 800V architectures for next-generation EVs further fuels innovation in high-performance interconnects. This demand, powered by EV, extends to both vehicle applications and charging infrastructure, with connectors key to fast-charging systems as well as battery management. While automakers push their fleets electric, the market for connectors shifts to accommodate increasing power densities as well as better thermal management.
For instance, in May 2024, ENNOVI Holdings Pte. Ltd. launched a new ENNOVI-MB2B multi-row board-to-board (BTB) connector platform for EVs with a snap-in design that allows multiple connector units to be stacked together without solder. This approach enables different pin count requirements to be accommodated via the same basic interconnect platform, without any extra expense or engineering effort, according to the company. The connectors are aimed at electric power steering (EPS) and electronic control units (ECUs) in EVs.
Upgradation and Technological Developments Bolster the Demand
The automotive connectors market is witnessing strong growth driven by ongoing technological advancements. Smart connectors with integrated diagnostics are being launched by manufacturers, allowing real-time monitoring of electrical systems for predictive maintenance. Next-generation designs have miniaturized form factors with increased pin density to support space-restricted vehicle architectures. High-speed data connectors development enables advanced ADAS and autonomous driving capabilities. Material science advancements are providing connectors with enhanced corrosion resistance and durability for demanding environments. The use of lightweight composites meets both performance and efficiency demands. These technologies are essential to enable vehicle electrification, connectivity trends, and changing E/E architectures. As automotive systems become increasingly complex, advanced connector solutions continue to be essential components on all vehicle platforms.
For instance, in July 2023, TE Connectivity plc equipped its GEMnet connector system to work with Texas Instruments' FPD-Link IV SerDes semiconductors to transmit high-resolution, uncompressed video and bidirectional control over lightweight cable assemblies and connectors in the automotive environment with near-zero latency.
Passenger Vehicles Acquires the Major Share in Sales
The passenger car segment is the biggest market for automotive connectors, with high volumes and increasing electronic content per vehicle. Sedans, SUVs, and crossovers combined generate huge demand for diverse connector solutions across infotainment, safety, and powertrain systems.
The predominance of this segment is a result of the integration of advanced features like ADAS, connected services, and premium audio systems - all of which require specialized interconnects. Passenger car electrification also accelerates demand, particularly for high-voltage charging and battery management connectors. With passenger cars increasingly incorporating more electronic features on each trim level, this market maintains its dominance in connector usage through OEM installations and replacement demand in the aftermarket.
For instance, in November 2023, Molex, LLC, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, announced a major expansion of its global manufacturing footprint with the opening of a new campus in Katowice, Poland. The facility's initial 23,000 square-meter manufacturing space will serve as a strategic central location to help facilitate the timely delivery of advanced medical devices for Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company, as well as electric vehicle and electrification solutions for Molex customers. Future expansion of up to 85,000 square meters is built into Molex's ambitious growth plans for the facility, further increasing Molex's presence in Poland, adding to existing sites in Rokitki and Sulecin.
Asia Pacific Leads the Market
Asia Pacific dominates the global automotive connectors market, spurred by its status as the world's largest vehicle-producing center. China, Japan, and South Korea lead demand with their technologically sophisticated automotive manufacturing and robust electronics supply chains. Three dominant factors contribute to this superiority: huge production of passenger vehicles involving extensive integration of connectors, fast EV take-up demanding high-voltage applications, and highly concentrated electronics manufacturing capabilities. A strong semiconductor and component ecosystem within the region provides cost-advantaged connector manufacturing for both domestic and export customers. With leading vehicle manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers continually increasing their presence in the region, Asia Pacific continues to be both the production and innovation hub for next-generation automotive connector technologies.
For instance, in February 2025, the HENN Connector Group stepped up international growth with the opening of a new assembly plant in Chennai, India. The Austrian company has invested USD 1.07 million in this new facility, which will start production in March 2025, delivering high-quality plastic couplings to major automotive manufacturers throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Automotive Connectors Market
U.S. tariffs on imported automotive connectors would increase costs for aftermarket suppliers, potentially raising repair expenses. Domestic manufacturers may gain competitiveness but face capacity gaps in high-tech segments. OEMs could accelerate localized production of critical connectors, while niche imports (high-voltage EV connectors) may see disruptions. The tariffs might spur innovation in cost-competitive materials and manufacturing automation. Long-term effects could include supply chain diversification to tariff-exempt regions and potential delays in advanced connector adoption due to price sensitivity in cost-conscious vehicle segments.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The market features global players (TE Connectivity, Amphenol, Yazaki) competing with regional specialists through technological differentiation. Competition centers on high-speed data connectors, miniaturization, and EV-specific high-voltage solutions. OEM suppliers lead in integrated E/E architectures, while component specialists dominate modular designs. Strategic automaker partnerships are critical, particularly for developing customized connector ecosystems. Emerging differentiators include patented contact technologies and smart connectors with embedded diagnostics. Asian manufacturers leverage cost advantages in volume production, while European and American firms lead in premium and specialty applications. Startups are disrupted with innovative materials and wireless connector alternatives. The aftermarket sees growing competition from certified refurbishment programs.
For instance, in October 2023, PCTEL, Inc., a leading global provider of wireless technology solutions, announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to be acquired by Amphenol Corporation, one of the world's largest providers of high-technology interconnect, sensor, and antenna solutions.
All segments will be provided for all regions and countries covered
Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.