PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1787893
PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1787893
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Automotive Pressure Plate Market is accounted for $67.94 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $113.46 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. An automotive pressure plate is a crucial component of a vehicle's clutch system, responsible for transmitting engine power to the drivetrain by engaging and disengaging the clutch disc. The pressure plate, which is attached to the flywheel and functions in tandem with the clutch disc and release bearing, is usually constructed of high-strength steel. The driver can smoothly shift gears when the clutch pedal is depressed because the pressure plate separates from the clutch disc, cutting off the power supply. Moreover, the clutch disc is pushed back against the flywheel by the pressure plate when the pedal is released, reestablishing the power connection. Its construction guarantees consistent engagement, low slippage, and dependable torque transfer under a range of driving circumstances.
According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), over 68 million passenger cars were produced globally in 2022, marking a 7.9 % increase compared to the prior year; this surge supports rising demand for clutch system components like pressure plates.
Growing sales and production of automobiles
One of the main factors propelling the automotive pressure plate market is the increase in vehicle production and sales worldwide, especially in emerging economies. Sales of passenger and commercial vehicles are rising as a result of government programs encouraging vehicle ownership, urbanization, and rising disposable incomes. Clutches and pressure plates are in high demand due to Asia-Pacific's dominance in vehicle production and consumption, particularly in China and India. Additionally, OEM collaborations with international automakers are increasing the use of pressure plates in new car platforms. Long-term industry stability and growth are ensured by the pressure plate demand that each new vehicle adds due to the global push for mobility and transport connectivity.
Transition to electric and automatic vehicles (EVs)
The growing global shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and automatic transmissions is one of the biggest factors limiting the automotive pressure plate market. EV drivetrains, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and automatic gearboxes frequently completely do away with the need for traditional clutches and pressure plates. The market for conventional clutch-based systems contracts as governments encourage electrification to reduce emissions, supported by incentives, more stringent emission standards, and prohibitions on internal combustion engines. Suppliers who rely on manual or semi-automatic transmission components must switch to new technologies as EV adoption rises in North America, Europe, and some regions of Asia, or risk obsolescence in a rapidly changing powertrain landscape.
Development of clutch-based hybrid vehicles
Clutch systems are not required in electric vehicles (EVs), but they are frequently kept in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to facilitate switching between internal combustion and electric modes. In markets without complete EV infrastructure, HEVs are gaining traction as consumers and governments look for transitional alternatives to fully electric vehicles. Furthermore, working together with developers of hybrid powertrains or providing flexible pressure plate solutions that are tuned for torque management and regenerative braking could lead to profitable OEM and Tier-1 supplier contracts, especially as hybrids become more popular in Europe and Asia.
Pressure on prices and OEM consolidation
Automakers are reducing the size of their supplier networks and are expecting fewer suppliers to be more innovative, high-quality, and economical. Pressure plate manufacturers are under tremendous pressure to lower their prices as a result of this trend, especially Tier-2 and Tier-3 vendors. Suppliers that can provide complete clutch systems, co-engineering support, and worldwide delivery capabilities are preferred by large OEMs. Small or specialized manufacturers of pressure plates might find it difficult to satisfy these demands or accept cost cuts without compromising profits. Additionally, OEM contracts frequently include warranty liabilities, quality audits, and stringent penalty clauses, all of which increase financial risk.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused extensive disruptions in vehicle production, supply chains, and consumer demand, which had a major short-term effect on the automotive pressure plate market. Major automotive hubs in Asia, Europe, and North America experienced lockdowns and factory shutdowns, which caused production to stop and OEM orders to be delayed. Bottlenecks in the supply chain further slowed the production of pressure plates, particularly for raw materials like steel and aluminum. A sharp drop in new car sales was also brought on by lower consumer spending and economic uncertainty, which had an immediate impact on the market for clutch systems and associated parts. However, the aftermarket market proved resilient as older cars continued to be used for longer periods of time, necessitating repairs and replacements.
The passenger vehicle segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The passenger vehicle segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. The automotive clutch pressure plate market is dominated worldwide by passenger cars, which account for about 60% of total market revenue. High production and sales volumes are the main drivers of this dominance, particularly in developing auto markets like China and India, where demand for personal mobility and growing urbanization spur growth. Additionally, diaphragm-type pressure plates, which are prized for their lightweight design and smooth engagement, are frequently found in passenger cars, especially small and mid-size models. As a result, in order to meet performance and efficiency standards, this segment not only commands the largest unit volume but also propels continuous innovation in pressure plate design.
The multiplate friction clutch segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the multiplate friction clutch segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate because multi-clutch systems, sports cars, heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and high-performance motorcycles all use it extensively. Because these clutches are made up of several pressure and friction plates stacked one on top of the other, they can transmit more torque in small spaces. As automakers concentrate on power-dense drivetrains and lightweight engines, multiplate systems provide excellent torque handling, rapid engagement, and superior thermal stability, particularly in hybrid and turbocharged cars. This market is expected to grow at the fastest rate in Asia-Pacific and Europe due to its growing use in OEM and performance aftermarket channels that contribute to the highest growth rate.
During the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, propelled by its enormous volume of automobile production, growing customer base, and robust presence of top automakers. Rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles with manual or semi-automatic transmissions have led to countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea dominating both the OEM and aftermarket segments. Additionally, owing to advantageous government regulations, affordable production costs, and a supply of skilled labor, Asia-Pacific is a global center for the manufacturing of automotive components. The passenger car and two-wheeler segments, which both rely significantly on clutch systems, have high demand from China and India in particular, guaranteeing this region's continued dominance in the pressure plate market.
Over the forecast period, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. Urbanization, infrastructure development, and the growing need for reasonably priced automobiles-particularly light-duty and commercial vehicles with manual transmissions-are the main drivers of this growth. The demand for vehicle assembly and parts is rising as a result of governments in MEA nations investing in road transportation networks and encouraging regional manufacturing through localization programs. Sales of replacement parts, such as pressure plates, are also being fueled by the growing demand for aftermarket services, particularly in aging car fleets in nations like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Automotive Pressure Plate Market include BorgWarner Inc., Schaeffler AG, Exedy Corporation, Valeo SE, Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Macas Automotive Ltd, Setco Automotive Ltd, OS Giken Co., LTD, Raicam Clutch Ltd, Twin Disc Inc., California Custom Clutch Corporation, RSM Autokast Ltd, Speedway Motors Inc and Hebei Tengda Auto Parts Ltd.
In June 2025, Setco Automotive Limited has announced its strategic entry into the suspension components segment with the launch of Load Cushion and Torque Rod Bush products. Designed to enhance vehicle stability, shock absorption, and ride comfort, the new products are built to meet the demands of rugged operating conditions.
In May 2025, BorgWarner has announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply its 400-volt high-voltage coolant heater (HVCH) to a global vehicle manufacturer. The system will be integrated into a series of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platforms, including mid-size pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans, with production scheduled to start in 2027.
In December 2024, Schaeffler industry INA-Ingenieurdienst GmbH has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Dhruva Automation & Controls (P) Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Dhruva"). Dhruva, based in Pune, India, is an engineering and service provider specialising in smart industrial automation and software solutions in the Asia/Pacific region.