Global Automotive Transmission Market Size By Transmission Type, By Vehicle Type, By Fuel Type, By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Automotive Transmission Market Size And Forecast

The Automotive Transmission Market size was valued at USD 226.23 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 340.87 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.80% from 2026 to 2032.

An automotive transmission is a key component in vehicles that allows the engine to operate efficiently within a specific speed range by transmitting power to the wheels. In internal combustion engine vehicles, unlike electric cars, the engine cannot operate across the entire speed spectrum without assistance.

The transmission, which can either be manual or automatic, is crucial in ensuring that the vehicle can travel at various speeds while keeping the engine's performance within its optimal range.

Automatic transmissions, in particular, have become the preferred choice for many drivers due to their convenience, as they automatically shift gears without the need for driver input.

The most common type is the hydraulic automatic transmission, which relies on a combination of a torque converter, hydraulic controls, and a planetary gear set to manage the transfer of power. The torque converter replaces the clutch used in manual transmissions and ensures smooth transitions between gears by using fluid dynamics.

Global Automotive Transmission Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the global automotive transmission market include:

Key Market Drivers

Transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Models: The shift towards electrification is reshaping the automotive transmission market, requiring new and innovative transmission systems. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electric car sales reached 10 million in 2022, a 55% increase from 2021. The IEA also projects that EVs will account for 60% of new car sales globally by 2032.

Increasing Demand for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: Consumer preference for fuel-efficient vehicles is driving the development of advanced transmission systems that optimize engine performance and reduce fuel consumption. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that the average fuel economy for new 2021 model-year vehicles in the U.S. reached a record high of 25.7 miles per gallon. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), CO2 emissions from new passenger cars in the EU decreased by 12% in 2020 compared to 2019, partly due to improved transmission technologies.

Advancements in Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) Technology: The growing popularity of AMT systems, which offer a balance between performance and efficiency, is contributing to market growth.

Stringent Emission Norms and Fuel Economy Standards: Increasingly strict regulations are pushing manufacturers to develop more efficient transmission systems. The European Union's CO2 emission standards require a fleet-wide average of 95g CO2/km for new cars from 2021 onwards, as reported by the European Commission. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and EPA have set Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards that require an industry-wide fleet average of approximately 49 mpg for passenger cars and light trucks by 2026.

Key Challenges

High Manufacturing and Maintenance Costs: The advanced transmission systems are more complex, leading to higher production and maintenance costs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average hourly wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $22.54 in 2020, reflecting the specialized skills required for maintaining complex transmission systems.

Shift Towards Electric Vehicles (EVs): While the transition to EVs is driving innovation in some areas, it's also a restraint for traditional transmission markets as many EVs don't require complex multi-speed transmissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that global EV sales reached 6.6 million in 2021, a 108% increase from 2020. According to Bloomberg NEF, EVs are projected to account for 58% of new passenger car sales globally by 2040, potentially reducing the market for traditional transmissions.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chain issues have impacted the automotive industry, including transmission manufacturers. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) reported that in 2021, new car registrations in the EU fell by 2.4% compared to 2020, partly due to supply chain issues affecting component availability. According to IHS Markit, global light vehicle production in 2021 was reduced by 11.3 million units due to semiconductor shortages alone.

Increasing Focus on Lightweight Vehicles: The automotive industry's push for lighter vehicles to improve fuel efficiency can sometimes conflict with the use of complex, heavier transmission systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that reducing a vehicle's weight by 10% can improve fuel economy by 6-8%.

Key Trends

Growing Demand for Remanufactured Transmissions: The increasing lifespan of vehicles and rising repair costs are driving the demand for remanufactured transmissions. According to the United States International Trade Commission, the U.S. remanufactured automotive parts market, including transmissions, was valued at $7.1 billion in 2021, with a projected CAGR of 3.2% from 2022 to 2032. The European Remanufacturing Network estimates that the automotive remanufacturing sector in Europe is worth €7.4 billion annually, with transmissions being a significant component.

Shift Towards Electrified Transmissions: The automotive industry is increasingly adopting electrified transmissions to meet stricter emission norms and improve fuel efficiency. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that in 2022, electric car sales (including full electric and plug-in hybrids) accounted for 14% of all new car sales globally, up from 9% in 2021.

Integration of Advanced Technologies in Transmissions: Manufacturers are incorporating smart technologies like AI and IoT into transmission systems for improved performance and predictive maintenance.

Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) Gaining Traction: CVT technology is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to provide better fuel efficiency and a smoother driving experience. In Japan, one of the leading markets for CVT, about 60% of new passenger vehicles sold in 2020 were equipped with CVT, as reported by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

Global Automotive Transmission Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the global automotive transmission market:

North America

North America substantially dominates the Global Automotive Transmission Market owing to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The increasing adoption of EVs in North America is driving demand for specialized EV transmissions and gearboxes.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EV sales in the United States nearly doubled from 308,000 in 2020 to 608,000 in 2021. The Edison Electric Institute reports that EV sales in the U.S. are projected to exceed 26.4 million units by 2032, accounting for about 10% of the total vehicle fleet on U.S. roads.

Strict regulations are pushing manufacturers to develop more efficient transmission systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have set Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards requiring an industry-wide fleet average of approximately 49 mpg for passenger cars and light trucks by 2026.

According to the EPA, the average fuel economy for new 2021 model-year vehicles in the U.S. reached a record high of 25.7 miles per gallon, driven in part by advancements in transmission technology.

North American consumers show a strong preference for automatic transmissions, driving market growth. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the market share of manual transmissions in new vehicles has dropped from 35% in 1980 to less than 2% in 2020.

Automotive manufacturers in North America are heavily investing in research and development of advanced transmission systems. The U.S. Department of Energy has invested over $300 million in advanced vehicle technologies research, including transmission systems, through its Vehicle Technologies Office in fiscal year 2021.

According to a report by the American Automotive Policy Council, U.S. automakers invest an average of $1,200 in R&D for every vehicle they produce, with a significant portion dedicated to powertrain and transmission technologies.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth in the global automotive transmission market during the forecast period owing to the robust automotive manufacturing base in the region.

The strong manufacturing capabilities in the Asia Pacific region provide a significant advantage in the Automotive Transmission Market. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), China alone produced 26.08 million motor vehicles in 2021, accounting for 32.5% of global production.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) reports that Japan produced 7.85 million motor vehicles in 2021, with a significant portion equipped with locally manufactured transmissions.

The increasing adoption of EVs in the region is driving demand for specialized EV transmissions. China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) reports that NEV (New Energy Vehicle) sales in China reached 6.89 million units in 2022, a 93.4% increase year-on-year. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric car sales in China are projected to reach 9 million units in 2032, accounting for 40% of the global EV market.

Increasing disposable income in many Asia Pacific countries is driving automotive sales, consequently boosting the transmission market. The World Bank reports that GDP per capita in East Asia and the Pacific region grew from $10,243 in 2010 to $14,687 in 2021, indicating rising disposable incomes. According to OICA, vehicle sales in the Asia-Oceania region increased from 35.7 million units in 2020 to 37.8 million units in 2021, despite global supply chain challenges.

Supportive government policies and stringent emission norms are driving innovation in transmission technologies. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced plans to raise the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales share to 20% of all new car sales by 2025.

India's Ministry of Heavy Industries reports that under the FAME-II scheme, the government has allocated INR 10,000 crore (approximately $1.3 billion) to promote electric and hybrid vehicle adoption, indirectly boosting the market for advanced transmissions.

Global Automotive Transmission Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Global Automotive Transmission Market is segmented based on Transmission Type, Vehicle Type, Fuel Type, And Geography.

Automotive Transmission Market, By Transmission Type

• Manual Transmission
• Dual Clutch Transmission
• Continuously Variable Transmission
• Automatic Transmission
• Automated Manual Transmission

Based on Transmission Type, the Global Automotive Transmission Market is bifurcated into Manual Transmission, Dual Clutch Transmission, Continuously Variable Transmission, Automatic Transmission, and Automated Manual Transmission. The manual transmission segment significantly dominates the global automotive transmission market driven by the increasing demand for fuel-efficient transmission systems. The shift from manual to automated driving systems is creating significant commercial opportunities, particularly in the automated manual transmission (AMT) market, as it offers enhanced efficiency and convenience for drivers.

Automotive Transmission Market, By Vehicle Type

• Passenger Cars
• LCVs
• HCVs
• Electric Vehicles

Based on Vehicle Type, the Global Automotive Transmission Market is bifurcated into Passenger Cars, LCVs, HCVs, and Electric Vehicles. The passenger cars segment significantly dominates the global automotive transmission market driven by road infrastructure and fluctuating fuel prices influence the demand for these vehicles. As the economic outlook improves in developing countries, the demand for passenger cars is expected to rise.

Automotive Transmission Market, By Fuel Type

• Gasoline
• Diesel

Based on Fuel Type, the Global Automotive Transmission Market is bifurcated into Gasoline and Diesel. The Diesel segment dominates in the global automotive transmission market, driven by advancements in diesel engines with emission control technologies and the introduction of ultra-low sulfur fuel. Diesel engines are more efficient and emit less gas compared to gasoline counterparts. Growing demand for gasoline in countries like the U.S., China, and India is expected to boost the segment's growth.

Automotive Transmission Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the world

Based on Geography, the Global Automotive Transmission Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America substantially dominates the Global Automotive Transmission Market owing to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The increasing adoption of EVs in North America is driving demand for specialized EV transmissions and gearboxes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EV sales in the United States nearly doubled from 308,000 in 2020 to 608,000 in 2021. The Edison Electric Institute reports that EV sales in the U.S. are projected to exceed 26.4 million units by 2032, accounting for about 10% of the total vehicle fleet on U.S. roads.

Key Players

The "Global Automotive Transmission Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Aisin Seiki Company Ltd., GKN PLC, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Continental AG, Magna International, Inc., Borgwarner, Inc., and Eaton Corporation PLC.

• This section offers in-depth analysis through a company overview, position analysis, the regional and industrial footprint of the company, and the ACE matrix for insightful competitive analysis. The section also provides an exhaustive analysis of the financial performances of mentioned players in the given market.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

Global Automotive Transmission Market Key Developments

• In March 2021, Continental Expands its Engineering Services in Three Locations Continental Engineering Services (CES) will open three new branches in Germany, England, and Italy. It will prioritize the integration and development of modern driver assistance technologies.
• In December 2020, LG Electronics announced a joint venture with Magna International Inc. announced the formation of a joint venture to manufacture vehicle motors, inverters, and plate chargers