Automotive Catalytic Converter Market Size By Type (Two-Way, Three-Way, Diesel Oxidation Catalyst), By Material (Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium), By Vehicle Type (Passenger, Commercial), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Automotive Catalytic Converter Market Size And Forecast

Automotive Catalytic Converter Market size was valued at USD 196.61 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 361.76 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.92% from 2026 to 2032.

A catalytic converter is understood to be a critical emissions control device that is installed in vehicles to reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

It is recognized that the device works by converting toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less toxic pollutants.

Furthermore, it is noted that catalytic converters are mandated by emissions regulations worldwide and are considered essential for meeting increasingly stringent environmental standards.

Global Automotive Catalytic Converter Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the automotive catalytic converter market include:

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Stringent Emission Regulations: Stricter regulatory limits on car emissions are dramatically increasing demand for catalytic converters. For example, the European Union's Euro 6 rules, which were enacted in 2015, require a significant reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter emissions from new automobiles. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), new cars released an average of 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer in 2020, showing the continued push for cleaner vehicles and increasing the market for catalytic converters.

Growth in Automotive Production: Catalytic converters are in high demand due to increased car production and sales around the globe. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), worldwide vehicle production reached 77.9 million units in 2021, marking a significant rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As vehicle manufacturing rises, so does the demand for efficient exhaust systems, particularly catalytic converters, to meet emission requirements.

Shift Toward Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: The growing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles, which still utilize catalytic converters for their internal combustion engines, is a critical driver for the market. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that sales of electric cars surpassed 6.6 million units in 2021, representing a 108% increase from the previous year. As these vehicles often incorporate catalytic converters alongside electric powertrains, the transition to greener technologies is expected to sustain demand in the automotive catalytic converter market.

Key Challenges:

Raw Material Price Volatility: The prices of precious metals used in catalytic converters, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, are highly volatile and fluctuate significantly due to market demand, geopolitical tensions, and mining disruptions.

Technological Advancements and Adaptation: The rapid pace of technological advancements in the automotive industry, particularly with the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, presents a challenge for traditional catalytic converter manufacturers. As more manufacturers shift their focus to electric vehicles, which do not require traditional catalytic converters, companies in the market must adapt to changing technologies and invest in research and development to innovate new solutions.

Regulatory Changes and Compliance: The automotive industry is subject to constantly evolving environmental regulations. Compliance with stringent emission standards is challenging, particularly for manufacturers that operate in multiple regions with different regulatory requirements.

Key Trends:

Electrification Impact: It is observed that the shift toward electric vehicles is prompting catalytic converter manufacturers to diversify their product offerings and explore new applications for catalyst technologies.

Nanotechnology Integration: Advanced nanotechnology is being utilized in catalyst development, by which the surface area of catalysts is being increased and their effectiveness is being improved while reducing the number of precious metals required.

Recycling Initiatives: It is noted that enhanced recycling processes are being developed for recovering precious metals from used catalytic converters, by which sustainability is being promoted and material costs are being potentially reduced.

Global Automotive Catalytic Converter Market Regional Analysis

The detailed regional analysis of the automotive catalytic converter market:

Europe:

According to Verified Market Research, Europe is estimated to dominate the automotive catalytic converter market during the forecast period. The European Union has implemented some of the world's most stringent vehicle emissions regulations, particularly with the Euro 6 standards. According to the European Commission, the Euro 6 regulations, effective since September 2015, mandate that new cars produce no more than 80 grams of CO2 per kilometer. This regulatory framework drives the demand for advanced catalytic converters, which are essential for meeting these emissions standards.

The shift toward electric vehicles in Europe significantly influences the automotive market landscape. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the share of electric vehicles in new car registrations increased from 2.5% in 2019 to 10.5% in 2020. The growing adoption of EVs and hybrid vehicles necessitates advanced catalytic converters, contributing to market growth in this region.

Furthermore, increasing public awareness of environmental issues and the push for sustainable transportation solutions are driving factors in Europe. The European Environment Agency (EEA) reported that in 2020, transport accounted for about 25% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for effective emissions control systems, including catalytic converters, to mitigate air pollution and reduce carbon footprints. This heightened focus on environmental sustainability propels the demand for advanced automotive technologies.

North America:

North America, particularly the United States, has established rigorous emissions standards to combat air pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set Tier 3 emission standards, which require a significant reduction in vehicle emissions, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. According to the EPA, these regulations are projected to reduce harmful pollutants from cars and trucks by up to 80% by 2025, driving the demand for advanced catalytic converters to meet these stringent standards.

The recovery of the automotive sector in North America contributes significantly to the demand for catalytic converters. The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) reported that vehicle production in North America reached approximately 16.7 million units in 2021, up from 14.5 million in 2020. This growth in vehicle production directly correlates with an increased need for catalytic converters, essential for emission control in internal combustion engines.

Furthermore, increasing consumer awareness regarding fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability is propelling the automotive industry toward technologies that reduce emissions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, improving vehicle fuel economy has become a priority, with the average new vehicle fuel economy rising from 25.4 miles per gallon (mpg) in 2020 to 26.4 mpg in 2021. This trend fuels the demand for efficient catalytic converters that enhance vehicle performance while minimizing emissions.

Global Automotive Catalytic Converter Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Global Automotive Catalytic Converter Market is being segmented based on Type, Material, Vehicle Type, and Geography.

Automotive Catalytic Converter Market, By Type

• Two-Way Oxidation
• Three-Way Oxidation-Reduction
• Diesel Oxidation Catalyst
• Others

Based on Type, it is noted that the Three-Way Oxidation-Reduction segment is dominating the market. It is understood that these converters are preferred due to their ability to simultaneously reduce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, by which they are being made ideal for gasoline engines.

Automotive Catalytic Converter Market, By Material

• Platinum
• Palladium
• Rhodium
• Others

Based on Material, the Automotive Catalytic Converter Market is segmented into Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, and Others. The platinum segment is estimated to dominate the automotive catalytic converter market due to its superior catalytic properties and effectiveness in reducing harmful emissions. Platinum is particularly effective in oxidizing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, making it a preferred choice for a wide range of vehicle applications.

Automotive Catalytic Converter Market, By Vehicle Type

• Passenger Vehicles
• Commercial Vehicles
• Others

Based on Vehicle Type, the Automotive Catalytic Converter Market is segmented into Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, and Others. The passenger vehicles segment is estimated to dominate the automotive catalytic converter market due to the high volume of production and sales of these vehicles globally. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), passenger vehicle sales reached approximately 64 million units in 2021, accounting for a significant portion of the total automotive market.

Automotive Catalytic Converter Market, By Geography

• Europe
• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of World

Based on Geography, the Automotive Catalytic Converter Market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The European region is estimated to dominate the automotive catalytic converter market due to its stringent emissions regulations and strong automotive manufacturing base. The European Union's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions has led to the implementation of rigorous standards, such as the Euro 6 regulations, which mandate significant reductions in vehicle emissions. This regulatory environment drives the demand for advanced catalytic converters in both passenger and commercial vehicles.

Key Players

• The "Automotive Catalytic Converter Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Johnson Matthey, BASF SE, Umicore, NGK Insulators, Ltd., Tenneco Inc., Clariant, Cummins Inc., Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc., Cataler Corporation, and Eberspacher Group.

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.

• Automotive Catalytic Converter Market Recent Developments
• In September 2023, BASF SE announced that a new production line for mobile emissions catalysts was being opened in Shanghai, China, by which the growing demand in the Asian market is being addressed.
• In March 2023, Johnson Matthey developed a new catalyst technology by which the use of platinum group metals was being reduced while maintaining conversion efficiency.