Automotive Bearing Industry - Regional Synopsis
Asia Pacific Market Forecast
The APAC automotive bearing market is poised to account for a dominating share of 50.3% by the end of 2037, owing to significant automotive production capacity and major economies such as China, assuming a leading role in EV adoption. Beyond the established market in APAC, emerging economies such as Thailand, Vietnam, and India are leading the charge in demand for automotive bearings. The push by multiple economies for EV adoption bodes well for manufacturers of bearings in finding varied markets for product penetration. The table below highlights efforts made by the emerging economies in APAC.
|
Name of the Country |
EV Adoption Patterns |
|
Thailand |
In 2023, an eight-fold increase was observed in EV sales, nearing more than 75,000 units, representing more than 10% of all vehicles sold in the country. |
|
Vietnam |
In 2023, EV sales in Vietnam grew by more than 350%, representing more than 15% of the regional sales. |
|
India |
In 2023, EV registrations increased by more than 65%, which made up around 15% of regional sales. |
China positions itself as a global leader in EV adoption and production. The nation has been at the forefront with policies targeted towards improving the country’s position as an automotive manufacturing powerhouse. A key characteristic of the market’s lucrativeness is government initiatives supporting growth. The table below provides a brief analysis of key initiatives supportive of the market in China.
|
Policy/Initiative |
Date |
Key Data/Impact |
|
NEV Tax Exemption Extension |
June 2023 |
¥31,000 ($4,000) tax exemption for 2024-2025; ¥14,500 ($2,178) for 2026-2027 |
|
Government Fleet Electrification Targets |
Dec 2024 |
25% of annual vehicle purchases must be NEVs; 100% for urban and specialized vehicles |
|
Vehicle Trade-In Subsidy |
2024 |
¥11,000 ($1,278) for scrapping vehicles with emissions China III or lower |
|
Rural NEV Adoption Campaign |
May-Dec 2024 |
Subsidies for NEVs, 99 models promoted for rural areas |
|
NEV Industry Standardization Plan |
June 2024 |
Focus on battery safety, vehicle intelligence, and emissions standards |
India is a rapidly emerging automotive bearing market sector. The expanding middle class of India, with an increase in disposable income, is interested in EV ownership. A greater number of EVs on the road bodes well for bearings manufacturers domestically as well as globally. In a major development, Tesla is set to make its maiden entry into the India market in the second half of 2025. The news bodes well for domestic bearing manufacturers as well as aftermarket service providers in the country. The table below highlights major policies initiated in India that support market growth.
|
Policy Name |
Launch Date |
Key Features |
|
PM E-DRIVE Scheme |
Sep, 2024 |
₹10,000 crore budget for EV adoption; includes subsidies for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, and e-trucks. |
|
Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 |
Apr, 2024 |
₹7585crore allocated for incentives on e-2Ws and e-3Ws; aims to accelerate EV adoption. |
|
Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) |
Mar, 2024 |
Focuses on enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities for electric passenger cars. |
|
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry |
2021 |
₹25,00 crore outlay; incentivizes production of electric and hybrid vehicles, including e-2Ws, e-3Ws, and e-buses. |
North America Market Forecast
The North America automotive bearing market is poised to account for a 24.7% revenue share by the end of 2037. The regional market has established itself as the second-largest globally due to a strong manufacturing base in the U.S. Moreover, with an increase in demand for bearings that offer high performance in EVs, hybrid vehicles, and traditional models, the end use scope in the region is high. The governments in the U.S. and Canada have implemented mandates to reduce emissions. For instance, in March 2024, the U.S. EPA announced the finalization of new emissions standards that seek to reduce pollutants from light and medium-duty vehicles. The implantation of these standards is set to create a lucrative market for advanced bearings in North America.
The U.S. automotive bearing market is poised to remain the most lucrative market in North America. The U.S. DOE has reported that EV sales in the country increased by more than 60% in 2023, reaching over 805,000 units. Moreover, the USD 1 trillion Infrastructure Bill has bolstered the EV adoption percentage across the country. The current trends indicate a surging push by the U.S. administration to localize production and reduce reliance on imports, especially those from China. Such measures bode well for domestic bearings manufacturers, adding to the growth trajectory of the market.
|
Data Source |
Fact/Statistic |
|
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) |
EV sales in the U.S. grew by 66% in 2023, reaching over 805,000 units. |
|
Infrastructure Bill |
U.S. Infrastructure Bill includes $7.7 billion for EV charging infrastructure to boost EV adoption. |
|
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
New vehicle emissions standards set by the EPA will increase demand for high-performance bearings in EVs. |
|
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) |
Hybrid vehicle sales in the U.S. rose by 11% in 2023, fueling demand for specialized bearings in hybrids. |
The Canada automotive bearing market is poised to expand during the forecast timeline. The government has been proactive in introducing multiple new supportive policies to push the transition to EVs seamlessly. Furthermore, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ensures a smooth cross-border trade of automotive manufacturing components. Although recent disputes in the region can impact the supply chain. Additional supportive drivers in the regional market are Canada’s commitment to environmentally friendly policies, along with the presence of a large, skilled labor force, which facilitates manufacturing activities.