Automotive Decorative Exterior Trim Market Size - By Material, By Vehicle, By Application, By Sales Channel, Growth Forecast 2024 – 2032

Automotive Decorative Exterior Trim Market Size

The global automotive decorative exterior trim market size was valued at USD 16.4 billion in 2023 and is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.8% between 2024 and 2032. The growth of the market can be attributed to the robust growth of the global automotive industry owing to the increasing vehicle sales in emerging as well as developed markets.
 

According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, the global passenger cars sales increased from 58.6 million in 2022 to 65.3 million in 2023 witnessing a growth of over 11%. As manufacturers ramp up production to meet rising consumer demand, the need for decorative exterior trims becomes essential for enhancing vehicle aesthetics and differentiation. This trend is more prominent in regions such as Asia Pacific and North America, where automotive manufacturing is on the rise.
 

The automotive industry is experiencing a major shift due to changing consumer preferences, particularly in vehicle customization and personalization. This change reflects broader trends in consumer behavior, lifestyle, and technology. Consumers now see their vehicles as extensions of their identity and style. This desire for uniqueness drives the demand for decorative trims such as unique grilles, distinctive bumpers, and personalized moldings. Buyers want components that match their aesthetic preferences and lifestyle.
 

In response, manufacturers are offering more design options. Automakers are offering extensive trim packages, allowing buyers to choose specific designs, colors, and materials for their decorative trims. This level of personalization enhances the ownership experience and encourages customers to invest in additional trim options that reflect their preferences.
 

Automotive Decorative Exterior Trim Market Trends

Innovations in materials science are transforming the automotive decorative exterior trim industry. The use of lightweight, durable, and sustainable materials such as advanced plastics, carbon fiber, and bio-based composites improves both the functionality and look of trims. These materials enhance vehicle performance and efficiency while allowing manufacturers to meet consumer design preferences. Additionally, changing automotive design trends are influencing the trim market. As vehicles become sleeker and more aerodynamic, trims that complement these designs are essential. The demand for distinctive features including bold grilles, integrated lighting, and refined moldings drives manufacturers to develop attractive trim solutions.
 

Companies operating in the market are focusing on enhancing their trim. For instance, in September 2024, Zanini Auto Group, a specialist in automotive exterior trim, licensed TactoTek's in-mold structural electronics (IMSE) technology. This agreement allows Zanini to supply electromagnetic transparency and backlighting solutions to its automotive clients. Zanini is known for its expertise in wheel trim and has also expanded its capabilities in radomes. IMSE technology enhances trim with electronic features such as lighting and sensors.  IMSE incorporates electronic components into injection-molded plastics, enabling various lighting techniques in thin, seamless parts.
 

Economic instability often reduces consumer spending, making vehicle customization less important for many buyers. During recessions or financial crises, consumers usually focus on essential purchases instead of non-essential items such as decorative trims. This change can lead to lower sales for manufacturers and retailers in the decorative trim market, affecting their overall revenue and profitability.
 

Automotive Decorative Exterior Trim Market Analysis

Based on vehicle, the market is divided into passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In 2023, the passenger cars segment held a market share of around 70% and is expected to cross USD 15 billion by 2032. As consumers increasingly value individuality, the demand for customized passenger cars is growing.
 

The trend is strong among younger buyers, who seek unique designs and features that reflect their personal style. These buyers invest in decorative trims including grilles, bumpers, and side skirts to enhance their cars' appearance. Additionally, rising disposable incomes in many regions allow consumers to spend more on luxury and aesthetic upgrades for their passenger cars. This financial capability drives the demand for high-quality exterior components. This is expected to drive the growth of the passenger cars segment during the forecast period.
 

Based on material, the automotive decorative exterior trim market is categorized into plastic, stainless steel, carbon fiber, aluminum, chrome and others. The plastic segment held a market share of around 39% in 2023. Plastic materials are gaining popularity in the automotive industry due to their lightweight properties, which enhances fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Additionally, plastics are generally more affordable than metals, making them a cost-effective option for manufacturers. This affordability allows automotive companies to offer a variety of decorative trims while keeping prices competitive.
 

Furthermore, plastics can also be easily molded into complex shapes and designs, enabling greater creativity in trim applications. This versatility allows manufacturers to produce customizable options that meet consumer preferences for personalization. The ability to create complicated designs without high tooling costs encourages innovation in the market, boosting the demand for plastic decorative trims across various vehicle segments.
 

Asia Pacific automotive decorative exterior trim market accounted for 40% of the revenue share in 2023. The growing urbanization in the Asia Pacific region is increasing vehicle ownership, especially among the middle class. This rise in ownership is driving demand for customization and decorative trims to enhance vehicle aesthetics. The push for electric vehicles is also promoting innovations in vehicle design and trims, with manufacturers favoring lightweight and sustainable materials. In China, the growing interest in vehicle personalization is boosting demand for decorative trims. The rise of car culture and e-commerce platforms for automotive accessories has led manufacturers to offer a wide range of trim options.
 

North America's automotive decorative exterior trim market is growing, increasing the demand for high-quality decorative trims. Buyers of premium vehicles seek customization options that enhance aesthetics and reflect personal style. Manufacturers are focusing on innovative and diverse trim options to cater to this market. Advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing and automation are enabling the production of complicated and customizable trims, helping manufacturers stay competitive and drive growth.
 

Europe's focus on sustainability is driving demand for decorative trims made from recyclable and eco-friendly materials. Manufacturers are investing in sustainable practices to meet consumer expectations and comply with strict environmental regulations. European countries also have rigorous standards for vehicle aesthetics and safety features, prompting manufacturers to invest in trims that enhance both appearance and functionality. This regulatory environment encourages innovation and investment in high-quality decorative components, boosting market growth in the region.
 

Automotive Decorative Exterior Trim Market Share

Magna International and Flex-N-Gate hold a significant market share of around 10% in the automotive decorative exterior trim industry. Magna International invests in research and development to create innovative decorative exterior trims. The company uses advanced technologies such as lightweight materials, 3D printing, and smart manufacturing processes. These innovations aim to improve product performance, lower costs, and meet the changing needs of automotive manufacturers and consumers. Magna also seeks partnerships with automakers and industry players to grow its market presence. 
 

Flex-N-Gate diversifies its product range to include various decorative exterior trims for different vehicle types. By offering customized solutions for passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles, the company addresses multiple market segments. This strategy helps Flex-N-Gate manage risks from market fluctuations and meet diverse customer needs.
 

Automotive Decorative Exterior Trim Market Companies

Major players operating in the automotive decorative exterior trim industry include:

• Adler Pelzer
• CIE Automotive
• Flex-N-Gate
• Magna International
• Motherson Group
• Plasman
• Rehau Automotive
• SRG Global
• Toyoda Gosei
• Yanfeng
   

Automotive Decorative Exterior Trim Industry News

• In August 2023, Decotek Automotive Ltd., an Irish supplier of surface-finished functional and decorative automotive exterior trim acquired AAS Automotive s.r.o. The acquisition helped Decotek Automotive in strengthening its anodizing and surface finishing expertise, increasing its production capacity and expanding its geographic footprint into Central Europe, a strategic location adjacent to OEM production facilities.
   
• In July 2024, Yanfeng announced its expansion into India with a new manufacturing plant in Chennai. The country's automotive market, particularly the A- and B-segment SUVs, is growing rapidly. Customers in the B-segment SUV category are increasingly looking for advanced features such as cosmetic trims, soft-touch components, and smart illumination. To meet the rising demand from South India, Yanfeng India is moving to a larger facility with full manufacturing and assembly capabilities. This new plant will begin operations in Q4 2025.
   

The automotive decorative exterior trim market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue ($Bn) and volume (Units/Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Material

• Plastic
• Stainless steel
• Carbon fiber
• Aluminum
• Chrome
• Others

Market, By Vehicle

• Passenger cars
  • Mid-size
  • Luxury
  • Sedan
  • SUV 
• Commercial vehicles

Market, By Application

• Grilles
• Bumpers
• Door & window
• Roof rails
• Moldings
• Wheel arch
• Pillar
• Others

Market, By Sales Channel

• OEM
• Aftermarket

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Nordics
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia