Automotive Knock Sensor Market Analysis

Automotive Knock Sensor Market Analysis

Based on offering, the market is divided into piezoelectric knock and inductive knock. In 2023, the piezoelectric knock accounted for a market share of over 70%. Piezoelectric knock sensors are preferred in modern vehicles, owing to their high sensitivity, durability, and ability to operate under extreme conditions. These sensors offer high accuracy and reliability under various engine operating conditions, making them essential for modern engine designs?. This technology is considered suitable for a range of applications such as conventional internal combustion engines, hybrid power trains and others. Advancements in piezoelectric materials and sensor designs have enhanced the efficiency and miniaturization of these sensors, making them more suitable for modern engines?.
 

In April 2024, Bosch announced advancements in their piezoelectric knock sensor technology, for improved sensitivity and durability. This new generation of sensors is to be integrated into a broader range of vehicles, including electric and hybrid models, due to their enhanced performance. The improved durability of these sensors ensures its capabilities to withstand the harsh operating conditions within an engine for a longer period. With better detection capabilities, these sensors can provide the engine control unit (ECU) with more precise information about engine combustion.
 

Based on application, the automotive knock sensor market is categorized into passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. The passenger vehicles are expected to hold around USD 700 million by 2032. Passenger vehicles represent the largest segment for automotive knock sensors, due to the high volume of vehicle production and increasing focus on fuel efficiency and emissions control in this category.
 

Further, stringent emission regulations across nations are driving the adoption of knock sensors to ensure that passenger vehicles comply with these standards by optimizing combustion and reducing harmful emissions. Furthermore, consumers' growing demand for fuel-efficient passenger vehicles is promoting the use of advanced engine management systems that include knock sensors for better engine control?.
 

In March 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicles, emphasizing the need for precise engine management systems, including advanced knock sensors. The revised EPA standards are more stringent, pushing automakers to develop vehicles that achieve higher fuel efficiency. Knock sensor technology is a well-established and cost-effective solution that can help car manufacturers meet these stricter targets.
 

In 2023, APAC has a significant share in the automotive knock sensor market with around 35% of the business share. Rapid industrialization, growing automotive production, and increasing adoption of advanced engine management systems are propelling the demand for automotive knock sensors in APAC. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are significant contributors due to their large automotive manufacturing bases and advancements in vehicle technologies. Growth in hybrid vehicle production is driving innovation in knock sensor technology.
 

In April 2024, a report released by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) emphasized the role of advanced knock sensors in meeting China's new emission regulations?. It has planned to implement stricter emission regulations to combat air pollution. These regulations target pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) regulations being enforced in other regions. ?It highlights the importance of knock sensors for cleaner emissions is a positive development for the knock sensor market in China.
 

In North America, particularly the U.S., and Canada; high vehicle ownership, stringent emission standards, and the focus on fuel efficiency are some of the major factors driving the automotive knock sensor market. The growth in vehicle production has influenced the development of knock sensors that are compatible with hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems. Further, an increase in the integration of knock sensors with advanced engine control units to enhance performance and emissions control? is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the market. In June 2024, Delphi Technologies expanded its knock sensor production facility in Michigan to cater to the growing demand from U.S. automotive manufacturers. By expanding its production capacity, Delphi has been strategically positioning itself to capture a larger share of the growing knock sensor market in the US. This move ensures them have the resources to meet the anticipated demand from automakers.
 

In European countries such as Germany, France, and the U.K., strict emission regulations, technological advancements in automotive engineering, and strong demand for high-performance vehicles drive the automotive knock sensor market. Further, continuous investments in R&D has been reported to develop more sensitive and reliable knock sensors for high-performance engines in the region. In April 2024, Robert Bosch GmbH announced enhancements to their knock sensor technology, aimed at meeting the upcoming Euro 7 emission standards across Europe. Bosch demonstrates an initiative-taking approach to addressing the challenges faced by European automakers. This positions them as a strong solution provider in the market.