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Automotive Metal Market Size
Automotive Metal Market size is projected to witness consistent growth from 2023 to 2032, primarily driven by the sustained uptick in global vehicle production. Economic expansion across various regions is driving higher consumer spending power, leading to increased demand for automobiles. Additionally, rapid urbanization trends, particularly in emerging economies, are resulting in greater infrastructure development and improved accessibility to vehicles, further fueling the demand.
For instance, as per UNCTAD, the urban population share reached 56.9% in 2022, with higher rates in developed regions (79.7%) compared to developing ones (52.3%). In least-developed countries (LDCs), urban dwellers constitute a minority at 35.8%. Moreover, heightened consumer preferences for mobility and convenience are driving a surge in the demand for automobiles, ranging from passenger cars to commercial vehicles.
Growing electric vehicle market will help strengthen the automotive metal market outlook through 2032. According to IEA, the electric car market is experiencing a rapid surge, with sales surpassing 10 million units in 2022. Electric vehicles accounted for 14% of all new car sales in 2022, marking a significant increase from approximately 9% in 2021.
The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle market boosts demand for specialized metals such as lithium and cobalt for batteries, as well as lightweight metals for EV frames and components, thus favoring market growth.
However, the prices of metals such as steel and aluminum can be volatile due to market conditions, geopolitical factors, and supply chain disruptions, which can affect production costs and profitability for automotive manufacturers. Moreover, advanced materials like carbon fiber and composites offer similar strength-to-weight ratios as metals, providing competition and potential substitutions for certain automotive components, which may significantly impact market dynamics over the coming years.
Automotive Metal Market Trends
Increasing adoption of lightweight materials in automotive manufacturing, aimed at elevating fuel efficiency and minimizing emissions, is a major trend in the industry. This shift is characterized by the growing utilization of advanced alloys, composites, and high-strength steels chosen to fabricate vehicle components that strike a balance between being lightweight and exceptionally durable. By embracing these lightweight materials, automotive manufacturers can achieve a reduction in vehicle weight without compromising structural integrity or safety standards. This leads to improved fuel economy and decreased greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing overall vehicle performance and driving dynamics.
Automotive Metal Market Analysis
The steel segment will gain prominence by 2032 as steel remains the material of choice for automotive manufacturers due to its exceptional strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. With advancements in steel manufacturing technologies, automotive-grade steel continues to evolve, offering improved performance and weight reduction benefits to enhance vehicle efficiency and safety. Furthermore, advancements in steel manufacturing technologies are driving innovation in automotive-grade steel, resulting in improved performance.
The automotive metal market from body structure segment will expand rapidly through 2032, driven by its indispensable role in automotive design. Serving as a critical component, the body structure ensures structural integrity, crash resistance, and occupant protection. Automotive metals, such as steel, aluminum, and other alloys, play a pivotal role in constructing robust and lightweight body structures. These materials are selected to meet stringent safety standards while optimizing fuel efficiency, thus enhancing their market value.
Asia Pacific Automotive Metals market will exhibit decent growth over 2024-2032, driven by the rapid growth of the automotive industry in countries such as China, India, and Japan. The region accounts for a significant share of global vehicle production, driving demand for automotive metals across various segments, including body structure, chassis, powertrain, and interior components. Additionally, stringent emission regulations and safety standards imposed by the government are compelling automakers to utilize high-quality automotive metals.
Automotive Metal Market Share
Major companies in the automotive metal industry are;
- Tata Steel
- Hyundai Steel
- Essar Steel
- Thyssenkrupp AG
- Novelis
- Posco
- Voestalpine Group
- Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
- United Steel Corporation
- ArcelorMittal
- UACJ Corporation
- Kobe Steel
- AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group
- Constellium NV
- Massey Ferguson Ltd.
- Norsk Hydro
In the automotive metal industry, companies focus on research and development to innovate and produce advanced metals and alloys that offer improved strength, durability, and lightweight properties to meet industry demand for fuel efficiency and performance. Companies optimize production processes, such as recycling and energy-efficient methods, to enhance cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
Strategic partnerships and collaborations with automakers and other industry players help companies tailor their products to specific vehicle models and components. In addition, expanding their product portfolios to include high-performance materials and specialized metals allows companies to cater to emerging markets like electric vehicles. Besides, a global presence through acquisitions and joint ventures helps companies diversify their markets and reduce dependency on specific regions.
Automotive Metal Industry News
- In 2023, Tata Steel, the UK's largest steelmaker, and Tier 1 automotive supplier Gestamp have partnered to boost the use of recycled steel in automotive components. This collaboration aims to enhance steel circularity within the automotive supply chain.