Automotive Needle Roller Bearing Market Size - By Product, By Vehicle, By Sales Channel, By Application, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Automotive Needle Roller Bearing Market Size

The global automotive needle roller bearing market size was valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% between 2024 and 2032. As EV adoption grows worldwide, vehicle manufacturers require highly efficient, durable, and compact components to support the unique demands of electric drivetrains. Needle roller bearings are ideal for these requirements due to their low friction, ability to handle high-speed rotations, and compact design, which align well with EV performance needs. Their role in improving vehicle energy efficiency, supporting lightweight design goals, and contributing to reduced maintenance aligns with the industry shift toward more sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
 

For instance, in June 2024, Schaeffler AG is experiencing increased demand for hybrid vehicle components as it pivots toward battery technology. The German ball-bearing and engine component maker is expanding its hybrid car parts business, especially in China and Europe, while U.S. customers have significantly increased orders for specific contracts.
 

Vehicle lightweighting has become critical as manufacturers strive to improve fuel efficiency and meet regulatory standards for emissions. Needle roller bearings, known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, are essential in minimizing overall vehicle weight without compromising performance. This trend aligns with advancements in materials and design innovation, pushing the market toward components that contribute to overall vehicle efficiency.
 

The demand for precision manufacturing is growing to support the high-performance requirements of modern vehicles, especially in hybrid and electric drivetrains. Precision needle roller bearings help reduce vibration and noise, improve vehicle durability, and support higher efficiency. This trend reflects a broader shift in the automotive sector toward quality and precision for enhanced vehicle performance and longer component lifespans.
 

Automotive Needle Roller Bearing Market Trends

As the global automotive industry transitions to electric and hybrid vehicles, there is a rising need for components that support efficient energy use and reduce drivetrain friction. Needle roller bearings meet these needs due to their compact design and high load-carrying capacity, which enhance battery efficiency and extend vehicle range. This trend is propelled by policies encouraging clean transportation and consumer demand for environmentally friendly options, making these bearings crucial for modern vehicle efficiency.
 

Automotive manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing lightweighting to improve vehicle fuel economy and meet regulatory standards for emissions. Needle roller bearings are ideal for lightweight applications, providing high load capacity in a smaller, lighter design than traditional bearings. This trend drives manufacturers to integrate such components to achieve lighter vehicles without sacrificing performance, appealing to markets where emission standards are stringent, and fuel efficiency is a top priority.
 

Automotive Needle Roller Bearing Market Analysis

Based on product, the market is segmented into drawn cup needle, solid needle, thrust needle, caged needle. In 2023, the drawn cup needle segment accounted for over 33% of the market share and is expected to exceed USD 1.6 billion by 2032, their design allows for a compact form factor that maximizes load-carrying capacity while minimizing space requirements. This is particularly advantageous in modern automotive applications, where space is often at a premium, especially in electric and hybrid vehicles.
 

Secondly, drawn cup needle roller bearings exhibit lower friction compared to other bearing types, which significantly enhances the efficiency of power transmission systems. This efficiency is crucial for optimizing the performance of electric vehicles, where every watt of energy is essential for extending range and battery life.
 

The manufacturing process of drawn cup needle roller bearings ensures consistent quality and precision, making them suitable for high-speed applications. Their ability to handle radial loads effectively while maintaining durability under harsh conditions also contributes to their preference among automotive manufacturers. As the industry continues to focus on lightweight and efficient designs, the advantages offered by drawn cup needle roller bearings position them as a leading solution in the evolving automotive landscape.
 

Based on the sales channel, the automotive needle roller bearing market is divided into OEM and aftermarket. The agreed OEM segment held around 65% of the market share in 2023 due to several key factors, OEMs possess extensive expertise in engineering and manufacturing, allowing them to develop highly reliable and efficient bearing systems that meet stringent quality and performance standards set by automakers. These manufacturers often collaborate closely with automotive companies during the design and production phases, ensuring that their components are seamlessly integrated into the overall vehicle architecture.
 

OEMs benefit from economies of scale, which enable them to produce components at lower costs while maintaining high-quality standards. Their established supply chains and logistics networks further enhance their competitive advantage, allowing for timely delivery and support services. As vehicle technologies evolve, particularly with the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, OEMs are well-positioned to innovate and adapt their offerings, ensuring they meet the changing demands of the automotive industry.
 

The U.S. automotive needle roller bearing market accounted for 87% of the revenue share in 2023 and is expected to exceed USD 1.3 billion by 2032, due to its robust automotive manufacturing ecosystem, advanced technology, and significant investment in research and development.
 

Home to several leading automotive OEMs and suppliers, the U.S. boasts a well-established network that fosters innovation and the efficient production of high-quality components. Major automotive companies like General Motors, Ford, and Tesla drive demand for advanced bearing solutions as they increasingly focus on electric and hybrid vehicles, which require specialized components to enhance performance and efficiency.
 

Europe holds a significant position in the automotive needle roller bearing market due to several interrelated factors, including advanced manufacturing capabilities, a strong automotive industry, and stringent regulatory standards. The region is home to many leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers, fostering a highly competitive environment that drives innovation and quality in component production. Countries like Germany, France, and Italy have established themselves as automotive powerhouses, investing significantly in research and development to improve vehicle efficiency and performance.
 

Asia Pacific benefits from a large pool of skilled labor and cost-effective production, which enables manufacturers to deliver high-quality bearings at competitive prices. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is further driving growth in the Asia Pacific market, as automakers increasingly seek advanced bearing solutions to enhance efficiency and performance. Additionally, favorable government policies aimed at promoting automotive production and environmental sustainability bolster the industry's expansion.
 

Automotive Needle Roller Bearing Market Share

Schaeffler AG and JTEKT Corporation collectively held a substantial market share of over 15% in the automotive needle roller bearing industry in 2023. Schaeffler AG has leveraged its extensive engineering capabilities and research investments to develop advanced bearing solutions that meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry. The company has made significant strides in integrating its products with electric vehicle technologies, enhancing efficiency and performance while addressing key concerns such as range anxiety.
 

JTEKT is recognized for its commitment to quality and reliability in manufacturing precision bearings. The company benefits from a diverse product range that caters to various automotive applications, including those for electric vehicles. JTEKT's global footprint, with production facilities strategically located around the world, enables it to serve a wide customer base efficiently.
 

Automotive Needle Roller Bearing Market Companies

Major players operating in the automotive needle roller bearing industry are:

• C&U Group
• GKN plc
• JTEKT Corporation
• NACHI-FUJIKOSHI Corp.
• NSK Ltd.
• NTN Corporation
• Schaeffler AG
• SKF Group
• The Timken Company
• THK Co., Ltd.
   

Automotive Needle Roller Bearing Industry News

• In June 2023, Schaeffler has inaugurated a new manufacturing unit at its Savli facility in Gujarat, expanding production space by over 10,000 sq m to meet rising demand in the wind, heavy industries, and railway sectors. This capacity enhancement allows for the production of spherical roller bearings and improved heat treatment capabilities, supporting the company's localization strategy and increasing local employment opportunities.
   
• In Feb 2022, Schaeffler emphasizes innovative bearing solutions as essential for sustainable mobility, enhancing the efficiency of powertrains and chassis systems in electric vehicles (EVs). They introduced two innovations: the TriFinity triple-row wheel bearing, which offers greater axle load transfer and reduced friction, and a high-efficiency ball bearing with a centrifugal disc, improving performance and service life. Schaeffler aims to capitalize on the growing e-mobility market, with expectations of significant growth and collaborations with major vehicle manufacturers.
   

The automotive needle roller bearing market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) & shipment (in Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Product

• Drawn cup needle
• Solid needle
• Thrust needle
• Caged needle

Market, By Vehicle

• Passenger vehicles
• Commercial vehicles
• Electric vehicles

Market, By Sales Channel

• OEM
• Aftermarket

Market, By Application

• Engine components
• Transmissions
• Drive shafts
• Others

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
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Southeast Asia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa