Automotive Snow Chain Market Size - By Product, By Chain, By Vehicle, By Size, By End Use, By Distribution Channel, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Automotive Snow Chain Market Size

The global automotive snow chain market size was valued at USD 463.4 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% between 2025 and 2034. Demand for automotive snow chains is on the rise due to a global increase in winter activities tourism to regions that experience heavy snowfall each winter. Such destinations attract a lot of tourists which usually results in a spike in demand for renting vehicles or personal vehicles being used with snow chains. For safe travel on the icy roads of adventurous mountains like Scandinavia, the Rockies, and the Alps, snow chains are a must.
 

For instance, as reported by Statista, the ski and snowboard resort industry had a market size of approximately 4.4 billion U.S. dollars in the United States in 2022, whereas in Canada, it was 1.3 billion U.S. dollars. Furthermore, the increase in winter tourism has led car rental companies and tour operators to equip their fleets with snow chains to comply with local regulations and expectations for tourist safety. This trend positively affects snow chain sales and also increases market coverage in regions with peak seasonal tourism.

In addition, the rising number of vehicles in snow-belt areas is a crucial factor for the growth of the automotive snow chain industry. In harsher winters, vehicles are also more prevalent in Europe, North America, and certain regions of Asia, resulting in increased demand for driving snow chains to facilitate safe travel on snow and ice-covered roads. There is heavy demand for snow chains in suburban and rural areas, where snow clearance is not done too frequently.
 

On top of that, there is an expanding need because of the increased use of SUVs and crossovers which are used in rough, mountainous, and other terrain. There is snow belt moderation all over, hence there is a big increase in the purchase of SUVs, which means there is an increase in the snow chain market as well. In the medium term, the automobile snow chain market will show a slow increase.
 

Automotive Snow Chain Market Trends

Automotive snow chains are seeing changes in the materials of snow chains as well as automatic installation systems. The growth of the automotive snow chain industry is driven by progress in the materials of snow chains and automatic fitting systems with increased operational efficiency and ease of use. Innovations in reinforced polyurethane and certain textiles have enabled the development of lightweight and strong materials, which are more easily managed and handled, making snow chains easier to use by most drivers.
 

Furthermore, the innovation of self-tensioning and quick-fit automatic installation systems for snow chains has greatly reduced the amount of effort and time needed to fit snow chains to vehicles so that they can be used. Such features incentivize consumers from regions with varying snow conditions to buy these products. These innovations meet the increasing needs for improved convenience and road safety, especially for premium vehicles, and increase the market opportunities.
 

For instance, in December 2023, Hyundai unveiled an automatic snow chain mounting tire, a world-first innovation that allows drivers to deploy snow chains with the push of a button. The design features embedded shape memory alloy modules within the tire and wheel assembly that allow them to extend or retract and provide the needed traction for snow. The system employs shape memory alloys that, when a current is passed through them, change their configuration. This advancement demonstrates Hyundai’s willingness to incorporate next-generation technology into solving practical driving problems and might ultimately change the way the automobile industry tackles using cars in winter conditions.
 

The automotive snow chain market faces difficulty stemming from the short periods in which snow chains can be used. These chains are specifically needed in winters for places that experience heavy snowfall along with icy roads. This weakens the overall market since nations or regions with a milder or shorter winter end up purchasing the chains for a limited time, and the sale volume is not consistent.
 

Moreover, the consumers who live in urban city areas that clear the roads from snow frequently do not have a use for snow chains. As a result of these complications, the manufacturers and retailers struggle to maintain profitability, which ends up changing the overall demand. Thus, businesses encounter challenges while trying to manage inventory, plan production, and optimize distribution, especially in areas that have experienced wildly fluctuating winters because of changing climates.
 

Automotive Snow Chain Market Analysis

Based on product, the market is segmented into metallic, non-metallic (polyurethane), fabric, and automatic chains. In 2024, the metallic segment accounted for over 40% of the automotive snow chain market share and is expected to exceed USD 300 million by 2034.
 

• This growth is helped by dominance of metallic chains in the automotive snow chain industry because of their unparalleled strength and ability to bear weight. These chains are made using strong materials including steel and give reliable hold on slippery roads and during extreme winter, making them safer to drive.
   
• Their high endurance and capabilities to withstand damage from harsh landscapes, make them the number one choice for tough vehicles like trucks and commercial fleets supplied to rough places.
   
• Also, these tough environment friendly chains are used in many places which have severe winter. Non-metallic and textile chains are easy to handle but do not give reliable long-term quality in rough use, increasing demand for strong metallic chains.
   

Based on the vehicle, the automotive snow chain market is divided into passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. The passenger cars segment held around 67% of the market share in 2024.
 

• Indeed, the snow chain market for automobiles is most developed in the passenger cars segment. This can be attributed to the higher number of private cars than commercial vehicles globally.
   
• The use of snow chains is very common among the car owners of snow-prone regions, particularly Europe and North America, to ensure safety while driving during winter months. Further, growth in policies that require the use of snow chains in defined regions and upon specific roads during the winter months have resulted in higher usage by consumers who own passenger vehicles.
   
• The demand for passenger cars snow chains is increasing due to the fact that these products are more affordable, easier to use, and quicker to fit than traditional alternatives.
   
• Also, the increased need for snow chains due to rising winter tourism in some regions, where rental cars are used more often, leads to higher sales for this car segment.
   

In 2024, the Europe automotive snow chain market accounted for over 45% revenue share and is expected to exceed USD 350 million by 2034. Germany leads the market in the Europe region and is expected to exceed USD 100 million by 2034.
 

• A wide range of automobile ownership coupled with high standards for winter safety regulations in Germany propels the automotive snow chain industry. There is considerable snow precipitation, especially in the southern and alpine regions where snow chains are needed on certain highways.
   
• The robust presence of German automotive manufacturers and adequate automotive aftermarket services support this market.
   
• Moreover, the German well-known winter tours and travel places where snow chains use is needed for safety reasons further increase the market demand. The growing concern of the public towards safety during winter driving alongside the increase in winter sports activities also greatly supports the market.
   
• The regions with heavy snowfall in U.S. states such as Colorado, Michigan, New York, as well as Canada, participate greatly in North America’s automotive snow chain market. The primary demand stems from the need for improved safety and traction for vehicles driving on snow and ice-covered roads.
   
• Furthermore, snow chain supply is boosted due to certain states' regulatory requirements for using tire chains under severe winter weather conditions. Snow chains are commonly used in passenger vehicles and light trucks for private and leisure trips in mountain regions particularly. In addition, the rising winter tourism and outdoor activities increase the market demand.
   
• Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China, which have heavy snow regions, are the primary participants in the automotive snow chain market of the Asia Pacific region.
   
• In Japan, regions such as Hokkaido are known for their heavy winters, which creates a high demand for snow chains in passenger and light commercial vehicles.
   
• In China, the focus on road safety and tourism in places with heavy winter such as Harbin creates demand, while the snow-covered mountains in South Korea have the same effect. However, in countries with milder winter climates, demand is lower, which keeps the market niche.
   
• The same is observed in Latin America where snow chain adoption is also low and is predominantly witnessed only in the Andes regions of Chile and Argentina. These areas remain untapped since winters are not as severe as in Europe and North America, which results in decreased demand overall.
   

Automotive Snow Chain Market Share

Pewag Group, Michelin, and Ottinger GmbH collectively held a substantial market share of over 16% in the automotive snow chain industry in 2024.

• A market leader in snow chain technology, Pewag specializes in offering exceptionally durable and high-quality chains that are vital for the user’s safety during winter. The company focuses on its patented tension system that makes putting chains on and taking them off a breeze, serving the premium class of automobiles.
   
• Moreover, using digital channels, Pewag suggests that it is trying to improve its customer relations while also incorporating vertical integration by using cleaner materials and efficient production methods into their manufacturing.
   
• Michelin utilizes a modern-day approach as it works on making snow chains that are easy to use and are reliable with the promise of working with all vehicles. The company also focuses on research for improved chain performance as well as SUV and electric vehicle chain durability.
   
• Distributing chains throughout the world, Michelin makes sure these products are present in all major parts of the world and works on sustainability by incorporating recyclable materials into snow chains.
   
• Further, Ottinger GmbH has specific focuses on snow chains while offering fast quick-mounting systems for easy usage. Its forte lies in engineering, where they believe with precise measurements and greater quality control, safety on icy roads can be enhanced.
   
• While improving its distribution to Europe, Ottinger has also broadened its market scope by targeting the premium automotive and commercial fleets. Furthermore, greater brand awareness and direct customer engagement are achieved through investment in digital marketing.
   

Automotive Snow Chain Market Companies

Major players operating in the automotive snow chain industry are:

• König Chains
• Laclede Chain Manufacturing
• Lex Products
• Maggi Group
• Michelin
• Ottinger
• Peerless Industrial Group
• Pewag Group
• Quality Chain
• Thule Group
   

The automotive snow chain market is a competition-intensive sector since companies are in a race to capture the market share with new and flexible solutions to the increased use of vehicles during extreme weather conditions. More snow chains are being used in areas that experience harsh winter conditions as well as due to the stricter minimum safety standards that require a vehicle to use snow chains or have snow tires when operating in snowy or icy environments. Faster product development of snow chains with features such as self-tightening or self-adjusting mechanisms is also a market driver.
 

Dominant market participants put effort into intertwining product mix, cooperation with vehicle producers and dealers, and increasing firm investment to improve their competitive position. Snow chain manufacturers, for instance, focus on cutting-edge technology, which incorporates the use of strength-enhanced alloys and advanced polymers, to widen the mix of chains in their offerings.
 

These innovations make snow chains, which are stronger but lighter and easier to use, ensuring that everything maintains the most efficient strength and minimum damage to tires and roads. Other innovations, such as automatic devices used on vehicles that have to use snow chains in winter, which put on the chains at the press of a button, are becoming increasingly common after being accepted by fleet owners and commercial drivers due to their ease of use.
 

Automotive Snow Chain Industry News

• In December 2023, Washington state enforces strict chain requirements for vehicles traveling over mountain passes during winter months. Drivers of vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight must carry at least two extra chains to comply with these regulations. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in a USD 500 fine for non-compliance, which has been actively enforced by the Washington State Patrol (WSP) this season. All vehicles over 10,000 pounds must have chains when conditions require them. This includes large SUVs and RVs.
   
• In January 2023, a new program was started in Oregon where permits can be obtained for drivers who are willing to work as Self-Employed Tire Chain Installers who help install tire chains on vehicles in the winter season in places including Siskiyou Summit where chains are mandatory. This is one of the traffic safety measures that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) tries to enforce during bad weather conditions.
   

The automotive snow chain market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) and shipments (Units) and from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Metallic
• Non-metallic (Polyurethane)
• Fabric
• Automatic chains

Market, By Chain

• Studded snow chains
• Non-studded snow chains
• Cable snow chains
• Ladder snow chains

Market, By Vehicle

• Passenger cars
  • Hatchback
  • Sedan
  • SUV
• Commercial vehicles 
  • Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV)
  • Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV)
  • Motorcycles

Market, By Size

• Small (up to 15 inches)
• Medium (15-18 inches)
• Large (over 18 inches)

Market, By End User

• Personal Use
• Commercial Use

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

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