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. The rising popularity of winter sports and tourism in regions with heavy snowfall is a significant driver for the market. As more tourists flock to snow-covered destinations for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, the demand for snow chains increases, especially for rental cars and private vehicles. In mountainous regions like the Alps, Rockies, and Scandinavia, snow chains are often required to navigate icy roads, ensuring the safety of travelers.
 

For instance, according to Statista, in 2022, the market size of the ski and snowboard resorts industry in the U.S. was approximately 4.4 billion U.S. dollars. Comparatively, the market size of the ski and snowboard resorts industry in Canada reached 1.3 billion dollars. Additionally, with the growth of winter tourism, rental car companies and tour operators are increasingly equipping their fleets with snow chains to comply with local regulations and meet customer safety expectations. This trend not only boosts snow chain sales but also expands market penetration in regions with seasonal tourism spikes.
 

Moreover, increasing vehicle ownership in snow-prone regions is a significant growth driver for the automotive snow chain market. As more individuals in areas with harsh winter conditions, such as Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, acquire vehicles, the demand for snow chains rises to ensure safe driving on snow-covered and icy roads. This trend is particularly pronounced in suburban and rural regions, where snow removal services are less frequent, making snow chains essential.
 

Additionally, the growing adoption of SUVs and crossovers, often driven in off-road or mountainous areas, further boosts the need for snow chains. With vehicle ownership on the rise, especially in developing snow-prone regions, the market is poised for steady growth in the coming years.
 

Automotive Snow Chain Market Trends

Automotive snow chains are witnessing significant technological advancements in snow chain materials and automatic installation systems. Technological advancements in snow chain materials and automatic installation systems are driving growth in the automotive snow chain market by enhancing product performance, convenience, and user experience. The development of lightweight, durable materials such as reinforced polyurethane and specialized textiles has improved durability and ease of handling, making snow chains more accessible to everyday drivers.
 

Additionally, innovations in automatic installation systems, including self-tensioning and quick-fit mechanisms, have significantly simplified the traditionally cumbersome process of fitting snow chains, reducing installation time and effort. These features particularly appeal to consumers in regions with unpredictable snow conditions, encouraging higher adoption rates. Such advancements cater to the growing demand for enhanced road safety and convenience, especially in premium vehicles, thus expanding the market scope.
 

For instance, in December 2023, Hyundai introduced an innovative snow chain-integrated tire technology that allows drivers to deploy snow chains at the push of a button. This concept features a unique design where shape memory alloy modules are embedded within the tire and wheel assembly, enabling them to extend and retract as needed for improved traction in snowy conditions. The system utilizes shape memory alloys, which change shape when an electric current is applied. This advancement reflects Hyundai's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into everyday driving solutions, potentially revolutionizing how drivers handle winter conditions in the future.
 

The limited usage period of snow chains presents a significant challenge in the automotive snow chain market. These chains are primarily used in regions with heavy snowfall and icy road conditions, mainly during winter. In countries with milder or shorter winters, the seasonal demand for snow chains results in inconsistent sales and impedes market growth.
 

Additionally, in urban areas where roads are frequently cleared of snow, the necessity for snow chains among consumers decreases. This seasonality reduces the profitability of manufacturers and retailers, causing demand fluctuations. Consequently, companies face difficulties in optimizing inventory management, production planning, and distribution, particularly in regions where winters have become increasingly unpredictable due to climate change.
 

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 market share and is expected to exceed USD 300 million by 2034. Metallic chains dominate the automotive snow chain market due to their superior durability and traction capabilities.
 

Made from robust materials like steel, these chains provide excellent grip on icy and snow-covered roads, enhancing vehicle control and safety in extreme winter conditions. Their resistance to wear and tear, especially on rugged terrains, makes them the preferred choice for heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and commercial fleets operating in harsh environments.
 

Additionally, the versatility and reliability of metallic chains make them ideal for frequent use in regions with long, severe winters. While non-metallic and textile chains offer easier handling, they often lack the long-term performance of metallic options, particularly in demanding conditions, thereby driving higher demand for 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, primarily due to the larger global fleet of personal vehicles compared to commercial ones. Individual car owners widely use snow chains to enhance traction and safety in snowy and icy conditions, especially in regions with harsh winters like Europe and North America.
 

Additionally, increasing regulations mandating snow chains in specific regions and on certain roads during winter months have driven adoption among passenger car users. The convenience, affordability, and ease of installation of snow chains for passenger cars further boost demand. Moreover, rising winter tourism in mountainous regions, where rental cars often require snow chains, also contributes to the higher market share of this segment.
 

Europe automotive snow chain market accounted for 45% of the revenue share in 2024 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. In Germany, stringent winter road safety regulations and a high volume of vehicle ownership drive the market. Significant snowfall, particularly in the southern and alpine regions, mandates the use of snow chains on certain roads. The market benefits from well-established automotive manufacturers and a robust aftermarket industry.
 

Additionally, Germany's popular winter tourism destinations, where snow chains are essential for safe travel, amplify the demand. Increasing consumer awareness about winter driving safety and the rising trend of winter sports further bolster the market.
 

In North America, regions with heavy snowfall, particularly northern U.S. states such as Michigan, New York, and Colorado, as well as Canada, drive the automotive snow chain market. The primary demand arises from the need for enhanced vehicle traction and safety on icy, snow-covered roads. Additionally, regulatory mandates in certain states, which require snow chains during severe winter conditions, bolster market growth. Snow chains are widely adopted in passenger vehicles and light trucks, especially for personal and recreational use in mountainous regions. Furthermore, the increase in winter tourism and outdoor activities amplifies market demand.
 

The automotive snow chain market in the Asia Pacific region is primarily driven by countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea, which experience significant snowfall in specific areas. In Japan, heavy snow in northern regions like Hokkaido generates strong demand for snow chains among passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. In China, increasing road safety awareness and winter tourism in colder regions like Harbin boosts market growth. South Korea's mountainous terrain also drives demand. However, other countries in the region with milder winters exhibit lower adoption rates, keeping the overall market relatively niche.
 

In the MEA region, demand for automotive snow chains is limited, primarily in mountainous areas of Morocco and South Africa where snow occasionally occurs. Similarly, in Latin America, adoption is low, mainly confined to the Andes regions of Chile and Argentina. These markets remain niche due to milder winter conditions compared to Europe and North America, resulting in lower overall demand.
 

Automotive Snow Chain Company 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. Pewag, a leader in snow chain technology, offers durable and high-quality chains to ensure optimal safety in extreme winter conditions. The company emphasizes its patented tensioning system, which simplifies installation and removal, targeting the premium automotive segment. Additionally, Pewag leverages digital platforms to enhance customer outreach and integrates sustainability into its manufacturing processes by using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient production methods.
 

Michelin adopts a consumer-centric approach by developing snow chains that prioritize ease of use, reliability, and vehicle compatibility. The company invests in research to improve traction performance and chain durability, particularly for SUVs and electric vehicles. Leveraging its extensive distribution network, Michelin ensures product availability in key markets and focuses on sustainability by using recyclable materials in its snow chain products.
 

Ottinger GmbH specializes in high-performance snow chains with innovative quick-mounting systems to ensure user convenience. The company emphasizes precision engineering and strict quality control to enhance safety on icy roads. Ottinger targets niche markets, such as premium automotive and commercial fleets, while strengthening its European distribution network. It also invests in digital marketing to expand brand awareness and engage with customers directly.
 

Automotive Snow Chain Market Companies

Major players operating in the automotive snow chain industry are:

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

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 $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, Oregon implemented a program that offers permits to freelancers who assist drivers with tire chain installation, particularly in areas like the Siskiyou Summit where chain requirements are enforced during winter weather conditions. This initiative is part of the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) efforts to manage traffic safety during adverse weather.
   

The automotive snow chain market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) and volume (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 Use

• 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