Automotive Clutch Market Analysis Report 2026 - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The automotive clutch market sees growth from rising global vehicle production and demand for fuel-efficient systems. Hybrid powertrains boost clutch demand, mitigating declines from electric vehicle adoption. Aftermarket demand from aging vehicles also presents opportunities, despite challenges from EVs.

Dublin, Jan. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Automotive Clutch Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Automotive Clutch Market is projected to expand from USD 23.32 Billion in 2025 to USD 32.17 Billion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 5.51%.

Market expansion is primarily fueled by a consistent increase in global vehicle manufacturing and a heightened demand for fuel-efficient transmission systems across both passenger and commercial sectors. Data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers indicates that global motor vehicle production hit 92.5 million units in 2024, highlighting the enduring demand for reliable drivetrain components and advanced transmission assemblies.

However, the market confronts a significant hurdle due to the rapid shift toward electric mobility. The broad acceptance of battery electric vehicles, which typically employ single-speed transmissions lacking standard clutch mechanisms, poses a threat to the long-term growth prospects of traditional friction clutch producers. This structural change in the automotive landscape suggests that while the demand for conventional drivetrains remains, the accelerating adoption of electric platforms may constrain future expansion for legacy transmission technologies.

Market Drivers

The rising incorporation of specialized clutches within hybrid electric powertrains acts as a vital catalyst for growth, helping to counterbalance volume reductions caused by the move toward battery electric vehicles. Unlike fully electric architectures, hybrid systems - encompassing mild, full, and plug-in varieties - continue to rely on complex transmission assemblies that require advanced friction technologies, such as disconnect clutches and dual-clutch modules, to coordinate power between internal combustion engines and electric motors.

This dependency is confirmed by recent industry data; the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association reported in January 2025 that hybrid-electric vehicle registrations in the EU saw a 33.1% year-on-year rise in December 2024, securing a 33.6% market share, demonstrating the continued need for high-performance clutch systems in electrified drivetrains.

Concurrently, the market benefits from growing aftermarket demand driven by aging global vehicle fleets, which require regular replacement of wear-sensitive drivetrain parts. As economic factors and enhanced vehicle longevity prompt consumers to keep vehicles longer, the average operating age has increased, leading to more frequent clutch repairs and replacements post-warranty.

For instance, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association noted in its September 2024 'Vehicles on European Roads' study that the average passenger car age in the EU is now 12.3 years, creating a steady revenue source for aftermarket suppliers. Additionally, the continuous flow of new vehicles ensures future opportunities; the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers reported in January 2025 that annual production in China hit a record 31.28 million units in 2024, guaranteeing a substantial future pipeline for transmission maintenance.

Market Challenges

The rapid move toward electric mobility creates a structural barrier to the growth of the traditional clutch industry. As the automotive sector shifts its focus to battery electric vehicles, the underlying drivetrain architecture is moving away from internal combustion engines dependent on complex multi-speed transmissions. In contrast to conventional vehicles that require a friction clutch to manage power transfer between the engine and gearbox, most battery electric vehicles utilize single-speed transmissions. This architectural evolution effectively renders the standard automotive clutch obsolete within these platforms, directly diminishing the addressable market for manufacturers specializing in friction-based transmission components.

This shift leads to a marked reduction in the number of vehicles requiring standard clutch assemblies, generating a volume deficit that traditional growth sectors struggle to fill. The magnitude of this disruption is highlighted by recent manufacturing data; according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, sales of new energy vehicles reached approximately 12.87 million units in 2024.

Because a significant portion of these vehicles feature electric powertrains that operate without standard clutch systems, this production volume represents a substantial loss of revenue for traditional suppliers, effectively limiting the overall growth trajectory of the global market as electric vehicle penetration increases.

Market Trends

The market is witnessing a notable increase in the adoption of Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCT), particularly electrified versions engineered to enhance hybrid powertrain efficiency. As manufacturers seek to balance internal combustion performance with electric support, the eDCT is increasingly favored for its compact design and smooth torque management. This industry shift is reflected in significant manufacturing expansions; for example, in February 2025, Stellantis announced plans to boost production at its Termoli facility to an annual capacity of 300,000 units under the initiative 'Stellantis strengthens production of eDCT transmissions in Italy,' signaling a strong commitment to scaling DCT availability for upcoming mild and plug-in hybrid models.

In parallel, there is an accelerating trend toward Wet Friction Clutch Architectures, spurred by the need for superior thermal stability in demanding drivetrain applications. Unlike dry systems, wet architectures employ oil cooling to efficiently dissipate the intense heat produced during frequent engagement, a vital capability for maintaining durability in modern high-performance vehicles.

This technological shift is further supported by advancements in sustainable component lifecycles; in October 2025, Valeo announced winning the EQUIP AUTO Paris 2025 International Automotive Innovation Award for its remanufactured dual wet clutch, noting that this technology is already utilized in over 5 million vehicles across Europe, highlighting the industry's dual emphasis on robust thermal management and circular economy principles.

Key Players Profiled in the Automotive Clutch Market

• Valeo
• ZF Friedrichshafen
• Schaeffler
• Exedy
• LuK
• Aisin
• BorgWarner
• Denso
• Federal-Mogul
• Kongsberg Automotive

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Automotive Clutch Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Automotive Clutch Market, by Transmission Type:

• Manual
• Automatic
• Automated Manual Transmission
• Others

Automotive Clutch Market, by Vehicle Type:

• Passenger Vehicles
• Commercial Vehicles

Automotive Clutch Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute	Details
No. of Pages	185
Forecast Period	2025 - 2031
Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025	$23.32 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2031	$32.17 Billion
Compound Annual Growth Rate	5.5%
Regions Covered	Global

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5um0pn

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• Automotive Clutch Market

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