Automotive Actuators Market

Market Definition

Automotive actuators are electromechanical devices that enable precise control of various vehicle functions, including throttle, braking, steering, and climate control. They play a critical role in enhancing vehicle performance, safety, and comfort by enabling automation and responsiveness.

The market encompasses applications in electric vehicles (EVs), advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Manufacturers integrate automotive actuators to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and support autonomous driving technologies.

Automotive Actuators Market Overview

The global automotive actuators market size was valued at USD 24.15 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 25.52 billion in 2025 to USD 38.94 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.22% during the forecast period.

The growth of the market is driven by the increasing demand for enhanced in-cabin functionality and evolving safety requirements in modern vehicles. Additionally, the development of AI-integrated and smart actuators is enabling greater system automation and precision, supporting their expanded use across advanced powertrain and driver assistance systems.

Key Highlights

1. The automotive actuators industry size was valued at USD 24.15 billion in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.22% from 2025 to 2032.
3. Asia Pacific held a market share of 48.57% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 11.73 billion.
4. The pneumatic actuators segment garnered USD 7.81 billion in revenue in 2024.
5. The powertrain segment is expected to reach USD 16.54 billion by 2032.
6. The internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) segment secured the largest revenue share of 51.32% in 2024.
7. The linear actuators segment is poised for a robust CAGR of 7.01% through the forecast period.
8. The OEMs segment is expected to secure the largest revenue share of 74.42% in 2032.
9. North America is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.36%during the forecast period.

Major companies operating in the automotive actuators market are Robert Bosch GmbH, DENSO CORPORATION, Continental AG, Johnson Electric Holdings Limited, NIDEC CORPORATION, HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Aptiv, BorgWarner Inc., Hitachi Ltd., Stoneridge, Mahle GmbH, EFI Automotive, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, and Valeo SE.

The shift toward vehicle electrification and the rising integration of automation features are accelerating demand for automotive actuators. Electric and hybrid vehicles are incorporating a higher number of actuators to control functions such as throttle response, braking assistance, and thermal management. 

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous technologies are integrating precise and responsive actuators for steering, braking, and sensor positioning. Electric actuators are increasingly used in interior applications such as power seats, HVAC systems, and adjustable mirrors to improve comfort and customization. 

The market is expanding rapidly as manufacturers are developing new solutions to align with changing vehicle design and performance demands.

• In June 2024, Vitesco Technologies unveiled the Rotor Lock Actuator, integrating three functions, such as park locking, rotor position sensing, and an optional brush system, for electric vehicles. The multi-functional, space-saving actuator enhances packaging efficiency and reliability in e-axis systems for EVs and hybrids.

Market Driver

Enhanced In-Cabin Functionality and Safety Requirements

Growing focus on in-cabin comfort and vehicle safety is driving the use of advanced actuators across various automotive systems. Modern vehicles are incorporating actuators to deliver precise control over functions such as HVAC airflow, power seat adjustment, and electronic throttle response. These components are improving driver and passenger convenience by enabling seamless, automated adjustments tailored to user preferences. 

Safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane assistance are increasing the adoption of actuators for accurate, real-time functionality. Increasing consumer demand for intuitive, high-performance driving experiences is prompting manufacturers to integrate more actuators per vehicle. This heightened focus on comfort, control, and safety continues to accelerate the adoption of automotive actuators across vehicle platforms.

• In March 2024, Kongsberg Automotive secured a contract valued at over USD 23.98 million to supply its compact electric rotary park lock actuator to a leading Chinese plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) manufacturer. The actuator delivers variable torque and speed control for parking lock functions, supporting precision and safety in hybrid powertrains. It will be produced at Kongsberg’s Wuxi facility and used in both combustion engine and hybrid applications.

Market Challenge

High Development and Production Costs

A key challenge in the automotive actuators market is the high cost of developing and manufacturing advanced actuator systems that integrate precision materials, sensors, and electronics. These components demand complex engineering, strict quality standards, and specialized production processes, significantly increasing overall expenses. 

Elevated costs are limiting adoption in entry-level vehicle segments and in markets where affordability is a key concern. To address this challenge, market players are streamlining design processes, investing in cost-effective materials, and leveraging economies of scale through platform-based production. Companies are also partnering with OEMs to co-develop solutions that balance performance with cost-efficiency for broader market reach.

Market Trend

Development of AI-Integrated & Smart Actuators

A key trend in the automotive actuators market is the development of smart actuators embedded with sensors and AI-enabled electronics. These actuators provide real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance insights, and direct communication with vehicle control systems. 

Integration with electronic control units (ECUs) and driver assistance features enhances system coordination and response accuracy. AI capabilities are allowing actuators to adapt based on usage patterns, enhancing overall vehicle performance and reliability. Advanced sensor feedback is supporting better fault detection and reduced downtime.

• In June 2024, BorgWarner launched its next-generation smart actuator system designed for advanced hybrid and electric vehicles. The actuator integrates real-time diagnostics, adaptive motor control, and embedded software to interface directly with vehicle ECUs. It supports predictive maintenance and dynamic torque management, aiming to optimize energy efficiency and responsiveness in EV drivetrains.

Automotive Actuators Market Report Snapshot

Market Segmentation

• By Product Type (Electric Actuators, Hydraulic Actuators, Pneumatic Actuators, Electromagnetic Actuators, Piezoelectric Actuators, and Others): The pneumatic actuators segment earned USD 7.81 billion in 2024 due to its widespread use in commercial vehicle braking systems and its cost-effectiveness in handling high-force applications.
• By Application (Powertrain, Brake System, Body & Interior Systems, HVAC System, and Others): The powertrain segment held 38.44% of the market in 2024, due to the high volume and critical role of actuators in controlling engine, transmission, and fuel system functions.
• By Vehicle Type (Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs & PHEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), and Specialty Vehicles): The internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) segment is projected to reach USD 19.65 billion by 2032, owing to its large existing vehicle base and continued high production volumes.
• By Motion Type (Linear Actuators and Rotary Actuators): The linear actuators segment is poised for significant growth at a CAGR of 7.01% through the forecast period, attributed to their widespread use across key automotive applications such as seat adjustment, throttle control, and braking systems.

Automotive Actuators Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

The Asia Pacific automotive actuators market share stood at 48.57% in 2024 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 11.73 billion. Asia Pacific is home to some of the largest automotive production centers in the world. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India serve as global manufacturing bases for passenger and commercial vehicles. 

• According to the International Energy Agency, China is the leading market for electric cars in 2024, with sales surpassing 11 million units, higher than the total global sales recorded in 2022. Electric car sales in China grew by nearly 40% in 2024 compared to 2023, further increasing the country's share of global electric vehicle sales.

The high-volume production increases the demand for components such as actuators, especially in high-volume segments like powertrain, braking, and HVAC systems. OEMs operating in these countries also prefer localized sourcing of components, which encourages investments in regional actuator production. 

Moreover, the region is experiencing rapid growth in hybrid and battery electric vehicles, driven by government incentives, fuel efficiency norms, and urban air quality concerns. This is creating sustained demand for electric and smart actuators specifically suited to electrified drivetrains.

The automotive actuators industry in North America is poised for a CAGR of 6.36% over the forecast period due to the increasing production of high-performance vehicles in this region. North America has a strong demand for performance-oriented vehicles, including pickup trucks, SUVs, and sports models. 

These vehicles require a higher number of actuators, especially for powertrain, exhaust control, turbocharging, and suspension systems. As OEMs continue to develop more powerful and feature-rich models to meet consumer preferences, the need for advanced actuators across key systems increases.

Moreover, the region has a well-established commercial vehicle industry, including heavy-duty trucks, delivery fleets, and off-highway equipment. These applications use actuators in systems such as automated transmissions, brake control, exhaust management, and adaptive suspension. As commercial OEMs adopt automation and electrification technologies, actuator demand in this segment continues to grow.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., the automotive actuator industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), particularly FMVSS 206 for door locks and retention systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) enforces requirements related to Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), where brake actuators must meet specific performance thresholds. Additionally, actuator systems in electronic control units are guided by ISO 26262, which outlines functional safety standards for road vehicles.
• The European Union enforces Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, known as the General Safety Regulation, which mandates advanced driver assistance systems like lane keeping and emergency braking that depend on actuators. Actuators must comply with Regulation (EU) 2018/858, which governs vehicle component type-approval. 
• In China, automotive actuators are regulated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). Safety-critical actuator systems such as those used in ADAS require pre-approval for over-the-air updates. The new GB 44495-2024 standard governs cybersecurity compliance for electronic components.
• Japan regulates actuator systems under the supervision of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Actuators used in electronic brake control, drive-by-wire systems, and ADAS must comply with UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) regulations and ISO 26262 standards for functional safety.

Competitive Landscape

Leading players in the automotive actuators industry are adopting strategies such as product innovation, investment in research and development, and advanced motion control technologies to stay competitive in the evolving actuator market. 

Many companies are focusing on enhancing actuator precision, energy efficiency, and reliability to meet the growing demand from industrial automation. Companies are forming strategic partnerships with OEMs and automation integrators to expand application reach and strengthen their market position.

• In July 2025, Applied Motion Products unveiled its latest innovation, the MLA (Motorized Linear Actuator) and MEA (Motorized Electric Actuator) Series of linear actuators. These new product lines are engineered to provide high levels of precision, force, and reliability, making them well-suited for diverse applications across industrial and automation settings.

Key Companies in Automotive Actuators Market:

• Robert Bosch GmbH
• DENSO CORPORATION
• Continental AG
• Johnson Electric Holdings Limited.
• NIDEC CORPORATION
• HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Aptiv
• BorgWarner Inc.
• Hitachi Ltd.
• Stoneridge  
• Mahle GmbH
• EFI Automotive
• ZF Friedrichshafen AG
• Valeo SE

Recent Developments (Expansion/Product Launches)

• In April 2025, Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) expanded its Electronic Parking Brake Actuator program, extending coverage to a broader selection of both import and domestic vehicles. With the growing use of electronic parking brake actuators in today’s vehicles, the company is focused on delivering complete aftermarket solutions under its Standard brand to meet rising demand.
• In May 2024, Festo launched a new generation of electric actuators designed for linear motion applications. The latest additions to its Cartesian handling system include the Electric Linear Guide Drive (ELGD)-TB (tooth belt actuators) and ELGD-BS (ball screw actuators), both part of the ELGD series. These actuators feature a newly developed design, incorporating a stainless-steel cover strip that helps limit particle emissions in cleanroom settings and protects against contamination in harsh environments.
• In September 2023, Marelli introduced a new line of multipurpose smart actuators specifically developed for electric vehicles. These actuators are engineered to streamline the operation of complex vehicle functions. Each unit features an integrated electronic module that independently manages actuator control and links it to the vehicle's electronic architecture.