Automotive Tensioner Market Expected to Reach $4.0 Billion by 2032

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Automotive Tensioner Market," The automotive tensioner market size was valued at $2.3 billion in 2022, and is estimated to garner $4.0 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2023 to 2032.

Automotive tensioners are a crucial component in engines that utilize chains to drive components like the camshaft and crankshaft. Its primary function is to maintain the optimal tension on the chain by ensuring proper timing and preventing issues like excessive wear and tear on the chain and sprockets, engine noise from chain slap and timing chain failure, which can lead to significant engine damage. 

The automotive tensioner market share is segregated on the basis of type, system type, vehicle type and region. Based on type, the market is segmented into hydraulic-operated systems and damping structures. On the basis of system type, the market is bifurcated into dual-arm tensioner systems, conventional belt tensioner systems, and automatic belt tensioner systems. By vehicle type, the market is segmented into passenger cars and commercial vehicles. On the basis of region, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA.  

The global automotive tensioner market forecast has seen strong growth due to increasing production and sales of automobiles, growing inclination towards lightweight vehicles, and increasing emission regulations around the globe. Expansion in emerging markets and increasing research and development are expected to create a growth opportunity for the industry. Factors such as regular maintenance & component failure and increasing inclination towards EV are anticipated to hinder the market growth rate during the forecast period.  

In addition, the market is highly competitive, with several key players dominating the industry. Prominent manufacturers focus on innovation, product differentiation, and strategic partnerships to maintain their market positions. Market leaders include companies such as NTN Corporation, ALT America Inc, Litens Automotive Group, Dayco Incorporated, Gates Corporation, KMC Automotive Transmission Co., Ltd, GMB Corporation, Zhejiang Renchi Auto Parts Co., Ltd., Muhr and Bender KG, and CR product limited. 

There has been growing investment by OEM and aftermarket automotive tensioner manufacturers towards the development of this product. The companies are focusing on increasing their investment and research and development for significant technological advancement of automotive tensioner. For instance, component manufacturers are majorly focusing on reducing the weight of tensioners by utilizing modern materials such as polymers, carbon fiber, and alloys to make them durable in heat and extreme environments.  

Additionally, in many luxury and supercars, manufacturers are focusing on the development of automotive tensioners with sensors and actuators that can adjust the tension between the chain/belt to enhance the vehicle performance in real time, thus reducing the wear and tear of the component. The growing research and development in automatic tensioning adjustment are one of the major growth opportunities for the companies operating in the market. This technology enhancement not only helps in increasing vehicle safety but also enhances the overall performance and age of tensioners. Moreover, advancements in the manufacturing sector, such as the increased use of precision and additive manufacturing, have enabled manufacturers to customize automotive tensioners for high-end vehicle applications. 

However, the market growth for automotive tensioners is being hampered by consumers' growing preferences towards EV. Advancements in battery technology and expanding charging infrastructure are all contributing factors to the growing demand for electric vehicles. The demand for electric mobility is anticipated to continue in coming years hence, over the projection period, the rising demand for EVs will continue to impede the growth of automotive tensioners.  Additionally, the components of tensioners are at the highest risk of breakdown due to continuous exposure to heat and other environmental factors such as moisture and exposure to dirt and debris.  Due to its exposure to extreme environments, they are highly prone to component failure and require continuous maintenance

KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY 

• By type, the hydraulically operated segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the automotive tensioner market in the near future. 

• By system type, the automatic belt tensioner system segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the automotive tensioner market in the near future. 

• By vehicle, the commercial vehicle segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the automotive tensioner market in the near future. 

• By Region, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.