Automotive Starter Motor Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2023-2030)

The automotive starter motor is an electrical device that plays a crucial role in starting an internal combustion engine. It is responsible for initiating the engine's rotational motion by cranking it until the fuel and air mixture ignites. The starter motor is typically powered by a high-torque electric motor, which engages with the engine's flywheel to rotate the crankshaft, resulting in the engine's initial operation. Once the engine is running, the starter motor disengages, allowing the engine to sustain its power. The starter motor is an essential component of every modern automobile, ensuring reliable engine starts and smooth vehicle operation.

The Automotive Starter Motor Market is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of around 4.45% owing to the increasing vehicle production and growing demand for commercial vehicles in the global markets. With global automotive production on the rise, the demand for starter motors has escalated significantly. As more vehicles hit the roads worldwide, the need for reliable ignition systems becomes paramount, contributing to the robust growth of the automotive starter motor market. Furthermore, emerging economies are witnessing robust economic growth, resulting in increased business activities and infrastructural developments. For instance, China has already surpassed the United States as the leading economy in terms of GDP in PPP (purchasing power parity) measurements and has the potential to become the largest economy based on market exchange rates before 2030. Additionally, India has the possibility of surpassing the United States by 2050 to secure the second position, while Indonesia could ascend to the fourth position, surpassing advanced economies such as Japan and Germany, by the same year. This economic expansion drives the demand for commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, for transportation, logistics, and construction purposes. As commercial vehicle sales soar, the demand for starter motors used in these vehicles also surges, contributing to the growth of the automotive starter motor market. Moreover, The expanding e-commerce and retail sectors have significantly driven the need for delivery vans and trucks. With the rise of online shopping, there is a growing requirement for reliable and efficient commercial vehicles for timely and convenient product deliveries. These vehicles rely on sturdy starter motors to ensure frequent ignition and reliable performance, leading to increased demand in the automotive starter motor market.

Based on vehicle type, the market is bifurcated into passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The automotive industry has witnessed a significant dominance of passenger cars over commercial vehicles, and this trend continues to prevail in the global market. Furthermore, increasing urbanization, improved living standards and higher disposable incomes have contributed to a growing preference for personal mobility, leading to a higher demand for passenger cars. Additionally, infrastructure development, including well-maintained roads, highways, and parking facilities, has played a vital role in enabling the ownership and usage of passenger cars. Moreover, the emerging markets, especially in regions like Eastern Laos, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries, have experienced rapid growth in their middle-class population. This demographic shift has resulted in a surge in demand for passenger vehicles, particularly IC Engine passenger cars. For instance, as per the findings of our market study, passenger cars constitute over 75% of total vehicle sales globally, based on data from leading automakers. In countries like India and China, which are experiencing significant economic growth, IC Engine passenger vehicles dominate the market, accounting for a substantial portion of overall vehicle sales. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that in 2020, IC Engine passenger cars accounted for approximately 46% of the total global vehicle fleet. Further, this rising production of IC Engine passenger cars necessitates a higher requirement for starter motors, as they are an essential component for initiating the engine, and hence are growing in demand.

Based on application type, the market is divided into internal combustion engines (ICE), and hybrid/ micro hybrid powertrains. The automotive industry has been witnessing a steady rise in the adoption of hybrid and micro-hybrid powertrains in recent years. However, when it comes to the market share for automotive starter motors, Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) hold a significant majority. One of the significant factors contributing to the market dominance of ICE engines is the well-established infrastructure surrounding them. ICE engines have been the primary source of propulsion for automobiles for over a century, resulting in an extensive network of service centers, mechanics, and spare parts manufacturers. This infrastructure provides a sense of familiarity and reliability to consumers, making them more inclined toward ICE-powered vehicles. Furthermore, The existing supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem for ICE engines further contribute to their market dominance. Manufacturers have well-established processes, machinery, and suppliers in place, ensuring a seamless production cycle. This allows for economies of scale and cost efficiencies that hybrid powertrain manufacturers are still striving to achieve. The dominance of ICE engines in the market makes it challenging for hybrid powertrain manufacturers to compete on both price and production efficiency.

Based on type, the market is segmented into electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, and starter motor generators. Electric starter motors hold the majority of the market share. Several factors are responsible for this domination such as electric starter motors offer high levels of efficiency and performance compared to other types. They provide quick and reliable starts in a wide range of weather conditions. Furthermore, electric starter motors are generally more cost-effective than their counterparts. They require fewer components and have lower maintenance costs, making them an attractive option for manufacturers and consumers. Additionally, as automotive technology advances, electric starter motors prove to be more compatible with modern engine systems. They integrate well with electronic control units (ECUs) and are easier to integrate into hybrid and electric vehicles. Moreover, electric starter motors have gained popularity among consumers due to their reliability, ease of use, and general familiarity. This preference motivates manufacturers to focus on electric starter motor production to cater to customer demands. Factors like these have played a pivotal role in garnering a dominating market share of electric starter motors over the other types in the global markets.

Based on sales channel, the market Is bifurcated into original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and aftermarket. The aftermarket sales channel holds the majority of the market share in terms of sales of automotive starter motors in the global market. The aftermarket segment comprises sales of starter motors for replacement purposes, serving existing vehicles' maintenance and repair needs. This segment typically encompasses independent repair shops, automobile service centers, and individual consumers seeking replacement parts. On the other hand, the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) sales channel involves the sale of starter motors to vehicle manufacturers for installation in new vehicles. While OEM sales are significant, the aftermarket segment tends to dominate due to the demand for replacement parts in the existing vehicle park.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of automotive starter motors, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (The U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, The U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. Asia Pacific has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing regions in the automotive starter motors market. The Asia Pacific region has witnessed remarkable growth in the automotive industry, particularly in the automotive starter motors sector. With an increasing demand for technologically advanced vehicles coupled with a robust manufacturing infrastructure, this region has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing automotive starter motor markets in the world. The Asia Pacific region is home to numerous automotive manufacturing hubs, including Japan, South Korea, China, and India. These countries have witnessed exponential growth in their domestic automotive industries, driving the demand for starter motors. For instance, according to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, in 2021, China produced approximately 25 million vehicles, Japan produced 8 million vehicles, and India produced 4 million vehicles. Furthermore, rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the expanding middle class have fueled the demand for automobiles across the Asia Pacific. The increasing vehicle ownership in countries like China and India has significantly contributed to the surge in the automotive starter motors market. For instance, the total number of passenger cars in India reached around 37 million in 2020, showcasing a substantial market potential. Moreover, in recent years, there has been a heightened emphasis on energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in the Asia Pacific region. Starter motors play a crucial role in this pursuit, as they directly impact a vehicle's fuel consumption and emission levels. This push for energy-efficient automobiles has stimulated the demand for high-quality starter motors in the market.

Some of the major players operating in the market include Valeo; DENSO CORPORATION.; Robert Bosch GmbH; Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.; Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; BBB Industries.; Victory Industrial Corporation; Lucas Automotive Aftermarket; BorgWarner Inc.; and Cummins Inc.