Automotive Brake Friction Products Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The global market for automotive brake friction products is projected to expand from US$ 10,387.3 million in 2021 to US$ 13,203.7 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% during this period.

As the automotive sector progresses, the design of vehicles is undergoing significant transformations, with governments enforcing regulations aimed at enhancing vehicle safety. This has led manufacturers and governmental bodies to allocate substantial investments towards the creation of dependable and efficient automotive components. Such developments are anticipated to bolster the growth of the automotive brake friction products market. Brakes are universally recognized as the most vital safety elements in vehicles, irrespective of advancements in brake technology or vehicle design, which positively influences the automotive brake friction products market. The rise in automated driving features is also reshaping vehicle designs, and the increased frequency of brake usage due to traffic congestion is further propelling the demand for brake pads, thus enhancing market growth.

Throughout the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to emerge as the largest market for automotive brake friction products. This growth can be linked to the enhancement of socio-economic conditions in developing nations such as India, China, Indonesia, and Thailand. The surge in vehicle production and the enforcement of rigorous safety standards in countries like China and India are expected to significantly impact the automotive brake friction products market positively in the years ahead. As the leading vehicle manufacturer globally, China is set to dominate the Asia Pacific automotive brake friction products market during the forecast period. Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly focusing on utilizing lightweight materials for brake friction products, and the presence of international companies is fostering the integration of safety features in vehicle designs. For instance, Shanghai Automotive Brake Systems Co., Ltd., a collaboration between Huayu Automotive Systems Company Limited and Continental AG, stands as one of the largest suppliers of brake friction products in China.

With declining costs and rising public acceptance, electric vehicles are projected to play a crucial role in North American transportation systems, potentially accounting for at least 65% of total car sales in the US by 2050. The regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles reduce the reliance on hydraulic braking systems. In 2020, the automotive sector in the US delivered nearly 14.5 million light vehicle units. Europe, home to numerous global automotive and component manufacturers, ranks among the largest automotive markets globally. The adoption of innovative technologies, including autonomous and electric vehicles, is expected to further stimulate the growth of the automotive brake friction products market in this region.

Semi-metallic brake pads, often referred to as "metallic brake pads," are composed of steel, copper, or other metals, with metal content ranging from 30% to 65%. Their high strength and thermal conductivity are anticipated to drive the growth of the global automotive brake friction products market. This segment's expansion is also fueled by the advantages of semi-metallic pads over ceramic ones, particularly in terms of durability and heat resistance. These pads are commonly used in high-performance racing vehicles due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to handle heavy braking over extended distances.

Metallic brakes provide exceptional braking performance across a diverse range of temperatures and conditions, requiring less pedal pressure to achieve equivalent stopping power compared to organic brakes. Ceramic pads, which are reinforced with organic materials such as aramid, Kevlar, glass, or ceramic fibers, along with carbon ceramics made from a blend of fibers, powders, and high-cost resins, were initially designed for aerospace braking systems. However, automotive manufacturers are now incorporating this technology into personal and sports vehicles, thereby driving growth in the automotive brake friction products market. Ceramic brakes exhibit greater resistance to deformation at elevated temperatures and offer a longer lifespan than traditional brakes. They are also resistant to corrosion, even in severe winter conditions. Their lighter weight contributes to reducing the overall vehicle load, and they effectively dissipate heat from abrupt, forceful stops, resulting in cleaner, quieter, and more durable performance compared to organic pads.

The ecosystem of the automotive brake friction products market includes key stakeholders such as hardware and component suppliers, manufacturers of automotive brake friction products, regulatory bodies, and end-users. These entities collaborate to promote the development and adoption of advanced automotive brake friction products, including anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). System integrators also play a vital role in the installation of these products, while government organizations and regulatory agencies are integral participants in this market.

Prominent companies in the automotive brake friction products market include ABS Friction, Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake, LLC, Bosch Limited, Carlisle Brake & Friction, Inc., Delphi Auto Parts, Japan Brake Industrial Co., Ltd., Aisin Corporation, Miba AG, and Nisshinbo Brake Inc., among others. The report also highlights additional companies that hold a significant market share based on secondary research.

To ascertain the size and forecast of the automotive brake friction products market, both primary and secondary research methodologies were employed. Secondary research involved collecting qualitative and quantitative data from various internal and external sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the market and its segments. Furthermore, primary interviews were conducted with key industry figures, including business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants such as research analysts and valuation experts. Insights from these interviews were utilized to validate the data and provide deeper analytical perspectives on the automotive brake friction products market.