AUTOMOTIVE VVT SYSTEM MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Automotive VVT System Market Size and Trends

The Global Automotive VVT System Market is estimated to be valued at USD 68.46 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 102.14 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2024 to 2031.

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The increasing production of automobiles around the world is driving the need for automotive VVT systems to improve engine performance and comply with stringent emission regulations.

Increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles

One of the major drivers that is helping the growth of the global automotive VVT system market is the increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. With rising fuel prices and growing environment concerns, consumers across the world are looking for vehicles that can deliver better mileage and are more fuel-efficient.

VVT system is able to vary the timing of the intake and exhaust camshafts, which regulates the opening and closing timing of valves. This precise controlling of intake/exhaust valves allows engines to take full advantage of a broad range of rpms. It means the engine can operate more efficiently at different engine speeds and loads. At lower engine speeds, the cam profile is advanced to enhance torque and performance. At higher rpms, the cam is delayed to reduce pumping losses and optimize for fuel efficiency. Thus, VVT helps big time in improving the fuel economy of vehicles across different driving conditions from city to highway cruising.

Automakers around the world are aggressively pushing their technological advancements in VVT systems to comply with the stringent emission norms as well as provide more mileage to customers. They know that fuel efficiency is a major consideration for buyers today and it significantly impacts their vehicle purchase decisions. A mild-hybrid system with intelligent VVT enables better acceleration response at lower rpms and improved efficiency. Advanced VVT helps turbocharged gasoline engines to reach new heights of efficiency. Even non-turbocharged engines with dual VVT are delivering class-leading fuel economy numbers. All these developments are boosting the demand for advanced VVT systems in new vehicles.

For instance, In March 2021, Eaton Corporation, a power management company specializing in electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical solutions, announced the launch of next-generation sodium-filled hollow-head valves by its Vehicle Group. These innovative valves improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance performance in gas-powered engines, featuring a distinctive design that lowers cylinder chamber temperatures and reduces engine knock.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Stringent emission norms and regulations

Another primary driver for the automotive VVT market is stringent emission regulations imposed by governments and environmental agencies across the world. With growing concerns over air pollution and carbon emissions from vehicles, authorities are continuously tightening the emission standards to curb harmful pollutants from automobile exhausts like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Manufacturers need to comply with these norms to avoid penalties and continue selling their products in regulated markets. Here, VVT systems play a pivotal role in allowing engines to burn fuel more efficiently and reduce emissions.

Precise control of valve timing allows engines to operate with optimal air-fuel ratio throughout their range. It facilitates complete combustion and reductions in harmful emissions like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, etc. VVT inhibits knocking and pre-ignition by advancing ignition timing under low engine loads. Under heavy engine load conditions, it retards ignition timing to reduce peak in-cylinder pressures and temperatures, thereby decreasing emissions formation. VVT also cuts down hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions during engine idling and cold start periods by enabling fast catalytic converter light-off. All these properties are crucial for automakers to meet the increasingly stringent emission standards defined by agencies.

For example, the EU has rolled out its Euro 6 emission norms that impose the strictest regulations to date. Similarly, countries like the U.S., China, and Japan have outlined their Stage 6, China 6, and Japan 6 norms respectively. Complying with these standards requires advanced engine technologies and robust emission monitoring systems. Here, dual and continuously variable VVT systems play a definitive role by facilitating low emissions across varying driving conditions. Their importance is further accentuated in markets adopting mandatory emission test cycles that are more stringent and realistic. Overall, the tightening emission norms are catalyzing automakers to increasingly adopt sophisticated VVT technologies.

Key Takeaways from Analyst:

Factors such as stringent emission norms, rising demand for fuel efficient vehicles, and increasing demand for high-performance engines will drive adoption of VVT systems globally. However, availability of substitutes such as continuously variable transmission (CVT) may restrain market growth to some extent.

Asia Pacific is expected to continue dominating the market aided by high vehicle production in China, India, and Japan. Within the region, China will maintain its lead role supported by the country's massive automotive industry and push for new technologies. Europe will remain the second largest region fueled by the presence of prominent automakers and emphasis on developing advanced fuel-efficient powertrains. Meanwhile, North America is projected to expand at a noteworthy pace due to government initiatives to curb emissions and consumer inclination toward sophisticated vehicle technologies.

Automakers are increasingly focusing on technologies that provide better mileage without compromising on power. This offers significant opportunities for VVT system suppliers to expand into performance engine segments through novel product innovations. Besides this, the rising preference for advanced driver assistance systems presents avenues to incorporate VVT controls with other vehicle functions. With their advantages in refining engine efficiency, VVT systems will find more applications across diverse vehicle categories going forward.

Market Challenges: Limited availability of advanced VVT systems in budget vehicles

One of the key challenges being faced by the global automotive VVT system market is the limited availability of advanced VVT systems in budget vehicles. While more premium and luxury vehicles are increasingly being equipped with dual and continuously variable valve timing systems for improved engine performance and efficiency, budget vehicles still largely use basic fixed valve timing systems. This is mainly because advanced VVT systems require sophisticated components and electronics that significantly increase the costs. Vehicle manufacturers are reluctant to pass on the high costs to budget conscious customers. With growing competition and pricing pressure, it is difficult for them to price budget vehicles integrated with expensive new-age technologies. This gap is restricting the penetration of advanced VVT technologies across different vehicle segments. Unless costs start coming down significantly, widespread adoption in mass market vehicles may remain limited for the foreseeable future.

Market Opportunities: Growing demand for lightweight and compact VVT systems

One of the major opportunities for the automotive VVT system market is the growing demand for more compact and lightweight VVT systems. With an increasing focus on improving fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle emissions, vehicle manufacturers are constantly pursuing mass and size reduction technologies. The need to optimize engine bays for additional functionalities while meeting strict space constraints is prompting innovations in VVT system design. Manufacturers are exploring options to modularize and miniaturize VVT components using advanced materials and precision manufacturing methods. There is also a growing interest in integrating electric VVT systems that eliminate the need for bulky hydraulic components. The development of more compact VVT solutions that occupy minimal space while matching performance of conventional systems can open up significant growth prospects. It can also boost their adoption across vehicle categories and engine configurations.

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Insights By Valve Train - Superior Performance and Fuel Efficiency Drives Dual VVT Segment Growth

In terms of Valve Train, the Dual VVT segment is estimated to hold 42.3% share of the market in 2024 owing to its superior performance and efficiency benefits over single VVT systems. Dual VVT employs independent cam-phasing systems for both intake and exhaust valves, allowing for more precise control over valve timing events. This enhances volumetric efficiency and power output under dynamic driving conditions compared to single VVT. It also helps optimize fuel economy by enabling a fast warm up of the catalytic converter and maintaining a favorable air-fuel ratio. Automakers are increasingly adopting dual VVT across their model lineups as a key technology to meet stringent emission norms without compromising on drivability. The technology provides a good balance between improved fuel efficiency and higher performance, making it an attractive option for both low and high-end passenger vehicles. With regulations pushing for lower vehicle emissions globally, dual VVT is expected to see strong demand over the coming years.

Insights By Vehicle Type - Growing Passenger Mobility Drives Adoption in Passenger Cars

In terms of Vehicle Type, the Passenger Cars segment is estimated to hold 61.5% share of the market in 2024. Growing individual mobility needs coupled with rising disposable incomes have augmented the production and sales of passenger cars worldwide over the past decade. VVT systems have become standard in modern passenger cars to optimize fuel efficiency without compromising on driveability. Automakers are focusing their VVT technology developments primarily towards passenger cars given the high volumes involved. Customers too expect basic features like VVT as standard in passenger vehicles for an improved driving experience. These factors have triggered significant adoption of advanced VVT systems like dual and CVVT across different engine displacements and models in the passenger car segment.

Insights By Sales Channel - Stringent Emission Norms Drive OEM Focus on Developing Advanced VVT

In terms of Sales Channel, the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) segment is estimated to hold 72.6% share of the market in 2024. OEMs are under constant pressure to reduce vehicle emissions and improve fuel efficiency in order to comply with increasingly stringent government regulations. Advanced VVT technologies allow them to optimize engine performance across different operating conditions in a cost-effective manner without major modifications to engine hardware. OEMs heavily drive innovation and customization of these systems for specific engine architectures and vehicle types. They also benefit from economies of scale during product development and sourcing of VVT system components. This provides an edge over aftermarket suppliers, leading to higher market share for OEMs. Looking ahead, more stringent emission norms will ensure OEMs further strengthen their expertise and focus on developing sophisticated VVT technologies for new vehicle platforms.

Regional Insights

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North America has established itself as the dominant region in the global automotive VVT system market with an estimated 36.4% share in 2024. The presence of major automotive OEMs and a well-developed automotive manufacturing industry has been the key drivers for the region's market leadership. America's vehicle fleet, dominated by V6 and V8 engines has ensured strong demand for sophisticated cam-phasing VVT systems. Additionally, high average incomes and consumer preference for luxury vehicles with latest technologies have further boosted adoption. However, stringent emission regulations have also played a role by pushing automakers to use more advanced VVT systems for improved fuel efficiency. Going forward, increasing popularity of hybrid powertrains is expected to open new avenues of growth.

The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest growing market for automotive VVT systems globally. Rapid motorization rates facilitated by economic growth, expanding middle-class and rising disposability incomes across major countries like China and India have significantly grown the region's vehicle parc. At the same time, emerging low-cost vehicle manufacturing hubs and strong exports from countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia have augmented regional production volumes. Further, implementation of increasingly stringent environmental norms aligned to developed markets is propelling upgrades to existing engine technologies. These regulations are bringing VVT systems to the mass market as OEMs aim to make more aspirational products accessible to wider customer segments. Additionally, adoption in commercial vehicles is witnessing significant momentum in Asia, supported by robust growth of the logistics industry. A thriving automotive aftermarket has also supported the regional market expansion.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In May 2022, Toyota, a renowned Japan-based automotive manufacturer known for its innovation in vehicle technology, equipped the Highlander with a new turbocharged engine. This engine features a Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system utilizing an electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft.
• In February 2022, Schaeffler, a leading global supplier of automotive components and systems, introduced its Hydraulic Cam Phaser solution for passenger vehicles through its Indian subsidiary, Schaeffler India. The Hydraulic Cam Phaser allows for variable valve timing, optimizing engine performance and efficiency while meeting stringent emission regulations.
• In December 2021, Mikuni Corporation, a Japan-based manufacturer specializing in automotive components such as fuel injection systems and variable valve timing actuators, expanded its production facilities in India to develop an intake variable valve timing actuator.
• In March 2021, Eaton Corporation, a power management company that specializes in electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power solutions, announced that its Vehicle Group had introduced next-generation sodium-filled hollow-head valves. These valves enhance fuel economy, reduce emissions, and improve performance in gas-powered engines, featuring a unique design that lowers cylinder chamber temperature and mitigates engine knock.

*Definition: The Global Automotive VVT System Market involves components that regulates the timing of the valves operating in internal combustion engines. Variable valve timing (VVT) optimizes performance across the engine's speed and load range. The VVT system allows the engine control unit to alter camshaft timing to improve fuel efficiency, torque output, emissions and smoothness. Major auto manufacturers are increasingly adopting advanced VVT technologies to comply with stringent emission norms.

Market Segmentation

•  By Valve Train Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Dual VVT
  • Single VVT
  • Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
• By Vehicle Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Passenger Cars
  • Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)
  • Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs)
• By Sales Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
  • Aftermarket
• By Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.
  • Bosch (Robert Bosch GmbH)
  • Delphi Technologies
  • Denso Corporation
  • Eaton Corporation
  • Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation
  • Hyundai Mobis
  • JTEKT Corporation
  • Johnson Electric
  • Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
  • Nok Corporation
  • Renesas Electronics Corporation
  • Schaeffler AG
  • Tenneco Inc.
  • Valeo SA