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.

Automotive VVT System Market Key Factors

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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.

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.