Transmission Fluid Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2022-2027
The global transmission fluid market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.15% during 2022-2027.
Transmission fluid is a product that provides lubrication for the transmission assembly which consists of transmission, gearbox, and axle. It helps to reduce the friction and heat generated during the operation. As the gearbox runs at high speed it is necessary to provide good quality lubricant to avoid malfunction of the vehicle. Transmission fluid is essential to improve the vehicle’s performance as the transmission transfers the power generated in the engine to the vehicle’s wheels. Therefore, transmission fluid is the critical component offering smooth functioning of the transmission assembly. When transmission assembly is in operation, transmission fluid acts as a lubricant and protects the many moving parts such as clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, differential and axle, and live axle. The transmission fluid market changes as the customers demand better-performing lubricants to enhance the fuel economy and deliver better performance. Transmission fluids are manufactured from mineral oils derived from crude oil in the past. However, as the automotive industry developed, the mineral oil-based transmission fluid could not perform as per the new engine and transmission requirements. Therefore, demand for synthetic oil-based transmission fluid and additives is increasing rapidly. Advancements in technology helped the transmission fluid industry cater to diverse needs such as increasing the shelf life of the transmission, reducing carbon footprint, improving fuel economy, supplying lubricants with low viscosity, and meeting the increasing vehicle emission standards. The growing use of passenger cars in emerging economies has fueled the transmission fluid market. The global transmission fluid market shipment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.16% during the forecast period.
MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS
Increasing Demand for Passenger and Commercial Vehicles in Emerging Economies
The demand for commercial and passenger vehicles in India, China, Brazil, and South Korea is growing because of rapid development in the automotive and infrastructure industry. Over the past decades, the automotive market has developed immensely in R&D, production capacity, competitive standards, and continuous development. The infrastructure industry in emerging economies has proliferated because of low-cost labor, low-cost raw material, government subsidiaries, and high foreign direct investment (FDI). According to the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), since 2005, the automobile industry has shown rapid growth in emerging economies because of rapid industrialization and increased foreign direct investment (FDI). Therefore, it has created well-paying jobs in emerging economies which has increased the buying power of customers. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for passenger cars had grown as people preferred private vehicles to travel instead of public transportation. Also, during the pandemic, the transport of food and medical supplies increased the demand for commercial vehicles.
OPPORTUNITIES
Rapid Growth in Electric Vehicle Market
Electric vehicle (EVs) runs on electric motors but transmitting the power from motors to wheel transmission assembly is required. Electric vehicle transmission assembly comprises a single or multi-gearbox and axle rod to transfer power. Therefore, even though EVs run on the electric motor, they still require some lubricant, such as transmission fluid, for better performance of the vehicle. Governments and many automotive manufacturers are focusing on electric cars to increase the production and use of electric vehicles.
Electric cars have become popular among customers because of rising crude oil prices; also, EVs help reach the environmental objectives. Additionally, electric vehicles are more efficient than conventional ICE vehicles. Electric vehicles help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to a significant amount. Furthermore, EVs do not produce any exhaust, significantly reducing air pollution. Understanding the market scenario of EVs, many lubricant manufacturers such as Castrol (UK), Valvoline (US), Shell PLC (US), and TotalEnergies (France) have launched a new range of transmission fluids that are compatible with EVs. Therefore, an increase in the EV fluids market will increase the demand for transmission fluid.
CHALLENGES
Matured Market for Passenger Vehicles in Developed Economies
US, Germany, and Japan are the developed countries, and the passenger car market is matured in this region as most of the population owns at least one car per person. Therefore, no major driving factors will increase the demand for passenger cars. Consequently, it will affect the transmission fluid market. Additionally, the GDP growth in the developed countries such as the US, Germany, and Japan did not show a significant increase compared to India, Indonesia, and China. This slow growth in GDP affected the development of the passenger car market because when the economic conditions are good, people purchase more passenger cars. For the developed countries, economic conditions are not favorable for the passenger car market. According to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average number of vehicles in the household is 1.9. As per Worldatlas, Germany has 566 cars per 1000 people while China has 173 cars per 1000 individuals, Indonesia has 78 vehicles per 1000 individuals, and India has 225 cars per 1000 individuals. As per the data mentioned above, developed countries have a significantly high number of cars, and because of that, the demand for passenger cars has been steady in developed countries. The points mentioned above indicate that the passenger car market in developed nations like the US, Germany, and Japan is mature. Therefore, the demand for passenger cars is steady and will negatively impact the transmission fluid demand.
TRANSMISSION FLUID MARKET SEGMENT ANALYSIS
The Passenger car is expected to be the largest segment in the transmission fluid market. Transmission fluid is the most common automotive lubricant used in passenger cars. Transmission fluids play an essential role in the overall performance of vehicles with protection against wear and tear of moving parts in a transmission assembly. Transmission fluid oil consists of base oils and various additives, which give a broad spectrum of properties. The global transmission fluid products are widely used in multiple vehicles such as passenger cars, commercial vehicles, heavy vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and others.
Transmission fluid is generally available in three oil types: entirely synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oil. All three oil types have some advantages, but the fully synthetic oil-based transmission fluid is the largest oil type segment in the transmission fluid market. Synthetic lubricants are derived from Group III, Group IV, and Group V base oils. Fully synthetic oil is more expensive than mineral oil and semi-synthetic oil, which helps consumers get premium-quality transmission fluid. Entirely synthetic oils increase vehicle performance, excellent parts protection, and better fuel efficiency.
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