Asia-Pacific Automotive Transmission Market Outlook, 2029

Asia-Pacific Automotive Transmission Market Outlook, 2029

The Asia-Pacific (apac) region has emerged as a powerhouse in the Global automotive industry, and the market for automotive transmissions reflects this dynamism. Accounting for the largest share of Global transmission sales, the Apac market is fueled by a confluence of factors, including a burgeoning automotive manufacturing base, rising consumer demand for automatic transmissions, and government initiatives promoting fuel efficiency. Beyond these well-known aspects, the Apac automotive transmission landscape presents some unique characteristics that influence market dynamics and offer a glimpse into potential future trends. One defining feature of the Apac automotive transmission market is the growing emphasis on localization and aftermarket support. While established Global players like zf friedrichshafen, aisin seiki co., ltd., and hyundai mobis co., ltd. Maintain a significant presence in the region, there’s a rising focus on nurturing domestic transmission manufacturers. Governments in key Apac markets like China and India are implementing policies that incentivize local production of automotive components, including transmissions. This fosters the development of domestic expertise and technological capabilities, potentially leading to a more robust and self-sufficient automotive ecosystem within the Apac region. This focus on localization extends beyond just manufacturing. A well-developed aftermarket network for automotive transmissions is crucial for the long-term success of the Apac market. The sheer volume of vehicles on the road necessitates a readily available supply of spare parts, maintenance services, and repair expertise for various transmission types. Domestic players are well-positioned to cater to this need, understanding the specific requirements of the regional vehicle parc and potentially offering cost-effective aftermarket solutions. Furthermore, collaborations between Global and domestic players in areas like technology transfer and service network development can further strengthen the aftermarket support infrastructure within the Apac automotive transmission market. Another unique aspect of the Apac automotive transmission market is the growing popularity of remanufactured and rebuilt transmissions. Driven by cost-consciousness and environmental considerations, a significant segment of the market is opting for remanufactured or rebuilt transmissions instead of entirely new units. Remanufactured transmissions involve restoring used transmissions to near-original specifications through rigorous cleaning, inspection, and replacement of worn-out parts. Rebuilt transmissions, on the other hand, may involve using a combination of new and used components to achieve functionality. The availability of these options caters to a budget-conscious segment of the market while offering a more sustainable alternative to discarding used transmissions entirely. This trend necessitates a robust ecosystem for remanufacturing and rebuilding activities within the Apac region. Investments in training programs, quality control measures, and ensuring the availability of remanufactured parts are crucial for establishing trust and confidence in this segment of the market. Furthermore, collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, and remanufacturing companies can create efficient take-back and core exchange programs, facilitating the responsible collection, remanufacturing, and redeployment of used transmissions within the Apac market.

According to the research report, “Asia-Pacific automotive transmission market outlook, 2029,” published by Bonafide research, the Asia-Pacific automotive transmission market is anticipated to grow with more than 78 billion from 2024–2029. While China, India, and South Korea account for the lion's share of automotive transmission production within the Apac region, a new wave of growth is emerging in southeast asia. Countries like thailand, indonesia, and vietnam are witnessing a rapid expansion in their automotive manufacturing sectors. This growth is driven by several factors, including favorable government policies attracting foreign investments, a young and growing workforce, and a rising domestic demand for vehicles. As these southeast asian nations ramp up vehicle production, the demand for automotive transmissions is expected to surge correspondingly. This presents a unique opportunity for established transmission manufacturers to cater to this burgeoning market. However, the competitive landscape in southeast Asia is distinct from that of China, India, or South Korea. While these established giants possess well-developed domestic automotive component industries, including transmission production, southeast Asia often relies on imports for complex automotive components. This creates an opening for international transmission manufacturers to establish a foothold in the region through strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or local manufacturing facilities. Understanding the specific needs and preferences of southeast asian car manufacturers, along with navigating the intricacies of individual countries' regulations and trade policies, will be crucial for success in this emerging market. Furthermore, the rise of southeast Asia within the Apac automotive transmission market is not solely driven by established car manufacturers. The burgeoning electric vehicle (ev) industry in the region presents a unique twist. While some evs utilize single-speed gear reduction units, many higher-performance models are adopting multi-speed transmissions to optimize performance and efficiency. This trend, coupled with government initiatives in southeast Asia promoting electric vehicle adoption, necessitates a focus on developing and supplying specialized transmissions for evs alongside traditional transmissions for internal combustion engine (ice) vehicles. By catering to both established and emerging segments within the southeast asian automotive market, transmission manufacturers can solidify their presence in this high-growth region.
Market Drivers

• Rapid urbanization and rising demand for automatic transmissions: key driver for the Apac automotive transmission market is the phenomenon of rapid urbanization across the region. As cities expand and traffic congestion worsens, consumer preferences are shifting towards automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions, while historically popular due to their affordability, can be less convenient in stop-and-go traffic conditions prevalent in urban environments. Automatic transmissions offer a smoother driving experience, reducing driver fatigue and improving overall comfort, particularly for daily commutes. Furthermore, the growing disposable incomes of a burgeoning middle class in Apac economies like China and India are enabling consumers to prioritize features like convenience and comfort, further fueling the demand for automatic transmissions within the region's automotive market.
• Growing focus on localization and cost competitiveness: The Apac automotive transmission market is witnessing a growing focus on localization and cost competitiveness. Several governments within the region are implementing policies that incentivize the establishment of local manufacturing facilities for automotive components, including transmissions. This trend is driven by a desire to reduce dependence on imported parts, create jobs within the domestic economy, and potentially lower the overall cost of vehicles for consumers. The influx of foreign investments in local transmission production, coupled with the presence of a skilled and cost-competitive workforce in some Apac countries, is fostering a vibrant market for domestically produced transmissions. This focus on localization and cost competitiveness is expected to be a key driver for the Apac automotive transmission market in the coming years.

Market Challenges

Skill gap and infrastructure limitations in developing economies : The rapid growth of the Apac automotive transmission market is challenged by the existence of a skill gap and infrastructure limitations in some developing economies within the region. The production of advanced automatic transmissions requires a skilled workforce with expertise in areas like precision engineering, mechatronics, and quality control. However, the educational systems and vocational training programs in some developing Apac countries may not be fully equipped to meet this demand. Furthermore, limitations in transportation infrastructure and logistics networks within these economies can create bottlenecks in the supply chain for raw materials and finished transmission units. Addressing the skill gap and investing in infrastructure development will be crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the Apac automotive transmission market.
The uncertain long-term impact of electric vehicles: The burgeoning electric vehicle (ev) market presents a unique challenge for the Apac automotive transmission market. While the full-scale adoption of evs is still in its early stages within the region, their growing presence raises questions about the long-term demand for traditional transmissions. Some evs utilize single-speed gear reduction units, potentially reducing the need for complex multi-gear transmissions. The future of transmission technology in the Apac region will depend on the pace of ev adoption, consumer preferences for specific ev functionalities (like range and acceleration), and the potential development of multi-speed transmissions specifically designed for electric vehicles.
Based on the report, the automotive transmission market is segmented into manual, automatic, automated manual transmission (amt) and others (cvt, dct).

Automatic Transmissions (AT) is the undisputed leader in the Apac automotive transmission market. This dominance is fueled by several factors specific to the region's economic growth, evolving consumer preferences, and infrastructural limitations. Rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes in developing Apac countries like China and India are leading to a surge in car ownership. Consumers in these markets are increasingly seeking comfortable and convenient driving experiences, factors heavily influenced by automatic transmissions. Additionally, growing traffic congestion in major Apac cities makes automatic transmissions a desirable option for stop-and-go traffic situations, reducing driver fatigue and improving fuel efficiency compared to manual transmissions in such conditions. However, the dominance of automatic transmissions in Apac is not absolute. Unlike established markets where manual transmissions are primarily relegated to budget-oriented vehicles, the Apac landscape retains a significant presence of manual transmissions, particularly in lower-priced cars. This is driven by several factors. Cost remains a crucial consideration for many Apac consumers, and manual transmissions offer a significant cost advantage over automatics. Furthermore, the lack of widespread availability and affordability of used automatic vehicles in some developing Apac markets incentivizes budget-conscious buyers towards new cars with manual transmissions. Additionally, established car manufacturers in the region, like suzuki and maruti suzuki, have cultivated a strong reputation for fuel-efficient and reliable manual transmissions, catering to a value-driven segment within the Apac market. Beyond automatics and manuals, the Apac market for transmissions witnesses growing interest in automated manual transmissions (amts). Amts offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional automatics, providing a similar driving experience with clutchless gear changes. This technology is finding traction in budget-conscious segments within the Apac market, particularly for entry-level sedans and hatchbacks. Othe rtransmission technologies, like continuously variable transmissions (cvts) and dual-clutch transmissions (dcts), are also present in the Apac landscape, but their penetration remains relatively low. Cvts are gaining some traction in specific segments, particularly for fuel-efficient compact cars, while dcts are typically limited to performance-oriented vehicles due to their higher cost and complexity.

According to the report, the automotive transmission market is segmented into passenger vehicles, lcvs and hcvs.

Passenger vehicles, particularly cost-effective and fuel-efficient models, dominate the Apac automotive transmission market. This dominance is driven by a burgeoning middle class in many Apac countries, rising disposable incomes, and increasing urbanization. Within this segment, automatic automotive transmissions are gaining traction, especially in larger cities with congested traffic conditions. However, manual automotive transmissions remain popular due to their affordability and perceived fuel efficiency, particularly in developing economies within the region. Two-wheelers, a ubiquitous mode of transport in many Apac countries, utilize a variety of automotive transmission technologies depending on engine size and power requirements. Simple and cost-effective gearboxes are common for smaller two-wheelers, while larger engine displacements may necessitate more complex automatic or semi-automatic automotive transmissions. The lcv segment in the Apac automotive transmission market is experiencing significant growth due to the flourishing e-commerce sector and expanding logistics industry. These factors necessitate reliable and efficient delivery vehicles, driving demand for lcvs equipped with robust automotive transmissions capable of handling increased loads and frequent stop-and-go driving conditions. Automatic automotive transmissions are increasingly favored in lcvs for their ease of operation and improved driver comfort, particularly in urban environments with heavy traffic. However, manual automotive transmissions remain prevalent due to their lower cost and perceived fuel efficiency in certain markets. The hcv segment, crucial for long-distance freight transportation within apac, presents a distinct automotive transmission landscape. Manual automotive transmissions have traditionally dominated this segment due to their robustness, ability to handle high torque loads, and perceived efficiency. However, advancements in automated manual automotive transmissions (amts) and automated automotive transmission technologies are gaining traction. These technologies offer a balance between driver control and fuel efficiency, potentially improving operational costs for fleet operators. Furthermore, growing stringency around emissions regulations in some Apac countries is prompting interest in alternative automotive transmission technologies like electric drivetrains, particularly for short-haul applications within the hcv segment.

Based on the report, the major countries covered include China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and the rest of Asia-Pacific.

China emerges as the undisputed leader within the Asia-Pacific (apac) automotive transmission market, driven by a confluence of factors. Firstly, China boasts the world's largest automotive industry by production volume. This translates to a massive demand for transmissions across various vehicle segments, from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (lcvs) to heavy commercial vehicles (hcvs). Secondly, the rapid urbanization and growing middle class within China fuel the demand for automatic transmissions (ats). Consumers increasingly prioritize comfort, convenience, and features like automatic gear changes, particularly in congested urban environments. Government policies promoting fuel efficiency also play a role. While manual transmissions (mts) were traditionally dominant due to their lower cost, advancements in at technology have narrowed the fuel economy gap. Furthermore, government incentives for fuel-efficient vehicles can make ats a more attractive option for cost-conscious consumers. Beyond market size and consumer preferences, China's domestic automotive industry plays a crucial role in its leadership within the Apac transmission market. The country boasts a well-established base of automotive manufacturers, many of whom have formed joint ventures with Global transmission giants. This not only facilitates technology transfer and knowledge sharing but also fosters the development of a domestic supply chain for transmission components. Additionally, the chinese government actively promotes the localization of automotive parts production, incentivizing domestic companies to invest in research & development and manufacturing capabilities for transmissions. This focus on domestic production strengthens China's position as a leader within the Apac transmission market, potentially reducing reliance on imported components and fostering a more self-sufficient automotive ecosystem. However, China's leadership is not without challenges. The presence of a large, value-conscious consumer segment necessitates a continued focus on cost-effective transmission solutions, potentially limiting the adoption of more advanced and expensive automatic technologies. Furthermore, intellectual property concerns and potential trade tensions can pose challenges for collaboration between domestic and foreign transmission manufacturers.



Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Automotive Transmission market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Transmission Type
• Manual
• Automatic
• Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
• Others (CVT, DCT)

By Vehicle Type
• Passenger Vehicles (passenger cars, Two wheelers, Suv,..)
• LCVs
• HCVs

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Automotive Transmission industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


Keywords:
Automotive Transmission, Manual, Automatic, Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), Others (CVT, DCT), Passenger Vehicles (passenger cars, Two wheelers, Suv,..), LCVs, HCVs.
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