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The piston market size is forecast to increase by USD 15.7 billion at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2023 and 2028. The market is driven by the mass production of gasoline engines for various vehicle types, including economic cars, hatchbacks, compact sedans, and compact SUVs. A key trend in this market is the adoption of flat-top pistons, which increase the surface area of the piston crown and improve the flame front for better combustion efficiency. Additionally, engine downsizing is a significant trend due to increasing carbon-dioxide emissions regulations, leading OEMs to focus on producing smaller, yet powerful engines. The use of additive manufacturing in the production of pistons is also on the rise, enabling the creation of complex geometries and reducing production costs. These factors are expected to boost the growth of the market.
The market is a significant sector in the global automotive industry, focusing on the production of pistons for mass-produced engines used in various vehicle applications. Flat-top pistons, a crucial component in internal combustion engines, play a vital role in enhancing engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. Flat-top pistons, characterized by their flat crown, are widely used in gasoline engines, particularly in 4-cylinder engines and economic cars such as hatchbacks. The surface area of these pistons is meticulously designed to optimize the combustion process, ensuring efficient fuel consumption and improved engine efficiency. The flame front, a critical aspect of the combustion process, interacts directly with the piston crown. In the context of flat-top pistons, the design of the crown's surface area influences the flame front's behavior, ultimately affecting engine performance and emissions. Engine downsizing is a trending approach in the automotive industry, driven by the need to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Flat-top pistons, with their optimized surface area and design, contribute significantly to engine downsizing by enabling smaller engine sizes while maintaining acceptable power output. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are continually seeking advanced piston technologies to meet emission regulations and consumer demands for fuel-efficient and high-performance engines. Lightweight materials, such as aluminum, and durable materials, like high-strength alloys, are commonly used in piston design to minimize weight and enhance durability.
Additionally, advanced coatings, such as thermal barrier coatings, are also employed to improve engine performance and fuel efficiency. These coatings protect the piston from the extreme heat generated during combustion, reducing the amount of heat transferred to the engine block and improving overall engine efficiency. In the realm of high-performance engines, flat-top pistons are engineered to provide optimal power output while maintaining fuel efficiency. The use of advanced materials and coatings further enhances their performance and durability. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the automotive industry, but the piston market continues to thrive in the context of traditional internal combustion engines. The focus on vehicle ownership costs, engine performance, and emissions reduction keeps the demand for advanced piston technologies high. In conclusion, the automotive piston market is a dynamic and evolving sector, driven by the need for fuel efficiency, engine performance, and emissions reduction. Flat-top pistons, with their optimized surface area and flame front design, play a crucial role in meeting these demands. The use of advanced materials, coatings, and piston designs continues to push the boundaries of engine performance and fuel efficiency.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.
The transport segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Internal combustion engines, specifically gasoline engines, rely on pistons to convert expanding gases into mechanical energy for vehicle propulsion. Pistons serve multiple functions, including creating a gas-tight seal in the cylinder, transferring force from the cylinder to the crankshaft, and acting as a bearing for the gudgeon pin. The design of pistons involves balancing strength, weight, and thermal expansion control.
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The transport segment was valued at USD 16.40 billion in 2018. Flat-top pistons, a common type, maximize the combustion chamber surface area for efficient fuel burn and improved engine performance. This design is increasingly popular in mass-produced engines due to its benefits in engine downsizing and reduced CO2 emissions. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are integrating this technology into various vehicle types, such as economic cars, hatchbacks, compact sedans, and compact SUVs. The piston market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for more fuel-efficient engines.
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APAC is estimated to contribute 46% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. In the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, the automotive industry is experiencing significant growth due to increased production in countries like China, India, and South Korea. These nations are among the world's leading automotive producers, and the pistons market is poised for expansion as a result. As vehicle production rises, there is a growing demand for high-performance and fuel-efficient engines. To meet this demand, manufacturers are utilizing advanced materials such as lightweight aluminum and durable steel for piston production. Strict emission regulations are also driving the need for improved piston technology. In response, companies are investing in research and development to create smart pistons with enhanced thermal conductivity. These innovations will enable vehicles to comply with increasingly stringent regulations while maintaining optimal engine performance.
Moreover, the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is influencing the pistons market. Although EVs do not require pistons, the growing popularity of hybrid vehicles and the ongoing demand for ICE vehicles ensure a steady need for pistons. As the automotive industry evolves, manufacturers must continue to innovate to meet the demands of consumers and regulatory bodies. In conclusion, the pistons market in APAC is expected to grow significantly due to increasing vehicle production, the adoption of advanced materials, and stricter emission regulations. Manufacturers must focus on creating fuel-efficient, lightweight, and durable pistons to meet the needs of the evolving automotive landscape.
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
The increase in production of vehicles is notably driving market growth. The global piston market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing production of vehicles, particularly in response to the rising demand for personal transportation in both developed and emerging economies. With population growth and urbanization accelerating, more consumers are turning to automobiles as a means of transportation, leading to increased sales of passenger cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. This trend necessitates a corresponding increase in the production of pistons, which are essential components in internal combustion engines.
Moreover, traditional automakers are responding to the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) by enhancing their engine technologies, driving innovation and production in the global piston market. Advanced piston technologies, such as those utilizing low-friction alloys, high-strength alloys, and advanced coatings, are becoming increasingly important for improving engine efficiency, reducing emissions, and boosting engine performance. The global piston market is expected to continue this growth trajectory during the forecast period, as manufacturers ramp up production to meet the increasing demand for vehicles. Key technologies shaping the market include thermal management, turbocharged engines, and piston design innovations. Thus, such factors are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The increase in adoption of additive manufacturing is the key trend in the market. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a cutting-edge technology that constructs three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. This process is increasingly being adopted in the automotive industry for manufacturing components, such as pistons, for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles (LCV), and heavy commercial vehicles (HCV). Pistons are essential engine components available in various types, including trunk pistons, crosshead pistons, slipper pistons, and deflector pistons. Additive manufacturing offers numerous advantages over traditional manufacturing methods.
Furthermore, by enabling the designing and printing of new prototypes, companies can verify their designs before investing in expensive tooling. Compared to the high costs and extended time required for mold replacement in conventional manufacturing, additive manufacturing significantly reduces new product development costs and risks. Furthermore, the streamlined production process of additive manufacturing minimizes complexities and reduces overall production costs. Thus, such trends will shape the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The growing demand for engine downsizing is the major challenge that affects the growth of the market. The automotive industry in the United States is witnessing a significant shift towards the production of high-performance, fuel-efficient engines. This trend is driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient engines, as automakers seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy in vehicles. In response, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are focusing on engine downsizing as a solution. By reducing engine displacement, torque, and fuel consumption, downsized engines offer a more efficient alternative to larger engines. Honda Motors, for example, has introduced a 1-liter three-cylinder engine in Europe, which incorporates friction reduction technologies to enhance fuel economy. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are leading the charge for reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency in the US, making engine downsizing an essential strategy for automakers.
However, precision forging and the use of advanced alloys, such as forged aluminum, are also key components of piston technology that contribute to increased efficiency and reduced emissions. Thermal barrier coatings and heat transfer technologies further optimize engine performance by minimizing heat loss and maximizing combustion efficiency. In the realm of DIY maintenance and car tuning, these advancements in piston technology are of great interest to enthusiasts and professionals alike, as they offer the potential for significant performance gains while reducing fuel consumption. Hence, the above factors will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
AISIN CORP. - The company offers pistons such as Aisin Engine Pistons, which are designed for various automotive applications, ensuring durability and performance.
The market research and growth report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The piston market caters to the demand for flat-top pistons in various automotive applications, including gasoline engines found in economic cars, hatchbacks, compact sedans, and compact SUVs. The mass-produced engines in passenger vehicles require pistons with optimal surface area to ensure efficient fuel combustion and engine performance. Flame front management is a critical factor in piston design, as it directly impacts engine efficiency and emission reduction. Manufacturers focus on developing lightweight materials, such as aluminum and high-strength alloys, to meet emission regulations and enhance fuel efficiency in both high-performance and fuel-efficient engines. Advanced piston technologies, including thermal barrier coatings, low-friction alloys, and precision forging, are essential for improving thermal management and reducing oil shedding.
In addition, the aftermarket sector offers various piston options, including aluminum and steel pistons, piston rings, piston pins, and thermal barrier coatings. OEMs and vehicle production companies rely on these components to meet the demands of vehicle ownership and the shift toward electric vehicles. Piston technology continues to evolve, with advancements in materials, coatings, and design, leading to improved engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. DIY maintenance and car tuning enthusiasts also benefit from these advancements, with piston coating and piston options available for turbocharged engines. The piston market serves various vehicle segments, including passenger cars, LCVs, HCVs, and heavy commercial vehicles, with applications ranging from trunk pistons and crosshead pistons to slipper pistons and deflector pistons.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
135 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018-2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.8% |
Market Growth 2024-2028 |
USD 15.7 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
7.0 |
Regional analysis |
APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 46% |
Key countries |
China, US, Germany, India, and Russia |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
AISIN CORP., Amalgamations Group, Amsted Industries Inc., Arias Pistons, Capricorn Automotive Ltd., Continental AG, Cosworth Group Holdings Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., MAHLE GmbH, Menon Pistons Ltd., MING SHUN INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD., Rheinmetall AG, Ross Racing Pistons, Shandong Binzhou Bohai Piston Co. Ltd., Shriram Pistons and Rings Ltd., Tenneco Inc., Wossner GmbH, and ZENITH TROOP INDUSTRIAL Co. Ltd. |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the market forecast period. |
Customization purview |
If our market report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
We can help! Our analysts can customize this market research report to meet your requirements.
1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Application
7 Customer Landscape
8 Geographic Landscape
9 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
10 Competitive Landscape
11 Competitive Analysis
12 Appendix
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