Automotive Power Liftgate Market Insights & Forecast | 2032

The global Automotive Power Liftgate Market Size was valued at approximately USD 2.34 billion in 2023, with projections suggesting it will grow at a robust CAGR of 14% from 2024 to 2032. Expected to reach USD 7.51 billion by the end of 2032, this market’s growth is fueled by increased demand for convenient, safe, and technologically advanced vehicle features. Power liftgates are becoming a popular component in both luxury and non-luxury vehicles, allowing users to open and close the vehicle’s trunk with ease using a button, smart key, or foot sensor.

Key Benefits of Power Liftgates

  1. Enhanced Convenience: Power liftgates offer hands-free operation, which is highly convenient for users with full hands, improving overall vehicle accessibility.
  2. Safety Features: Equipped with anti-pinch sensors and adjustable height settings, these liftgates prevent injuries and avoid damage to the vehicle.
  3. Value Addition for Vehicle Manufacturers: By integrating power liftgates, automakers can offer a premium feature that appeals to a broad spectrum of consumers, thus increasing the vehicle’s marketability.

Key Industry Developments

  • Innovations in Sensor Technology: Sensor integration, including foot-activated systems, has advanced, leading to increased functionality in power liftgates.
  • Partnerships and Collaborations: Companies are forming strategic partnerships to develop more cost-effective and efficient power liftgate systems.
  • Smart Integration with Vehicles: Major players are focusing on integrating power liftgates with other vehicle systems, including connectivity features through mobile applications and vehicle infotainment systems.

Driving Factors

  1. Increased Demand for Luxury Vehicles: The rise in disposable incomes has led to a growing preference for luxury vehicles, many of which include power liftgates as standard features.
  2. Advancements in Sensor Technology: The integration of advanced sensor technologies, such as gesture recognition, boosts convenience and user experience.
  3. Rising Interest in Autonomous and Electric Vehicles: With autonomous and electric vehicles gaining popularity, manufacturers are adding smart, user-friendly features like power liftgates to enhance appeal.

Restraining Factors

  1. High Costs: Power liftgates are still relatively expensive to manufacture and install, which can be a deterrent, especially in budget segments.
  2. Complexity in Retrofitting: Retrofitting existing vehicles with power liftgates is complex and costly, limiting the market primarily to new vehicle sales.
  3. Dependence on Semiconductor Components: The shortage of semiconductor components has impacted the production of power liftgates, causing delays and affecting market growth.

Market Segmentation

The automotive power liftgate market can be segmented based on:

  1. Vehicle Type:

    • SUVs
    • Sedans
    • Hatchbacks
    • Others
  2. Technology:

    • Conventional Power Liftgates
    • Hands-free Power Liftgates
  3. Sales Channel:

    • OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
    • Aftermarket
  4. Geography:

    • North America
    • Europe
    • Asia-Pacific
    • Latin America
    • Middle East & Africa

Market Outlook

The automotive power liftgate market shows promising growth potential, driven by increasing consumer expectations for enhanced comfort and safety features. The rising adoption of SUVs, a segment known for including power liftgates as standard equipment, will further propel the market. Emerging economies are anticipated to contribute significantly to the market’s expansion as rising middle-class populations show interest in feature-rich vehicles.

Trends Shaping the Market

  1. Focus on Lightweight Materials: Manufacturers are using lightweight materials like aluminum in power liftgate systems, reducing the vehicle’s weight and improving fuel efficiency.
  2. Integration with Smart Key Systems: Modern vehicles often incorporate power liftgates with smart key systems for enhanced security and user convenience.
  3. Growth of the Aftermarket: The aftermarket segment is seeing growth, driven by consumers looking to upgrade their vehicles with power liftgates.

Market Analysis

The automotive power liftgate market is expected to witness robust demand across both luxury and mainstream vehicle segments. OEMs dominate the market, as they offer power liftgates as factory-installed options, while the aftermarket segment continues to grow. North America and Europe hold substantial market shares due to high adoption rates of SUVs and luxury vehicles.

Recent News

  • October 2023: A major automaker announced the launch of a new SUV model with a factory-fitted, gesture-activated power liftgate, a first in the model lineup.
  • June 2023: A leading technology company developed a new foot-sensor technology for hands-free power liftgates, which is more responsive and accurate.

Top Impacting Factors

  • Rising consumer demand for convenience-oriented features
  • Growth of autonomous and electric vehicle markets
  • Increased focus on vehicle safety and comfort

Target Audience

  • Automobile Manufacturers: OEMs looking to enhance their vehicle offerings with advanced features.
  • Automotive Component Manufacturers: Suppliers and developers of liftgate systems, sensors, and related technology.
  • Consumers: Vehicle owners interested in aftermarket upgrades for convenience and safety.

Major Key Players

  1. Faurecia SE
  2. Magna International Inc.
  3. Huf Group
  4. Strattec Security Corporation
  5. Woodbine Manufacturing
  6. Autoease Technology
  7. Brose Fahrzeugteile
  8. Other

Opportunities

  1. Expansion in Emerging Markets: Rapid economic growth and increasing disposable incomes in countries like India and China present opportunities for expansion.
  2. Development of Cost-Effective Solutions: Manufacturers have the opportunity to expand market reach by developing affordable power liftgate solutions for budget-friendly vehicles.
  3. Technological Integration: The integration of power liftgates with IoT and connected vehicle systems offers the potential to enhance user convenience and control.

Challenges

  1. Technological Complexity: Power liftgates involve intricate electronics and mechanisms, which can be a challenge in terms of durability and maintenance.
  2. High Installation Costs: The high cost of installation and replacement can deter potential customers, particularly in lower-income regions.
  3. Supply Chain Constraints: The global supply chain disruptions and semiconductor shortages continue to impact production timelines and costs.

Restraints

  1. Consumer Skepticism in Emerging Economies: High costs and lack of awareness can lead to lower adoption in some regions.
  2. Dependency on Semiconductor Supply: The semiconductor shortage has significantly impacted production capacities across the automotive industry.
  3. Maintenance Concerns: Some consumers express concerns over potential maintenance issues with advanced liftgate systems.

Market Scope

The automotive power liftgate market has significant growth potential due to the increasing adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles. Key market players are investing in R&D to develop lightweight, durable, and sensor-integrated systems, enhancing both safety and user convenience. The market is projected to grow as manufacturers focus on customer-driven features and aftermarket solutions.

Conclusion

The automotive power liftgate market is set to expand rapidly in the coming years. As consumers seek greater convenience, safety, and advanced technology in their vehicles, power liftgates are becoming a standard feature in modern cars, especially in the luxury segment. With advancements in technology and ongoing innovation, this market offers substantial opportunities for growth, particularly as manufacturers look to tap into the demands of both OEM and aftermarket channels.