Automotive Connecting Rod Bearing Market to Reach USD 889.6 Million by 2035, Driven by Rising ICE Vehicle Demand and Aftermarket Growth

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The global Automotive Connecting Rod Bearing Market is set for robust expansion, growing from USD 271.5 million in 2025 to USD 889.6 million by 2035 at a CAGR of 12.6%. Key growth drivers include rising production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, increasing aftermarket demand for maintenance parts, and steady sales of light commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and heavy-duty trucks worldwide.

The market remains particularly strong in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where ICE dominance continues well into the forecast period. This expansion is primarily driven by the increasing worldwide production of vehicles and strong aftermarket demand for internal combustion engine (ICE) components. Connecting rod bearings are crucial to an engine’s mechanics, and their sales are set to be dominated by ICE vehicles, particularly in key regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Furthermore, the growing number of aging vehicle fleets, which require regular maintenance and component replacement, is expected to significantly boost the aftermarket demand for these bearings.

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Market Trends Highlighted

  • ICE Dominance in Developing Regions:
    While electric vehicles are gaining traction, ICE vehicles continue to dominate markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, driving strong demand for connecting rod bearings.
  • Aftermarket Boom from Aging Vehicle Fleets:
    An aging global vehicle fleet is boosting aftermarket sales, with regular maintenance and component replacement—especially rod bearings—remaining essential to keep vehicles operational.
  • Material Innovation for Performance & Efficiency:
    Manufacturers are investing in aluminum-tin, copper-lead, and tri-metal alloys to reduce friction, improve fuel efficiency, and comply with emissions regulations.
  • Hybrid & High-Performance Engines as a Growth Segment:
    OEMs are incorporating advanced bearing designs for hybrid vehicles and high-performance applications, with coated and composite bearing surfaces gaining popularity.
  • Regional OEM Strategies:
    • USA: Precision forging, advanced surface treatments, and motorsport-grade bearings.
    • Japan: Thin-walled, high-load bearings to reduce engine weight.
    • South Korea: Lead-free, thermally stable alloys via automated manufacturing.

Key Takeaways of the Report

  • Market Value Growth: USD 271.5 million in 2025 to USD 889.6 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 12.6%.
  • Primary Demand Drivers: Rising ICE vehicle production, aftermarket replacements, and demand from commercial & passenger vehicle segments.
  • Technological Advancements: Introduction of low-friction materials, precision-fit manufacturing, and coated bearing surfaces for better durability.
  • Aftermarket Significance: Growing importance due to aging fleets, particularly in pickup, SUV, and commercial diesel segments.
  • Geographical Strongholds: Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and emerging Eastern European markets.

Automotive Connecting Rod Bearing Market: Challenges and Opportunities

The automotive connecting rod bearing market faces challenges from the shift to electric vehicles and engine downsizing, which reduces demand. OEM integration of powertrain manufacturing also limits the market for independent suppliers. However, opportunities for growth remain strong in the aftermarket, particularly in developing regions with large fleets of aging internal combustion engine vehicles. Additionally, the high-performance and motorsport segments are driving demand for material innovations, such as durable tri-metal and polymer-coated bearings.

Regional Market Outlook

  • United States (CAGR: 13.0%)
    Demand is fueled by consistent sales of light commercial vehicles, aftermarket replacements for aging SUVs and pickups, and innovations in bearing alloys for better fuel efficiency. The motorsport and heavy-duty segment also contributes significantly.
  • United Kingdom (CAGR: 12.3%)
    Driven by its ICE manufacturing legacy and a growing aftermarket, with demand from classic car restorers and low-volume rebuilders. R&D partnerships focus on lightweight materials ahead of the 2035 ICE ban.
  • European Union (CAGR: 12.6%)
    Strong OEM base in Germany, France, and Italy with a focus on emissions-compliant, high-performance bearings. Aftermarket expansion is significant in Eastern Europe due to longer vehicle lifecycles.
  • Japan (CAGR: 12.1%)
    Precision engineering leads the market, with OEMs producing thin-walled, high-load bearings for hybrids and motorcycles. Export demand remains steady.
  • South Korea (CAGR: 12.9%)
    Growth comes from domestic OEM production for ICE and hybrid models, with innovations in lead-free alloys and automated mass production for fleet and commercial diesel engines.

Company Profile

  • NSK Ltd.
  • NTN Bearing Corporation
  • Schaeffler
  • Aisin Seiki
  • SKF
  • Timken Company
  • MinebeaMitsumi Inc.
  • BNL Bearings
  • ORS Bearings
  • CW Bearing
  • IMB Bearings
  • KCI Bearings (India) Pvt. Ltd.
  • Howon Autopart Co. Ltd

Key Segmentation of Automotive Connecting Rod Bearing Market

By Sales Channel:

  • Original Equipment Manufacturers
  • Aftermarket

By Material Type:

  • Aluminum
  • Stainless Steel
  • High-carbon Steel
  • Babbitt

By Vehicle Type:

  • Heavy Commercial Vehicles
  • Light Commercial Vehicles
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles
  • Two Wheelers

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • APEJ
  • Japan
  • Middle East and Africa

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About the Author

Nikhil Kaitwade

Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc. has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries.
His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making.
Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times.

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