Automotive Steering Wheel - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)
Description
Automotive Steering Wheel Market Analysis
The automotive steering wheel market stood at USD 34.98 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 43.25 billion by 2030, advancing at a 4.34% CAGR during the forecast period (2025-2030). Growth is propelled by electrification, Level 3+ autonomous vehicle development, and expanding safety mandates pushing airbag integration and biometric driver-monitoring into the wheel. Electric Power Steering (EPS) remains the volume backbone, yet steer-by-wire (SbW) platforms are scaling fastest as premium EV programs validate column-less cockpits. Lightweight metals and natural-fiber composites limit mass while supporting OEM sustainability targets. Asia-Pacific commands production share thanks to China’s battery-electric boom and semiconductor localisation, whereas North America and Europe pull demand for premium interfaces with haptic controls. Competitive intensity is moderate: legacy leaders Autoliv, ZF Friedrichshafen, and Joyson extend vertical integration. However, software-defined vehicle specialists and chipmakers are carving out white-space in steering control and cybersecurity stacks.
Global Automotive Steering Wheel Market Trends and Insights
Surging Adoption of Steer-By-Wire (SBW) Platforms
Mercedes-Benz will roll out full SbW on the 2026 EQS, following NIO’s 2025 launch of the ET9 that features ZF’s column-less architecture. The technology removes mechanical links, enabling variable ratios and software-tuned feedback for urban manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. ZF has secured multi-OEM contracts that underpin a 7.90% CAGR for SbW hardware through 2030. The shift allows software-defined chassis control while challenging traditional suppliers to build electronic and cybersecurity competencies. Early wins in China illustrate regulators’ willingness to homologate the architecture, accelerating global uptake.
Mandatory Frontal-Airbag Integration in Steering Wheels
EU General Safety Regulation II, effective July 2024, compels enhanced emergency braking and drowsiness-warning functions that re-shape steering design. In the United States, NHTSA research into driver-impairment detection uses tactile sensors embedded in the rim under the DADSS program. ZF LIFETEC has engineered top-deployment airbags that blend aesthetics with crash performance, meeting stricter packaging limits. Convergence of mandates raises system complexity and integration cost but standardises global requirements, creating volume leverage for tier-ones.
Volatile Aluminum and Magnesium Prices
Spot prices for aluminium and magnesium have swung more than 20% in 2024-2025, squeezing margins on lightweight rims and spokes. Suppliers hedge through long-term supply contracts and alloy substitution, yet cost spikes deter adoption in cost-sensitive segments. OEMs explore recycled feedstock to offset volatility, but tier-two casting shops remain exposed to raw-material risk.
Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:
- Light-Weighting Push From EV OEMs
- Legislative Drive-Impairment Monitoring Via Wheel Sensors
- Global SbW Homologation and Cyber-Security Compliance Lag
For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.
Segment Analysis
EPS controlled 38.23% of the automotive steering wheel market in 2024 as OEMs upgraded hydraulic systems to electric assist for efficiency and ADAS readiness. Conventional column-steer persists in markets prioritising low cost and mechanical simplicity. Steer-by-wire remains niche but is forecast at 7.90% CAGR to 2030 thanks to premium EV launches and autonomous drive programs.
The EPS-heavy portion of the steering wheel market size supports today’s electrification, while SbW prepares the ground for Level 3+ hands-free modes. ZF’s ET9 contract showcases commercial viability, delivering a variable ratio and software-defined feel without hydraulic fluid. In commercial trucks, EPS units provide up to 8,000 Nm torque yet trim energy draw compared with hydraulic pumps, underlining the efficiency case.
Second-order effects shape supplier positioning. EPS units rely on integrated torque sensors that feed lane-keep and auto-park functions, raising entry barriers for low-cost players. SbW architectures create fresh real estate for retractable columns, enabling living-room cabin concepts. Integration of high-bandwidth CAN-FD or Ethernet-based domain controllers further blurs lines between chassis and infotainment domains, offering white-space for software integrators rather than classic column specialists.
Aluminium remained the leader with 37.45% of the automotive steering wheel market share in 2024, credited to 40% mass savings and endless recyclability. Steel endures for heavy-duty fleets where durability trumps weight. Magnesium rims serve high-performance niches but face processing and corrosion cost hurdles. Natural-fibre composites, notably hemp and flax, are set to grow 7.65% CAGR through 2030, propelled by automakers’ cradle-to-gate CO2 targets. Cupra’s ampliTex seatbacks cut 49% CO2 versus carbon fibre, signalling scalability for interior parts.
The steering wheel market benefits from bio-composite skins over aluminium skeletons, marrying structural integrity with tactile sustainability cues. Challenges persist: moisture absorption demands advanced resin systems, and bio-fibre parts cannot exceed 200 °C bake cycles common in EV paint lines. Nevertheless, European directives urging 25% recycled or bio-based content in interiors post-2028 strengthen the pull for natural fibres.
The Automotive Steering Wheel Market is Segmented by Technology (Conventional Column-Steer, and More), Material Type (Aluminum Rim, Magnesium Rim, and More), Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles, and More), Sales Channel (Original-Fitted and Aftermarket Replacement), Propulsion Type (Internal Combustion Engine, and More), and Geography. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific led the automotive steering wheel market with 48.67% share in 2024 and is growing at 6.80% CAGR on the strength of China’s EV surge and policy-backed chip localisation. Beijing targets 25% local semiconductor content by 2025, anchoring supply for wheel-integrated sensors and ECUs. Large-scale production and cost efficiencies permit rapidly migrating premium features such as haptic feedback into mid-segment vehicles. However, export restrictions on rare-earth magnets have disrupted OEM production schedules, as seen in temporary shutdowns at Suzuki and Ford plants.
North America remains a technology adopter rather than a cost leader. US infrastructure legislation mandates driver-impairment detection, spurring demand for sensor-rich wheels, while Canadian and Mexican plants scale EPS output to serve Detroit Three EV programs. Nexteer’s new technical centre in Mexico adds 350 roles by 2026 to hone column-type EPS and SbW validation, exploiting near-shoring trends. Trade-policy uncertainty around potential US tariffs on Mexican assemblies could shift sourcing back to Asia despite freight premiums.
Europe balances premiumisation with strict safety mandates. EU GSR II and Euro NCAP 2026 physical-button requirements anchor demand for integrated wheel controls and grip sensors. Bosch’s Hungarian plant now produces EPS racks for regional OEMs, evidencing capacity expansion nearer to premium customers. On the supply side, German tier-ones push SbW validation through TÜV and KBA authorities, setting performance benchmarks that ripple through global homologation.
Emerging regions - South America, the Middle East, and Africa - show double-digit unit growth off low bases. India’s component makers pursue a USD 100 billion export ambition, with steering wheel assemblies viewed as tariff-friendly volume cargo. ZF Rane’s acquisition of TRW Sun Steering Wheels adds Gurugram and Pune plants, enhancing domestic content for localised airbags and sensors. Gulf states accelerate EV adoption for fleet decarbonisation, yet infrastructure gaps delay large-scale SbW rollout.
List of Companies Covered in this Report:
- Autoliv Inc.
- ZF Friedrichshafen AG
- Joyson Safety Systems
- Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
- Valeo SA
- Nexteer Automotive Group
- Tokai Rika Co., Ltd.
- Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
- JTEKT Corporation
- NSK Ltd.
- Mando Corporation
- Robert Bosch GmbH
- Denso Corporation
- Continental AG
- Thyssenkrupp AG
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
- 2 Research Methodology
- 3 Executive Summary
- 4 Market Landscape
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.2.1 Surging Adoption of Steer-By-Wire (SBW) Platforms
- 4.2.2 Mandatory Frontal-Airbag Integration In Steering Wheels
- 4.2.3 Light-Weighting Push From EV OEMs
- 4.2.4 Premiumisation and In-Cabin UX Upgrades
- 4.2.5 Legislative Drive-Impairment Monitoring Via Wheel Sensors
- 4.2.6 Demand For Stowable/Column-Less Cockpits In L3+ Vehicles
- 4.3 Market Restraints
- 4.3.1 Volatile Aluminium and Magnesium Prices
- 4.3.2 Global Sbw Homologation and Cybersecurity Compliance Lag
- 4.3.3 Chip-Level Shortages For Haptic/Driver-Sense Modules
- 4.3.4 Share-Shift Risk From Joystick/Voice HMI In Robo-Taxis
- 4.3.5 Chip-Level Shortages For Haptic/Driver-Sense Modules
- 4.4 Value / Supply-Chain Analysis
- 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
- 4.6 Technological Outlook
- 4.7 Porter's Five Forces
- 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.7.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
- 5 Market Size & Growth Forecasts (Value (USD))
- 5.1 By Technology
- 5.1.1 Conventional Column-Steer
- 5.1.2 Electric Power-Assist (EPS)
- 5.1.3 Steer-by-Wire (SbW)
- 5.2 By Material Type
- 5.2.1 Aluminium Rim
- 5.2.2 Magnesium Rim
- 5.2.3 Steel Rim
- 5.2.4 Natural-fibre Composite Rim
- 5.3 By Vehicle Type
- 5.3.1 Passenger Cars
- 5.3.2 Light Commercial Vehicles
- 5.3.3 Heavy Commercial Vehicles
- 5.3.4 Bus and Coahes
- 5.4 By Sales Channel
- 5.4.1 OEM Fitted
- 5.4.2 Aftermarket Replacement
- 5.5 By Propulsion Type
- 5.5.1 Internal-Combustion Engine
- 5.5.2 Battery-Electric Vehicle
- 5.5.3 Hybrid Electric Vehicle
- 5.5.4 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
- 5.5.5 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
- 5.5.6 Alternative Fuels
- 5.6 By Geography
- 5.6.1 North America
- 5.6.1.1 United States
- 5.6.1.2 Canada
- 5.6.1.3 Rest of North America
- 5.6.2 South America
- 5.6.2.1 Brazil
- 5.6.2.2 Argentina
- 5.6.2.3 Rest of South America
- 5.6.3 Europe
- 5.6.3.1 Germany
- 5.6.3.2 United Kingdom
- 5.6.3.3 France
- 5.6.3.4 Italy
- 5.6.3.5 Spain
- 5.6.3.6 Russia
- 5.6.3.7 Rest of Europe
- 5.6.4 Asia-Pacific
- 5.6.4.1 China
- 5.6.4.2 Japan
- 5.6.4.3 India
- 5.6.4.4 South Korea
- 5.6.4.5 Philippines
- 5.6.4.6 Indonesia
- 5.6.4.7 Vietnam
- 5.6.4.8 Australia
- 5.6.4.9 New Zealand
- 5.6.4.10 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.6.5 Middle East and Africa
- 5.6.5.1 United Arab Emirates
- 5.6.5.2 Saudi Arabia
- 5.6.5.3 Turkey
- 5.6.5.4 South Africa
- 5.6.5.5 Egypt
- 5.6.5.6 Rest of Middle East and Africa
- 6 Competitive Landscape
- 6.1 Market Concentration
- 6.2 Strategic Moves & Partnerships
- 6.3 Market Share Analysis
- 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products & Services, and Recent Developments)
- 6.4.1 Autoliv Inc.
- 6.4.2 ZF Friedrichshafen AG
- 6.4.3 Joyson Safety Systems
- 6.4.4 Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
- 6.4.5 Valeo SA
- 6.4.6 Nexteer Automotive Group
- 6.4.7 Tokai Rika Co., Ltd.
- 6.4.8 Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
- 6.4.9 JTEKT Corporation
- 6.4.10 NSK Ltd.
- 6.4.11 Mando Corporation
- 6.4.12 Robert Bosch GmbH
- 6.4.13 Denso Corporation
- 6.4.14 Continental AG
- 6.4.15 Thyssenkrupp AG
- 7 Market Opportunities & Future Outlook
Pricing
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