Europe and U.S. Automotive Connecting Rod Bearing Market Outlook 2025–2035: Innovation, Growth, and Demand Trends

The global automotive connecting rod bearing market is set for significant expansion over the next decade, supported by resilient demand for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, expanding aftermarket activity, and new material innovations that enhance engine durability. According to new market analysis, the sector is projected to grow from USD 271.5 million in 2025 to USD 889.6 million by 2035, registering a strong CAGR of 12.6% during the period.

Connecting rod bearings—critical engine components that reduce friction between the connecting rod and crankshaft—remain indispensable to the functioning of gasoline and diesel vehicles, even as global automakers move toward electrification. With ICE vehicles continuing to dominate mobility across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and parts of Europe, the demand for high-performance and replacement rod bearings is expected to remain robust throughout the forecast window.

ICE Vehicle Dominance and Aging Fleets Fuel Market Growth

While the industry is navigating one of the most transformative periods in automotive history, the report emphasizes that ICE platforms continue to lead vehicle sales in emerging markets. Countries across Asia and Africa rely heavily on small displacement engines, two-wheelers, and commercial fleets—segments where electrification remains limited.

The aging global vehicle fleet—particularly in the United States, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia—is generating substantial aftermarket demand for periodic replacement of connecting rod bearings, a trend likely to accelerate through 2035. Increased vehicle retention, growing usage of remanufactured engines, and rising fleet maintenance requirements further amplify market momentum.

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Regional Highlights: Asia-Pacific Leads Volume Growth

North America

A well-established aftermarket, large populations of gasoline-powered SUVs and light commercial vehicles, and strong demand in the remanufacturing sector continue to support North America’s growth. ICE components remain a significant revenue contributor despite the rising adoption of EVs.

Europe

European markets—including Germany, Italy, and France—continue to demand premium and precision-engineered bearings. Euro 6/7 regulations are accelerating the adoption of low-friction, advanced-alloy bearings. Eastern Europe, with longer vehicle lifecycles, is becoming a hotspot for aftermarket expansion.

Asia-Pacific

APAC dominates global production volume, bolstered by large-scale vehicle manufacturing in China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Developing economies maintain strong demand for cost-effective and durable bearings, while OEMs in Japan and South Korea are pushing innovation in thin-wall, high-load, and lead-free bearing technologies.

Country-Level Growth Outlook (2025–2035)

• United States: 13.0% CAGR
• United Kingdom: 12.3% CAGR
• European Union: 12.6% CAGR
• Japan: 12.1% CAGR
• South Korea: 12.9% CAGR

These strong double-digit growth rates underline the durability of ICE aftermarkets globally, even as electrification trends unfold.

Challenges: Electrification Pressure and OEM Consolidation

The rise of EVs presents a structural challenge for the connecting rod bearing market. EVs do not use internal combustion components, shrinking long-term demand. Additionally, engine downsizing and hybridization reduce the number of bearings per engine.

Another challenge is OEM supply chain consolidation, where automakers increasingly lock in long-term contracts or develop in-house engine component capabilities, narrowing opportunities for independent bearing suppliers.

Opportunities: Aftermarket Growth, High-Performance Engines & Material Innovation

Despite challenges, the report highlights multiple growth enablers:

• Expanding Aftermarket Demand: Driven by aging fleets and longer vehicle ownership cycles.
• Rising Popularity of High-Performance Engines: Motorsports, turbocharged engines, and heavy-duty applications need advanced, high-load bearings.
• Material Innovations: Lead-free babbitt, tri-metal alloys, polymer coatings, and noise-dampening layers are enhancing bearing fatigue resistance and performance.
• Sustainability: Circular economy initiatives, including bearing refurbishment and recycling, present new avenues for manufacturers.

Market Segmentation Insights

By Sales Channel

• OEMs: 64.7% market share (2025)
• OEMs dominate due to precision requirements, bulk production scalability, and direct integration into engine assembly lines.

By Material Type

• Babbitt: 62.3% market share (2025)
• Known for superior conformability, low friction, and anti-seizure properties, babbitt bearings remain essential for both gasoline and diesel engines.

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Competitive Landscape: Innovation Pipelines Strengthen

The market is moderately fragmented with global leaders accelerating product innovation and sustainability initiatives. Estimated 2025 market shares:

• MAHLE GmbH: 14–17%
• Federal-Mogul (Tenneco): 11–14%
• Clevite (Dana Inc.): 9–12%
• Daido Metal Co. Ltd.: 7–10%
• King Engine Bearings: 6–9%
• Other Providers: 38–45%

Key Strategic Developments

• MAHLE GmbH launched lead-free polymer-coated bearings and enhanced high-load solutions for turbocharged engines.
• Federal-Mogul introduced copper-free bearings aligned with Euro 7 standards.
• Clevite (Dana Inc.) rolled out racing-grade and hybrid-compatible coated bearings.
• Daido Metal advanced fatigue-resistant bimetal bearings and shifted to sustainable water-based processing.
• King Engine Bearings expanded its pMax Black racing series and tri-metal passenger car bearings optimized for longer service intervals.

Looking Ahead: 2025–2035 Market Outlook

The coming decade marks a dual-phase transition: steady ICE production in emerging markets and specialized high-performance ICE maintenance in developed regions. Manufacturers are expected to invest heavily in:

• Additive manufacturing for customized bearing designs
• Multi-layer coatings for extreme loads
• Predictive maintenance sensors
• Environment-friendly metallurgy

Despite global electrification trends, the study concludes that connecting rod bearings will remain mission-critical components in ICE-powered mobility for at least the next decade, anchored by solid aftermarket demand and evolving material science.

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