Europe Automotive Connecting Rod Market

The Europe Automotive Connecting Rod Market is poised for growth, driven by the increasing demand for high-performance engines and the rise of electric vehicles. Connecting rods play a crucial role in engine efficiency and performance, making them essential components in both traditional and electric powertrains. As manufacturers strive to meet stricter emissions regulations and consumer expectations for performance, the development of lightweight and durable materials is becoming a key focus. Additionally, the shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles is creating new opportunities for connecting rod manufacturers, as these vehicles require innovative designs to optimize performance. The market is expected to see advancements in manufacturing technologies, leading to improved product quality and efficiency. As the automotive industry evolves, the Europe Automotive Connecting Rod Market is set to thrive.

The automotive connecting rod market was valued at USD 44.2 billion in 2023. It is anticipated to grow to USD 45.96 billion in 2024 and further reach USD 60.49 billion by 2032. This growth represents a CAGR of 3.49% over the forecast period of 2024 to 2032.

The research report offers a brief overview of the influence of COVID-19 on current/future market situations. The report explains some of the key market factors that will influence the growth of this sector, such as market share, the main region, and key players.

Automotive connecting rods are rods used to connect the piston to a crank or crankshaft in a reciprocating piston engine. Automotive connecting rods must pass quality checks before their supply to clients.

The automotive connecting rod market is a key segment within the global automotive industry, as connecting rods play a critical role in internal combustion engines. The connecting rod, also known as the con rod, connects the piston to the crankshaft, enabling the conversion of linear motion into rotational motion.

This Automotive Connecting Rod Market is influenced by advancements in engine technology, the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), and the demand for high-performance engines.

Key Players

Prominent players in the automotive connecting rod market include major engine and automotive component manufacturers such as:

MAHLE GmbH

Riken Corporation

Federal-Mogul LLC (a part of Tenneco)

Kolbenschmidt (KS Kolbenschmidt GmbH)

Art Metal Mfg. Co.

These companies focus on developing advanced connecting rod technologies and expanding their product portfolios to meet the evolving needs of the market.

Market Dynamics

The use of advanced materials like fracture-split forged steel leads to an increase in the life of the connecting rods. Developments to increase the efficiency and strength of connecting rods show significant opportunities for new product development. The connecting rod is a crucial component of the engine that affects the weight of the crank train. Measures must, therefore, be taken to reduce their weight and improve the mechanical efficiency of the engine. As connecting rods do not require regular replacements, they help reduce the overall maintenance costs of the automotive.

Other factors propelling the market's growth are the boom in the automotive industry, the increased use of advanced coatings, the use of carbon fiber connecting rods in racing cars, and the increase in demand for internal combustion engines.

The global market for automotive connecting rods is projected to experience vital growth opportunities with the assembly of carbon fiber connecting rods in racing cars. The increase in demand for sports cars is increasing the use of carbon fiber connecting rods to make cars lighter and more robust.

The market is experiencing challenges with the need for engine downsizing that reduces the engine's size and simultaneously delivers power equivalent to the larger engine by adding devices such as a turbocharger, a supercharger, or by integrating direct fuel injection technology. Engine downsizing helps enhance the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and reduce overall carbon emissions. 

Market Segmentation

The global market for automotive connecting rod has been segmented into material, process type, and vehicle type. 

Based on material, the global automotive connecting rod market has been segmented into steel, aluminium, and others.

Based on process type, the global automotive connecting rod market has been segmented into forged, cast rod, and power metal. 

Based on vehicle type, the global automotive connecting rod market has been segmented into passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Among these, the passenger car segment leads the global automotive connecting rod market. Passenger cars include four, six, or eight cylinders.

Cars equipped with four-cylinder engines mainly deploy the automotive passenger car connecting rod. Manufacturers focus on improving connecting rods related to surface finishing, weight, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

Regional Analysis

Region-wise, the global automotive connecting rod market has been divided into four major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. 

The Asia Pacific will lead the market for automotive connecting rod throughout the forecast period. The economic growth of developing countries, such as China and India, is driving the market growth. Increasing investment in industrialization and infrastructure contributes to higher demand for vehicles, which is fueling the development of the connecting rod material market.

The U.S. automotive connecting rod market is driven by increasing vehicle production, demand for fuel-efficient engines, and advancements in lightweight materials. Key trends include the adoption of forged and powdered metal rods for enhanced durability and performance. Growth is further fueled by innovations in electric and hybrid vehicles, emphasizing lightweight and high-strength components to boost efficiency.

Market Highlights

The developing countries are witnessing a steady demand for an internal combustion engine ( ICE), which drives the global market for automotive connecting rods. Factors such as excellent drivability and engine stability further drive the demand for the connecting rods. The use of specialized technologies such as cast steel fracture-split leads to an increase in the life of the connecting points. The innovations to increase the performance and strength of the connecting rods indicate major prospects for the production of new goods. The connecting rod is a key component of the engine which affects the crank train weight. Steps must also be taken to reduce its weight and increase the engine's mechanical performance. Because the connecting rods do not need frequent repairs, they tend to reduce the overall cost of the vehicle repair. Other factors leading to consumer development are the boom in the automobile industry, growing use of advanced packaging, the use of carbon fiber connecting rods in road cars and increasing demand for internal combustion engines.

With the assembly of carbon fiber connecting rods in racing cars the global automotive connecting rod market is slated to experience significant growth opportunities. The growing in demand for sports cars is rising the use of carbon fiber connection rods for making the vehicles lighter and heavier. Therefore, the increasing demand for Steel, due to rise in concerns for lowering carbon dioxide emissions results in the development of the global automotive connecting rod industry.

The market is also expected to see prospects for growth over the projected period due to factors such as the use of titanium connecting rod in the automobile industry, the use of advanced coating, the use of carbon fiber connecting rods in race cars and the use of high-strength steel rods. 

The industry is facing problems with the need for engine downsizing, which lowers the engine capacity and at the same time provides power equal to the larger engine by incorporating devices such as a turbocharger, supercharger or by implementing direct fuel injection technology. Downsizing engines help increase automotive fuel efficiency and reduce total carbon emissions.

Automotive Connecting Rod Industry Updates 2025

Mahle GmbH

Industry Development and Latest Update (March 2025)

Mahle GmbH unveiled its revolutionary "LightConnect" series of connecting rods manufactured using an advanced powder metallurgy process. The new connecting rods reduce weight by 18% while increasing durability by 22% compared to traditional forged components. This breakthrough addresses the increasing demand for lightweight, high-performance engine components in both internal combustion and hybrid powertrains.

Wiseco Piston Co. Ltd.

Industry Development and Latest Update (January 2025)

Wiseco Piston Co. Ltd. announced a strategic partnership with TitaniumTech Materials to develop titanium-reinforced connecting rods for high-performance and racing applications. The collaboration has resulted in the "UltraStrength" connecting rod series, which features a proprietary titanium alloy coating that enhances heat resistance and reduces friction by approximately 30%. These specialized connecting rods are designed for extreme motorsport applications and will be available in Q3 2025.

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