English
The market demand for passenger car brake pads is influenced by various factors, including car ownership, development of new energy vehicles, increased consumer safety awareness, and regulatory policies. The following is an analysis of the main driving factors and trends in the current and future demand for passenger car brake pads market:
1. Overview of the global and Chinese passenger car brake pad market
Market size:
The global brake pad market is expected to exceed $15 billion by 2025 (with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 4% -5%).
As a very large global automotive market, China's demand for brake pads accounts for about 30% of the world's total. The market size is expected to be around 20 billion yuan in 2023, and the CAGR for the next five years is expected to be 6% -8% (higher than the global growth rate).
Market structure:
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) market: accounts for about 40%, relying on new car sales.
AM (After sales Replacement) market: accounts for 60%, and is more affected by the number of cars in use.
2. Core driving factors of market demand
(1) Growth in car ownership and stable demand in the aftermarket (AM)
The global car ownership exceeds 1.4 billion vehicles (with over 300 million in China), and there is a huge demand for brake pad replacement every year.
Replacement cycle: Ordinary passenger car brake pads are replaced every 30000 to 50000 kilometers, and the demand in the after-sales market continues to grow.
(2) New demand for brake pads in new energy vehicles (EV/HEV)
Braking characteristics of new energy vehicles:
Regenerative braking reduces the frequency of traditional friction braking and theoretically extends the lifespan of brake pads.
But new energy vehicles are heavier (due to the increased weight of the battery), and higher requirements are placed on the high-temperature resistance and wear resistance of the brake pads during braking.
Market impact:
New energy vehicles (such as Tesla and NIO) tend to use low metal/ceramic brake pads to reduce dust (affecting wheel aesthetics) and noise.
Traditional brake pad manufacturers such as Bosch and Brembo are developing specialized EV brake pads to meet new demands.
(3) Consumer safety awareness is increasing and becoming a trend
With the increasing awareness of automotive safety among consumers, the demand for high-performance brake pads (such as ceramics and carbon fiber composite materials) is growing.
AM market branding: Consumers are more inclined to choose international brands such as Bosch, Philodo, and TRW, or original parts from OEMs, rather than low-priced and inferior products.
(4) Policies and regulations promote industry upgrading
Environmental regulations: EU ECE R90, China GB 5763-2018 and other standards set higher requirements for brake pad friction coefficient, noise, and harmful substances (such as copper and asbestos), and eliminate inferior products.
New energy vehicle safety standards: Some countries require new energy vehicles to use low dust brake pads to reduce particulate matter emissions (similar to the restrictions on brake dust in Euro 7 emission standards).
(5) The Impact of Intelligent Driving Systems (ADAS) on Braking Systems
ADAS functions such as AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) increase the frequency of brake pad usage and require higher durability.
Brake by Wire technology (such as Bosch iBooster) may change the traditional brake pad market landscape.
3. Future market trends
(1) The application of advanced and high-performance materials has increased
The market share of ceramic brake pads (low noise, low dust) has increased, especially suitable for luxury cars and new energy vehicles.
The application of carbon fiber/composite brake pads is growing in high-end performance vehicles such as Porsche and AMG.
(2) New energy vehicle specific brake pads have become a new growth point
Traditional brake pad manufacturers accelerate the layout of EV compatible products, such as high temperature resistance and lightweight design.
(3) The rise of e-commerce channels (B2C/B2B)
Tmall, JD.com, Tuhu and other platforms are promoting online brake pad sales, making it easier for consumers to compare brands and prices.
The 'trade in' service (such as package installation) enhances the after-sales market experience.
(4) Intelligent detection and predictive maintenance
Some high-end models (such as BMW) are equipped with brake pad wear sensors to remind users to replace and promote precise after-sales demand.
4. Challenges and Risks
Low price competition: Chinese local manufacturers (such as Jinqilin and Xinyi) seize the market with low prices, affecting international brand share.
Extended replacement cycle for new energy vehicles: may reduce the demand for AM market, but the increase in unit price of high-performance brake pads can partially offset the impact.
Fluctuations in raw material prices: The prices of key materials such as copper and graphite affect production costs.
5. Conclusion: Market demand outlook
Short term (1-3 years): Traditional fuel vehicles still dominate, with stable demand in the after-sales market.
Long term (5-10 years): New energy vehicle specific brake pads and high-end ceramic/composite material products will become the main growth drivers.
Key success factors: technology research and development (adapted to EV needs), brand building, compliance (environmental regulations).
Suggested manufacturers to pay attention to:
✅ Research and development of brake pads for new energy vehicles
✅ High end and branding strategies (such as promoting ceramic brake pads)
✅ Combination of e-commerce and offline services (such as "online ordering+in store installation")
In the future, the brake pad industry will develop towards high performance, environmental protection, and intelligence, and enterprises with technological advantages will occupy a larger market share.
