The global automotive air brake system market reached a value of approximately USD 4.85 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.10% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 6.58 Billion by 2034.
The automotive air brake system demand growth is driven by increasing demand for heavy-duty trucks, rising urbanisation, strict laws on safety measures for heavy-duty vehicles and congestion in cities, which increases the demand for vehicles equipped with advanced braking technologies to improve safety and manoeuvring. The adoption of air brake systems meets the growing requirement for dependable transportation solutions in urban and suburban settings. The present hydraulic brake systems are unable to generate sufficient energy to stop fully charged medium-duty vehicles and may cause safety-related problems, thus, fuelling the increasing demand for automotive air brake systems.
According to NITI Aayog RMI, the number of trucks in India is projected to increase significantly, rising from 4 million in 2022 to approximately 17 million by 2050.
There is a gradual shift from traditional drum brakes to more efficient air disc brakes (ADB). ADBs offer better performance in terms of braking distance, heat dissipation, and maintenance, thereby gaining popularity in commercial vehicles and high-performance passenger vehicles.
As per automotive air brake system industry analysis, air drum brakes can be easily integrated into existing vehicle architectures and are compatible with different types of vehicles, including buses, trucks, and trailers. This versatility makes them a preferred choice across various segments of the automotive industry.
Air disk brakes are particularly popular in commercial vehicles due to their ability to handle heavy loads and frequent braking. They provide consistent braking performance, reducing wear and tear on brake components and improving overall vehicle efficiency.
The demand for reliable, efficient, and compliant braking solutions in rigid-body trucks is a significant factor driving the demand of automotive air brake system market.
Ongoing advancements in air brake technology, such as the development of electronic controls, integrated braking systems, and improved materials, enhance the performance and reliability of air brake systems in rigid-body trucks.
Many buses operate in urban environments with frequent stops and starts, as well as on highways for long-distance travel. Air brake systems are well-suited for these heavy-duty applications due to their ability to handle varying loads and braking requirements effectively.
Other global automotive air brake system market key players are ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF Wabco), and Nabtesco Automotive Corporation, among others.
Automotive Air Brake System Market Growth
An automotive air brake system is a type of braking system used in vehicles that utilise compressed air as a medium to transmit force from the brake pedal to the brake drums or discs. It is commonly used in commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, and trailers, where the braking requirements are higher compared to passenger vehicles.The automotive air brake system demand growth is driven by increasing demand for heavy-duty trucks, rising urbanisation, strict laws on safety measures for heavy-duty vehicles and congestion in cities, which increases the demand for vehicles equipped with advanced braking technologies to improve safety and manoeuvring. The adoption of air brake systems meets the growing requirement for dependable transportation solutions in urban and suburban settings. The present hydraulic brake systems are unable to generate sufficient energy to stop fully charged medium-duty vehicles and may cause safety-related problems, thus, fuelling the increasing demand for automotive air brake systems.
According to NITI Aayog RMI, the number of trucks in India is projected to increase significantly, rising from 4 million in 2022 to approximately 17 million by 2050.
Key Trends and Recent Developments
Regulatory requirements, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Integration of sensors and electronics, and lightweight materials and design are the major trends impacting global automotive air brake system market value.March 20, 2024
Bendix produced the Bendix ADB22X and Bendix ADB22X-LT air disc brakes at its wheel-end manufacturing operation in Bowling Green, Ky. The ADB22X-LT was engineered specifically for trailers, offering a specialised design to enhance braking performance.August 04, 2023
TVS Motor Co. has launched the Jupiter ZX Drum variant priced at Rs 84,468, equipped with SmartXonnect Bluetooth technology previously exclusive to the disc brake version, enhancing its appeal in the market.April 14, 2023
Knorr-Bremse advanced towards fulfilling the “Zero Accidents” vision with a broad-based product offensive. This included launching the modular SYNACT disc brake family and introducing the reduced-weight NexTT disc brake for trailers.September 22, 2022
Brakes India exhibited its 22.5-inch lightweight monobloc Single Piston Air Disk Brake for the first time at the IAA Transportation 2022. The product was designed to cater to truck, bus, and trailer applications.Regulatory Requirements
Stringent global safety regulations are compelling automakers to adopt advanced braking systems that not only enhance vehicle safety but also improve overall performance and reliability, impacting the automotive air brake system demand forecast.Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
ADAS technologies such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control require more responsive and precise brake systems to enhance safety and support autonomous driving features.Integration of Sensors and Electronics
Braking systems are increasingly integrating sensors and electronic controls to monitor brake performance, optimise braking force distribution, and provide real-time feedback to the vehicle's control systems.Lightweight Materials and Design
Manufacturers are focusing on developing lightweight brake components using advanced materials like carbon composites and aluminium alloys to improve fuel efficiency and reduce overall vehicle weight.Automotive Air Brake System Market Trends
The expansion of automotive industry in emerging economies, coupled with increasing vehicle production and sales globally, is driving the demand for reliable and efficient air brake systems, thus increasing the automotive air brake system market revenue. Moreover, there is a growing demand for brake systems that offer longer service intervals, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved durability to lower operational costs for fleet operators and vehicle owners.There is a gradual shift from traditional drum brakes to more efficient air disc brakes (ADB). ADBs offer better performance in terms of braking distance, heat dissipation, and maintenance, thereby gaining popularity in commercial vehicles and high-performance passenger vehicles.
Automotive Air Brake System Industry Segmentation
“Global Automotive Air Brake System Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:Market Breakup by Brake Type
- Air Drum Brake
- Air Disc Brake
Market Breakup by Vehicle Type
- Rigid Body Truck
- Heavy-duty Track
- Semi-Trailer
- Bus
Market Breakup by component
- Compressor
- Governor
- Storage Tank
- Air Dryer
- Foot Valve
- Brake Chamber
- Slake Adjuster
Market Breakup by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Automotive Air Brake System Market Share
Air drum brakes enhance the market by offering a cost-effective solution for braking needs in large vehicles.As per automotive air brake system industry analysis, air drum brakes can be easily integrated into existing vehicle architectures and are compatible with different types of vehicles, including buses, trucks, and trailers. This versatility makes them a preferred choice across various segments of the automotive industry.
Air disk brakes are particularly popular in commercial vehicles due to their ability to handle heavy loads and frequent braking. They provide consistent braking performance, reducing wear and tear on brake components and improving overall vehicle efficiency.
The demand for reliable, efficient, and compliant braking solutions in rigid-body trucks is a significant factor driving the demand of automotive air brake system market.
Ongoing advancements in air brake technology, such as the development of electronic controls, integrated braking systems, and improved materials, enhance the performance and reliability of air brake systems in rigid-body trucks.
Many buses operate in urban environments with frequent stops and starts, as well as on highways for long-distance travel. Air brake systems are well-suited for these heavy-duty applications due to their ability to handle varying loads and braking requirements effectively.
Automotive Air Brake System Market Regional Analysis
North America and Europe are driving the growth of the automotive air brake system market due to stringent safety regulations, technological innovations, high adoption rates in commercial vehicles, and a mature automotive industry with a focus on vehicle safety and performance. These factors contribute to the demand for advanced air brake systems that offer reliability, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards.Competitive Landscape
The companies are a provider of braking systems, drivelines, axles, air braking systems and other solutions for commercial and rail vehicles.Knorr-Bremse AG:
Established in 1905 and headquartered in München, Bayern, this company is the worldwide leader in braking systems and a prominent supplier of systems for rail and commercial vehicles.Meritor, Inc (NYSE: MTOR):
Established in 1909 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan, the company specializes in advanced drivetrain systems, including axles, brakes, suspensions, drivelines, and aftermarket components for commercial and industrial applications.Haldex AB:
Founded in 1187 and based in Landskrona, Sweden. The company innovates and delivers dependable solutions that enhance safety, vehicle dynamics, and environmental sustainability across the global commercial vehicle sector.SORL Auto Parts, Inc.:
Established in 1987 and based in Zhejiang, China. The company offers various products including air brake systems, tubes and fittings, abs & diagnosis, power steering pumps, and others.Other global automotive air brake system market key players are ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF Wabco), and Nabtesco Automotive Corporation, among others.
Automotive Air Brake System Market Report Snapshots
Automotive Air Brake System Market Size
Automotive Air Brake System Market Growth
Automotive Air Brake System Market Trends
Automotive Air Brake System Market Share
Automotive Air Brake System Companies
Automotive Air Brake System Market Regional Analysis
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Market Overview and Stakeholder Insights
3 Economic Summary
4 Country Risk Profiles
5 Global Automotive Air Brake System Market Analysis
6 North America Automotive Air Brake System Market Analysis
7 Europe Automotive Air Brake System Market Analysis
8 Asia-Pacific Automotive Air Brake System Market Analysis
9 Latin America Automotive Air Brake System Market Analysis
10 Middle East and Africa Automotive Air Brake System Market Analysis
11 Market Dynamics
13 Competitive Landscape
Companies Mentioned
The key companies featured in this Automotive Air Brake System market report include:- Knorr-Bremse AG
- Meritor Inc.
- Haldex AB
- SORL Auto Parts, Inc
- ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF Wabco)
- Nabtesco Automotive Corporation
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 172 |
| Published | August 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 - 2034 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 4.85 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 6.58 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 3.1% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 7 |
