Automotive Crankcase Additives Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Automotive Crankcase Additives Market is projected to expand from USD 13.03 Billion in 2025 to USD 17.77 Billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.31%. These additives are specialized chemical formulations mixed with base oils to improve engine lubricants by minimizing friction, inhibiting deposit buildup, and protecting against wear and corrosion. The market is underpinned by strict environmental regulations requiring high-performance lubricants and the continued growth of the global automotive manufacturing industry. Data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers indicates that global motor vehicle production reached approximately 92.5 million units in 2024, a level of output that fuels the demand for both initial fill and aftermarket engine oils, thereby driving the consumption of advanced additive packages needed to meet modern engine standards.

However, the market faces a major obstacle due to the accelerating global transition toward electric mobility and alternative powertrain technologies. Since battery electric vehicles do not utilize traditional internal combustion engine oils, their increasing share of the market presents a serious long-term threat to the volume growth of conventional crankcase additives.

Market Drivers

The growth of global vehicle production and total fleet size acts as a primary catalyst for the automotive crankcase additives market. As manufacturing scales up to satisfy consumer mobility demands, the volume of engine oil required for both factory fills and aftermarket maintenance rises accordingly. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association reported that global car sales reached 74.6 million units in 2024, illustrating a surge in vehicle commercialization, particularly in major production hubs. For instance, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers noted in January 2025 that China's annual automobile output totaled 31.28 million units in 2024, and such robust production levels significantly amplify the consumption of additive packages essential for engine protection and performance.

Simultaneously, the market is heavily influenced by the increasing demand for better fuel economy and operational efficiency. Automotive OEMs are designing powertrains that require low-viscosity lubricants containing friction modifiers to minimize energy loss and meet sustainability targets, compelling additive manufacturers to create formulations that remain stable under high thermal stress while delivering eco-friendly performance. Reflecting this shift, Infineum reported in June 2025 that it had completed sustainability assessments for 78% of its product portfolio in 2024. These advancements ensure compliance with evolving efficiency standards while enhancing the durability of modern engine hardware.

Market Challenges

The worldwide shift toward electric mobility solutions presents a direct and substantial challenge to the growth of the automotive crankcase additives market. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, which depend on complex lubricant formulations to minimize friction and prevent wear, battery electric vehicles use electric motors that do not require engine oil. This fundamental change in powertrain technology removes the primary application for crankcase additives within a rapidly growing segment of the automotive fleet, causing the total addressable market for these chemicals to shrink and offsetting volume gains from the broader automotive sector.

This displacement is particularly evident in leading automotive markets where electric vehicle adoption is accelerating. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers indicates that in 2024, sales of New Energy Vehicles reached 12.87 million units, accounting for 40.9% of total new vehicle sales in the country. Such a high level of market penetration by non-combustion vehicles demonstrates the immediate impact on lubricant demand. As manufacturers continue to prioritize electric drivetrains to meet emission targets, the reliance on conventional engine oils will diminish, creating sustained downward pressure on the consumption of crankcase additive packages.

Market Trends

The rise of hybrid-specific crankcase additives is accelerating as automakers increasingly utilize hybrid powertrains to bridge the transition to full electrification. Hybrids operate with frequent stop-start cycles and lower average oil temperatures compared to conventional internal combustion engines, creating distinct tribological issues such as moisture accumulation, fuel dilution, and rapid sludge formation. Standard engine oils often fail to address these challenges, necessitating specialized additive packages with enhanced demulsifiers and corrosion inhibitors. This segment is expanding quickly; the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association reported in January 2025 that hybrid-electric vehicles secured a 30.9% share of the EU car market in 2024, directly driving demand for these tailored lubrication solutions.

Concurrently, the development of bio-based and sustainable additives is focusing on reducing carbon footprints across the lubricant value chain. Market players are actively replacing fossil-derived chemical components with renewable bio-sourced alternatives and optimizing manufacturing processes to comply with strict OEM low-carbon requirements and environmental regulations. This shift involves both the introduction of biodegradable chemistries and significant decarbonization efforts by major additive producers. Highlighting this commitment, Lubrizol's April 2025 update reported a 16% reduction in combined Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 compared to its baseline, reflecting the sector's tangible move toward sustainable manufacturing and product innovation.

Key Players Profiled in the Automotive Crankcase Additives Market

• ABRO Industries Inc.
• LANXESS AG
• Afton Chemical UK Holdings Limited
• Evonik Industries AG
• The Lubrizol Corporation
• Chevron Corporation
• Croda International PLC
• Energizer Holding Inc.
• Brenntag GmbH
• Shell PLC

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Automotive Crankcase Additives Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Automotive Crankcase Additives Market, by Product:

• Antioxidants
• Friction Modifiers
• Detergent Additives

Automotive Crankcase Additives Market, by Vehicle Type:

• Passenger Vehicles
• Commercial Vehicles

Automotive Crankcase Additives Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Automotive Crankcase Additives Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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