Universal Joint Market Report 2026

The universal joint market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $102.89 billion in 2025 to $108.61 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to automotive drivetrain expansion, commercial vehicle production growth, adoption of steel universal joints, demand from agricultural machinery, long replacement cycles.

The universal joint market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $134.92 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to electric vehicle platform evolution, demand for high-angle joints, lightweight material adoption, growth in industrial automation equipment, precision drivetrain engineering. Major trends in the forecast period include lightweight and high-durability joint designs, rising demand from ev drivetrains, growth in heavy-duty applications, expansion of aftermarket replacement demand, improved lubrication and sealing technologies.

The rising vehicle production is expected to drive the growth of the universal joint market going forward. Vehicle production refers to the mass manufacturing of motor vehicles, including passenger cars and commercial vehicles, for sale to the public. This increase is driven by growing consumer demand for automobiles, advancements in manufacturing technologies, government incentives for electric vehicles, rising disposable incomes, and a shift toward fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. A universal joint is used in automotive applications to transmit torque and rotary motion between two shafts at an angle, ensuring smooth power transfer even when the shafts are misaligned. For instance, in April 2024, according to the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers, a Serbia-based professional automotive organization, 93,546,599 vehicles (including 67,133,570 passenger vehicles) were produced worldwide in 2023, up from 84,830,376 vehicles in 2022, highlighting a significant rise in global automotive output. Therefore, the rising vehicle production is driving the universal joint market.

The increase in demand for recreational vehicles is expected to further propel the growth of the universal joint market. Recreational vehicles are motorized or towable vehicles designed to provide mobile living accommodations for leisure, travel, and outdoor activities. This demand is primarily fueled by consumers’ preference for flexible, self-contained travel experiences, offering autonomy, comfort, and access to diverse destinations without relying on conventional lodging or transportation. As recreational vehicle demand grows, universal joints ensure smooth and reliable torque transmission within drivetrains, enabling these vehicles to operate effectively across varying terrains and load conditions. For instance, in December 2023, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, a US-based association of RV manufacturers, total RV shipments for the month reached 21,522 units, an 8.1% increase from the 19,907 units shipped in December 2022. Total RV shipments in 2023 amounted to 313,174 units. Therefore, the rising demand for recreational vehicles is driving the growth of the universal joint market.

Major companies in the universal joint market are focusing on developing innovative products such as square ball universal joints to provide advanced features for the heavy truck segment. The square ball universal joint is a specialized type of joint designed for improved durability and performance in applications requiring torque transmission at various angles. It uses square-shaped balls instead of the traditional cross or spider components found in conventional universal joints. For instance, in August 2024, CCTY, a China-based manufacturer of bearings and assemblies, launched its Square Ball Universal Joint for the heavy truck market. This joint offers an efficient design that simplifies torque transfer with fewer parts than traditional models. Unlike conventional universal joints, which can have over 100 components, this joint features only eight parts, with three required for torque transmission. Its square ball design ensures smoother rotation and maintenance-free operation, while a boot seal with an IP68 rating protects the bearing surfaces from contaminants and retains grease, enhancing durability and performance.

Major companies operating in the universal joint market report include Wanxiang Group Corporation, Dana Incorporated, SKF Group, Hyundai WIA Corporation, NTN Corporation, The Timken Company, Meritor Inc., Moog Inc., Belden Universal, Rexnord Corporation, GKN Automotive Limited, Neapco Holdings LLC, Koyo Bearings, Renold plc, American Axle & Manufacturing Inc., JTEKT Corporation, Crown Automotive Sales Co. Inc., Xiangyang Automobile Bearing Co. Ltd., IFA Rotorion Holding GmbH, Gewes GmbH, Ruland Manufacturing Co. Inc., Altra Industrial Motion Corp., Bailey Morris Ltd., Heri Automotive Co. Ltd., Elbe Group.

North America was the largest region in the universal joint market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the universal joint market report include Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the universal joint market report include Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The universal joint market consists of sales of cardan joint (hooke joint), double cardan joint, constant velocity (cv) joint, ball and socket joint, and cross and bearing joint. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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