Automotive valves are essential components of internal
combustion engines. They play a crucial role in controlling the flow of air and
fuel into the engine cylinders, as well as the exhaust gases out of them.
Valves are responsible for maintaining the correct amount of fuel and air
mixture in the engine, as well as the exhaust gases that are emitted from the
engine. Automotive valves have evolved significantly over the years, becoming
more complex and advanced to meet the needs of modern engines.
There are different types of automotive valves, including
intake valves, exhaust valves, and control valves. Intake valves control the
flow of air and fuel into the engine, while exhaust valves control the flow of
exhaust gases out of the engine. Control valves are used to regulate other
engine systems, such as the variable valve timing system.
The material used to make automotive valves is critical, as
it affects the valve's durability and performance. Some of the commonly used
materials include steel, stainless steel, and titanium. Steel valves are the
most common, as they are durable and relatively inexpensive. Stainless steel
valves are more expensive than steel valves, but they are more resistant to
corrosion and heat. Titanium valves are the most expensive but are incredibly
lightweight and strong, making them ideal for high-performance engines.
One of the latest developments in automotive valve
technology is the use of electromagnetic valve actuation (EVA) systems. These
systems use an electric actuator to control the valves, eliminating the need
for a camshaft. This technology offers more precise control over valve timing,
resulting in better engine efficiency and performance.
Another significant trend in the automotive valve industry
is the move towards eco-friendlier engines. Manufacturers are developing
engines that are more fuel-efficient and emit fewer harmful gases. Valves play
a crucial role in achieving these goals, as they help regulate the fuel and air
mixture and reduce exhaust emissions.
Market Dynamics of Automotive Valves Market
The automotive industry is experiencing a resurgence, and
automotive valves are one of the critical components necessary for the proper
functioning of vehicles. Valves are used to regulate the flow of gases,
liquids, fluidized solids, or slurries and are essential in the operation of
the engine. A typical gasoline engine cylinder requires four valves for inlet
and exhaust function, and the number, size, shape, and material of valves may
differ depending on the engine design. A standard car contains around 40-60 valves,
which are irreplaceable.
As vehicle production levels increase, the demand for valves
rises, resulting in significant growth in the valve market. The Indian and
Chinese automobile markets are experiencing significant growth due to changing
demographics and improving economies, with China producing 21.4 million
passenger cars and 4.7 million commercial vehicles in 2021, and India recording
a total vehicle production of approximately 22.7 million units.
Vehicle manufacturers are focusing on reducing emissions by
producing technologically innovative and lightweight car components that meet
new emission criteria. Valves are one such component used to regulate, direct,
or control fluid flow. The automotive valves market has evolved from mechanical
valves to advanced electro-mechanically controlled valve points, with a rise in
the use of solenoid valves in electric vehicles, which enhances vehicle performance
and is expected to drive significant growth in the market.
The automotive valves market has seen several recent
developments, driven by various factors such as government regulations,
technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences.
One recent development is the increased demand for solenoid
valves due to the growing electrification of vehicles. These solenoid valves
are used in various safety and security features like ABS and auto door locks,
leading to higher demand for electric function valves.
Another significant development is the adoption of advanced
technologies like exhaust gas recovery (EGR) and variable valve timing (VVT),
which have resulted in the introduction of new and improved automotive valves.
These advanced technologies help to reduce emissions and improve fuel
efficiency, leading to greater demand for automotive valves that can support
these features.
Government regulations aimed at reducing emissions and
improving fuel efficiency have also played a vital role in the development of
the automotive valves market. For example, the Euro 6 emissions standard in
Europe has led to increased demand for automotive valves that can meet these
standards.
In addition to these developments, there has been a trend
towards lightweight materials like aluminum and titanium, which has resulted in
the development of lightweight valves that can reduce vehicle weight and
improve fuel efficiency.
Overall, the automotive valves market is experiencing
significant growth due to these recent developments, with increasing demand for
solenoid valves, advanced technologies, and lightweight materials driving the
market forward.
As the trend towards lightweight vehicles to increase fuel
efficiency continues to grow, the demand for lightweight components such as
valves also increases. However, developed nations' emission legislation is
expected to have a significant impact on market growth during the forecast
period. Overall, the automotive valve market is poised for growth as the
automotive industry continues to evolve and improve.
The demand for solenoid valves has been on the rise due to
their various applications in modern cars, which enhance their performance and
efficiency. These applications include functions such as door locks and trunk
release, starter solenoid, automatic and dual-clutch transmission control,
turbocharger control, variable valve timing, EGR control, evaporative emission
control (EVAP) system, fuel ignition coils, engine fuel shut-off valve, ABS,
air suspension system, and HVAC system. In addition, the increasing preference
of consumers for new and improved transmission systems, such as AMT, DCT, and
CVT, has contributed to the growing demand for solenoids. These transmission
systems allow real-time control of torque with each gearshift, reducing
friction losses and quickly synchronizing the torque required for the new gear.
This enhances the driving experience while improving the fuel efficiency of
vehicles and reducing the scope for human error as most of the work while
shifting gears is controlled by sensors, solenoids, and computers.
The solenoid valve market is being driven by factors such as
the increase in vehicle production, government regulations aimed at developing
new automotive valves, and the introduction of advanced technologies like
exhaust recirculation control valves, which can significantly improve the
performance of vehicles. However, the high cost and fluctuating prices of
cylinders and the increasing electrification of vehicles are expected to impede
the growth of the market. Despite these challenges, the surge in passenger car
production and the growing demand for solenoid valves present an opportunity
for market investments.
In recent years, the automotive industry has faced a
significant challenge due to the rise in the cost of raw materials. One of the
key raw materials, pig iron and steel, has seen a considerable increase in its
price, rising by 35-40% year on year in April-December 2021-22. This surge in
costs has negatively impacted the automotive valves market, hindering its
growth.
Steel is a vital component of car manufacturing, making up
approximately 39% of the average car, while aluminum comprises 11%. The
escalation in raw material costs has been primarily focused on high steel
prices. In fact, a recent Bank of America analysis revealed that the average
cost per pound of steel used in automobile manufacturing has increased by 106%
year over year, which is a matter of concern for the industry.
The impact of the rising costs of raw materials is expected
to affect both suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The
latter may incur even more indirect expenses due to the former. With the
ongoing inflation costs and pre-existing supply chain disruptions caused by the
pandemic, both groups face significant challenges. The automotive value chain,
in addition to the increasing raw material costs, is already grappling with
major headwinds from supply chain disruptions and manufacturing stoppages.
Valves play a critical role in the efficient functioning of
a wide range of systems, but technical problems associated with valves can
impact their performance. These problems include issues such as part closure,
valves not opening or closing correctly, erratic sounds, and coil problems in
solenoid valves. Part closure of valves can occur due to various factors,
including manual override, pressure difference, residual coil power, damaged
armature tube, and damaged valve seats. Similarly, solenoid valves may not open
due to power failure, wrong voltage, dirt accumulation under the diaphragm, or
uneven pressure, among other factors.
Erratic sounds during valve opening and closing can also
occur due to differences in inlet or outlet pressure inside the system, and the
flow factor of the valve and compatibility with the media can also affect its
operation. These technical challenges pose significant challenges for the
automotive valves market.
New government regulations on low-carbon discharge have
prompted manufacturers such as Mercedes, BMW, and others to focus on producing
electric vehicles, resulting in a decrease in sales of internal combustion
engine vehicles. While the electrification of vehicles is a necessary step to
meet emission standards, it is likely to hinder the growth of the automotive
valve market since electric vehicles require fewer valves than internal
combustion engines. As a result, the electrification of automobiles is expected
to have a negative impact on the growth of the automotive valve market.
As of 2021, the mechanical function segment holds the
largest share in the global automotive valves market, followed by the electric
function segment. It is expected that this ranking will remain the same, but
the electric function segment will exhibit a higher compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) than other functions due to the increased electrification of vehicles,
which has resulted in a rise in the demand for solenoid valves for safety and
security features like ABS and auto door lock. Since engine valves still
dominate in volume, mechanical valves will exhibit a higher volume compared to
electric valves.
In terms of vehicle type, the passenger car segment is
projected to dominate the automotive valve market in both volume and value.
This is because of the significant number of passenger cars sold worldwide
compared to other vehicle types. Furthermore, the growing adoption of air
conditioning and exhaust gas recovery (EGR) in passenger cars is expected to
drive revenues for this segment. The light commercial vehicle segment is
anticipated to grow at a faster rate than other vehicle types due to the rising
demand for vans and pickups worldwide.
During the forecast period, the automotive valves market is
dominated by the Asia-Pacific region in terms of revenue. The region's major
presence of vehicle manufacturers and automotive component manufacturers is
expected to drive significant growth in the market. In China, which has one of
the largest automotive markets globally, the increase in vehicle production is
leading to significant demand for valves. The rise in sales of electric
vehicles in the country is also contributing to the demand for valves. The
rapid expansion of small and medium-scale industries in India is expected to
drive major growth in the market, as the demand for light commercial and heavy
commercial vehicles is on the rise.
Europe is also witnessing significant growth in terms of
revenue during the forecast period, following the Asia-Pacific. The region's
major presence of vehicle manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers is anticipated to
drive significant growth in the market. Several manufacturers in Europe have
set benchmarks for emission standards, as set by the government.
Dominating Companies in Automotive Valves Market
- CONTINENTAL AG
- DENSO CORPORATION
- ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
- BORGWARNER INC.
- VALEO
- HITACHI
- AISIN CORPORATION
- CUMMINS INC.
- TENNECO INC.
- EATON CORPORATION PLC
- JOHNSON ELECTRIC HOLDINGS LIMITED
- STONERIDGE, INC.
- GKN GROUP
- MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
- TLX TECHNOLOGIES
- ROTEX AUTOMATION
- GIDEON AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES
- SOLENOID SYSTEMS
- KENDRION
- MZW MOTOR
- BICOLEX
- ZONHEN ELECTRIC APPLIANCES
- PADMINI VNA MECHATRONICS
- JAKSA
- EMERSON ELECTRIC
- MAHLE GMBH
- AISAN INDUSTRY CO., LTD
Recent Developments in Automotive Valves Market
BorgWarner acquired Delphi Technologies: In October 2020,
BorgWarner completed its acquisition of Delphi Technologies, a leading global
supplier of automotive technologies, including advanced fuel injection systems,
engine valves, and electrification solutions.
Hitachi Automotive Systems and Keihin: In April 2021,
Hitachi Automotive Systems and Keihin announced the establishment of a new
company to develop and manufacture electric vehicle components, including power
electronics and electric drive units, as well as engine management systems,
fuel injection systems, and engine valves.
Mahle GmbH acquired Behr Hella Service: In December 2019,
Mahle GmbH, a leading global supplier of automotive components, completed its
acquisition of Behr Hella Service, a joint venture between Hella and Behr GmbH
& Co. KG. Behr Hella Service specializes in air conditioning and engine
cooling solutions, including engine valves.
Dana Inc. and Valeo: In November 2020, Dana Inc., a leading
supplier of drivetrain and thermal management solutions, announced a strategic
collaboration with Valeo, a global supplier of automotive technologies, to
develop new electric and hybrid vehicle systems, including engine valves and
other engine components.
Eaton Corporation and MTEK Kolin: In August 2021, Eaton
Corporation announced the acquisition of MTEK Kolin, a Czech-based manufacturer
of engine valves and other engine components. The acquisition expands Eaton's
presence in the automotive valve market and strengthens its position in the
global automotive industry.
BorgWarner Acquires AKASOL: In July 2021, BorgWarner
announced that it would acquire AKASOL, a leading supplier of high-performance
battery systems for commercial vehicles, including electric buses and trucks.
The acquisition will help BorgWarner expand its portfolio of electrification
solutions, which includes engine valves and other engine components.
Continental AG and NVIDIA: In June 2021, Continental AG, a
leading supplier of automotive technologies, announced a strategic partnership
with NVIDIA, a leading provider of artificial intelligence and computer
graphics technologies. The partnership will focus on developing new software
solutions for autonomous driving and other advanced vehicle technologies,
including engine valves and other engine components.
Dana Inc. and Nordresa: In September 2020, Dana Inc.
announced the acquisition of Nordresa, a Canadian-based manufacturer of
electrified powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. The acquisition expands
Dana's portfolio of electrification solutions, including engine valves and
other engine components, and strengthens its position in the global electric
vehicle market.
Bosch and Powercell Sweden: In January 2021, Bosch announced
a strategic partnership with Powercell Sweden, a leading provider of fuel cell
technologies. The partnership will focus on developing new fuel cell systems
for commercial vehicles, including engine valves and other engine components.
DENSO and Infineon: In November 2020, DENSO Corporation, a
leading supplier of automotive technologies, announced a partnership with
Infineon Technologies AG, a leading provider of semiconductor solutions. The
partnership will focus on developing new technologies for advanced driver
assistance systems, including engine valves and other engine components.
These mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships highlight the
ongoing evolution of the automotive valve industry and the increasing
importance of advanced technologies and electrification in the automotive
sector.
In conclusion, automotive valves are critical components of
internal combustion engines. They play a crucial role in controlling the flow
of air and fuel into the engine, as well as the exhaust gases out of it. Valves
have evolved significantly over the years, becoming more complex and advanced
to meet the needs of modern engines. With the development of new technologies
and materials, the future of automotive valves looks bright. As the industry
continues to move towards more eco-friendly engines, valves will play an
essential role in achieving these goals.