Automotive Brake Friction Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Brake Disc, Pad, Drum, Shoe, Liner), By Disc Material (Metallic Disc, Ceramic Disc), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, Lightweight Commercial Vehicle, Truck, Bus), By Type (Woven, Molded), By Regional, By Competition 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 12.71 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.15%
Fastest Growing Segment	Passenger Car
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 16.22 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Automotive Brake Friction Market will grow from USD 12.71 Billion in 2025 to USD 16.22 Billion by 2031 at a 4.15% CAGR. Automotive brake friction products, comprising pads, shoes, and linings, are essential safety components designed to decelerate vehicles by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy through contact with a rotor or drum. The primary drivers supporting this market include the consistent escalation of global vehicle manufacturing and the sustained necessity for aftermarket replacements within an expanding operational fleet. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), in 2024, global motor vehicle production reached 92.5 million units, establishing a robust baseline demand for original equipment friction materials. Furthermore, rigorous government safety regulations concerning stopping distances and stability are compelling the universal adoption of compliant, high-performance friction formulations.

However, the market faces a significant challenge arising from the electrification of the global automotive sector. The widespread integration of regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles allows the motor to decelerate the car, thereby substantially reducing the reliance on mechanical friction brakes. This technological shift significantly extends the lifespan of brake pads and linings, leading to a lower frequency of replacement. Consequently, this reduced aftermarket turnover rate presents a tangible obstacle to volume expansion as the market share of electric vehicles continues to rise.

Key Market Drivers

The Rising Aftermarket Demand from Aging Vehicle Parc currently serves as a primary engine of growth for the brake friction industry. As the global vehicle fleet matures, the inevitable wear of brake pads and linings necessitates periodic replacement to ensure operational safety, creating a resilient revenue stream that remains independent of new vehicle production cycles. This expanding installed base ensures consistent consumption of friction materials, as aging vehicles are the dominant consumers of aftermarket maintenance. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), January 2025, in the 'Report – Vehicles on European roads 2025', the passenger car fleet in the European Union grew by 1.4% from the previous year, reaching a total of 249 million vehicles. The sheer scale of this operational fleet bolsters the broader automotive supply chain. According to Continental AG, March 2025, in the 'Preliminary Results FY 2024' report, the company generated consolidated sales of €39.7 billion, reflecting the sustained volume of automotive components required to service the market.

Simultaneously, the Surge in Demand for Premium and Noise-Reducing Brake Solutions is elevating the market's value proposition. Modern consumers and OEMs are increasingly prioritizing braking systems that offer superior noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics, particularly for high-performance and luxury platforms. This trend compels manufacturers to develop and market higher-margin, specialized friction composites that minimize acoustic disruption while maintaining stopping power. The financial impact of this shift toward high-value components is evident in the performance of market leaders. According to Brembo N.V., November 2025, in the 'Third Quarter Report 2025', the company achieved a net profit of €65 million, marking a 59% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This substantial growth highlights the profitability associated with catering to the premium segment, where advanced performance standards drive unit costs upward.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The transition toward vehicle electrification imposes a distinct structural constraint on the expansion of the brake friction market. In electric vehicles, regenerative braking systems manage the majority of deceleration by converting kinetic energy into electrical power, effectively bypassing the mechanical friction process. This operational shift substantially lowers the thermal stress and physical abrasion applied to brake pads and linings. Consequently, these components retain their structural integrity for much longer periods, leading to extended replacement intervals and a noticeable reduction in aftermarket demand volume.

This lower turnover rate creates a direct impediment to revenue growth for manufacturers dependent on the high-frequency replacement cycles typical of internal combustion engine vehicles. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2024, global sales of electric cars were projected to reach approximately 17 million units. As the proportion of electric vehicles within the global fleet expands, the aggregate consumption of friction materials is likely to trail behind total vehicle population growth, countering gains from new vehicle manufacturing.

Key Market Trends

The Advancement of Low-Emission Technologies to Reduce Brake Particulate Matter is reshaping the industry as regulators target non-exhaust emissions. With the implementation of stringent standards like Euro 7, manufacturers are compelled to innovate beyond traditional friction formulations, developing advanced hard-coated rotors and dust-reducing filtration systems to mitigate airborne particulate release. This regulatory push is fundamentally altering product development strategies, forcing a transition from purely performance-based engineering to compliance-driven designs that minimize environmental impact. According to Icer Brakes, November 2024, in the 'Euro 7 Regulations' article, the European Union has established a binding limit for brake particle emissions, capping them at 7 mg/km for new internal combustion and hybrid vehicles to address urban air quality concerns.

Simultaneously, the Integration of Smart Sensors for Real-Time Wear Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance is digitizing the braking function, moving it towards a software-defined ecosystem. This trend involves embedding sophisticated electronics within friction assemblies to provide continuous data on pad thickness, temperature, and clamping force, thereby enabling fleet operators to optimize service intervals and prevent unexpected failures. The shift from passive mechanical components to active, data-generating systems is gaining substantial commercial traction among major automotive suppliers. According to ZF Friedrichshafen AG, January 2025, in the 'ZF secures substantial brake-by-wire technology business for light vehicles' press release, the company secured a contract to equip nearly 5 million vehicles with its Electro-Mechanical Brake technology, which utilizes advanced sensing to eliminate hydraulic connections and enhance diagnostic capabilities.

Segmental Insights

The passenger car segment is positioned as the fastest-growing category within the global automotive brake friction market, primarily driven by rising global vehicle production and increasing ownership rates. This growth is accelerated by stringent safety mandates from regulatory bodies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which enforce rigorous braking performance standards. Additionally, the shift toward heavier vehicle platforms, including electric models, necessitates durable friction materials capable of managing increased weight and ensuring operational safety. These factors collectively sustain the strong demand for brake friction components in the passenger vehicle sector.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominates the Global Automotive Brake Friction Market, primarily driven by its status as the world’s largest automotive manufacturing hub. High vehicle production rates in nations such as China, Japan, and India sustain substantial demand for original equipment brake components. Concurrently, rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes have expanded the regional vehicle fleet, creating a robust aftermarket for replacement parts. This growth is further reinforced by stringent safety mandates from national transport authorities, which compel the adoption of advanced friction technologies. Consequently, the convergence of industrial scale, increasing vehicle ownership, and regulatory compliance secures the region's leading position.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, ZF Aftermarket announced a significant expansion of its TRW brake pad portfolio in India, introducing new part numbers to achieve coverage for approximately 90% of the country's vehicle parc. During the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, the company presented its "True Originals" brake pad line, emphasizing its commitment to bringing Original Equipment (OE) quality standards to the independent aftermarket. This strategic move was accompanied by the activation of numerous distributor codes across the region to improve product accessibility for workshops and retailers. The expansion addresses the increasing market demand for high-quality friction components suitable for the diverse mix of passenger cars on Indian roads.
• In December 2024, Akebono Brake Corporation announced the expansion of its ultra-premium brake pad product lines, releasing ten new part numbers to increase coverage for European and fleet vehicles. This development added critical applications for various models, enhancing the company's aftermarket portfolio with formulations designed for severe duty and high-performance requirements. The release included kits featuring premium stainless steel abutment hardware, reflecting the manufacturer's focus on providing comprehensive braking solutions. This expansion aligns with the company's strategy to deliver noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control and superior stopping power for a wider range of vehicles in operation.
• In September 2024, Continental AG unveiled its "ATE New Original" product line at Automechanika Frankfurt, introducing a range of friction pairings specifically engineered for electric vehicles. The new brake discs and pads are designed to meet the unique requirements of electromobility, such as copper-free formulations and compliance with the upcoming Euro 7 standards for particulate emissions. This launch included applications for major electric models like the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, the Tesla Model S, and the Polestar 2. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to sustainability by incorporating renewable and recycled materials into its friction products while ensuring optimal braking performance and longevity.
• In June 2024, Brakes India Private Limited and ADVICS, a member of the AISIN Group, formed a strategic joint venture to design, develop, and manufacture advanced braking products for the Indian light vehicle market. The collaboration, involving a significant investment of over ₹500 crore, aims to leverage the technical expertise and global reach of both companies to produce essential safety components, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems. This greenfield project, located in Tamil Nadu, is designed to meet the growing demand for sophisticated braking technologies in hybrid and battery electric vehicles, strengthening the companies' positions in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.

Key Market Players

• Robert Bosch GmbH
• Aisin Corporation
• Tenneco Automotive India Private Limited
• Brembo S.p.A.
• Tenneco Inc
• Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd
• Miba AG
• SGL Carbon SE
• BorgWarner
• Nisshinbo Holdings Inc.

By Product Type	By Disc Material	By Vehicle Type	By Type	By Region
Brake Disc Pad Drum Shoe Liner	Metallic Disc Ceramic Disc	Passenger Car Lightweight Commercial Vehicle Truck Bus	Woven Molded	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Automotive Brake Friction Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Automotive Brake Friction Market, By Product Type:

• Brake Disc
• Pad
• Drum
• Shoe
• Liner

• Automotive Brake Friction Market, By Disc Material:

• Metallic Disc
• Ceramic Disc

• Automotive Brake Friction Market, By Vehicle Type:

• Passenger Car
• Lightweight Commercial Vehicle
• Truck
• Bus

• Automotive Brake Friction Market, By Type:

• Woven
• Molded

• Automotive Brake Friction Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE