Automotive Crankcase Additives Market –Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Antioxidants, Friction Modifiers, Detergent Additives), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 13.03 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.31%
Fastest Growing Segment	Passenger Vehicle
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 17.77 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Automotive Crankcase Additives Market will grow from USD 13.03 Billion in 2025 to USD 17.77 Billion by 2031 at a 5.31% CAGR. Automotive crankcase additives are specialized chemical formulations blended with base oils to enhance engine lubricants by reducing friction, preventing deposit accumulation, and protecting against wear and corrosion. The market is primarily supported by stringent environmental regulations necessitating high-performance lubricants and the continuous expansion of the global automotive manufacturing sector. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, in 2024, global motor vehicle production reached approximately 92.5 million units. This robust manufacturing output directly sustains the demand for initial fill and aftermarket engine oils, thereby driving the consumption of advanced additive packages required to meet modern engine specifications.

However, the market faces a significant challenge regarding the accelerating global shift toward electric mobility solutions which utilize different powertrain technologies. As battery electric vehicles do not require traditional internal combustion engine oils, their rising market share poses a substantial long-term threat to the volume growth of conventional crankcase additives.

Key Market Drivers

The expansion of global vehicle production and fleet size serves as a primary driver for the automotive crankcase additives market. As manufacturing output increases to meet consumer mobility needs, the volume of engine oil required for both initial factory fill and subsequent aftermarket servicing rises proportionally. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, in March 2025, global car sales were reported to have reached 74.6 million units in 2024. This surge in vehicle commercialization is particularly evident in major manufacturing hubs where output directly sustains the demand for lubricant additives. For instance, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, in January 2025, it was reported that China's annual automobile production reached 31.28 million units in 2024. Such robust production levels amplify the consumption of additive packages essential for engine protection and performance.

Concurrently, the market is heavily influenced by the rising demand for improved fuel economy and operational efficiency. Automotive OEMs are increasingly engineering powertrains that require low-viscosity lubricants enriched with friction modifiers to minimize energy loss and meet sustainability targets. This shift compels additive manufacturers to develop specialized formulations that maintain stability under higher thermal stress while delivering eco-friendly performance. According to Infineum, in June 2025, the company reported completing sustainability assessments for 78% of its product portfolio in 2024, highlighting the industry's transition toward highly efficient and sustainable lubricant solutions. These advancements ensure compliance with evolving efficiency standards while enhancing the longevity of modern engine hardware.

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Key Market Challenges

The global shift toward electric mobility solutions poses a direct and significant challenge to the growth of the automotive crankcase additives market. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, which rely on complex lubricant formulations to minimize friction and protect against wear, battery electric vehicles utilize electric motors that do not require engine oil. This fundamental transition in powertrain technology effectively eliminates the primary application for crankcase additives within a rapidly expanding segment of the automotive fleet. Consequently, as the production and sale of electric vehicles increase, the total addressable market for these specialized chemical additives contracts, offsetting volume gains from the broader automotive sector.

This displacement is particularly pronounced in leading automotive markets where electric vehicle adoption is accelerating rapidly. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, 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 substantial 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.

Key Market Trends

The emergence of hybrid-specific crankcase additives is accelerating as automakers increasingly rely on hybrid powertrains to bridge the transition to full electrification. Unlike conventional internal combustion engines, hybrids operate with frequent stop-start cycles and lower average oil temperatures, creating distinct tribological challenges such as moisture accumulation, fuel dilution, and accelerated sludge formation. Standard engine oils often fail to address these issues, necessitating the formulation of specialized additive packages containing enhanced demulsifiers and corrosion inhibitors to ensure component longevity. This segment is expanding rapidly to meet the needs of a growing vehicle fleet; according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, January 2025, in the 'New car registrations: +0.8% in 2024' report, hybrid-electric vehicles strengthened their market position by commanding a 30.9% share of the European Union car market in 2024, directly propelling the demand for these tailored lubrication solutions.

Simultaneously, the development of bio-based and sustainable additives is prioritizing the reduction of carbon footprints across the lubricant value chain. Market players are actively substituting fossil-derived chemical components with renewable bio-sourced alternatives and optimizing manufacturing processes to comply with stringent OEM low-carbon requirements and environmental regulations. This shift involves not only the introduction of biodegradable chemistries but also significant operational decarbonization efforts by major additive producers. Highlighting this industrial commitment, according to Lubrizol, April 2025, in the '2024 Sustainability Report Update', the company reported a 16% reduction in combined Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 compared to its baseline, reflecting the sector's tangible transition toward sustainable manufacturing and product innovation.

Segmental Insights

The Passenger Vehicle segment represents the fastest-growing area within the Global Automotive Crankcase Additives Market, driven by increasing global vehicle ownership and the need for improved fuel economy. This growth is significantly influenced by stringent emission standards established by regulatory bodies such as the European Commission and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. These mandates require the use of high-performance lubricants to minimize engine wear and reduce exhaust emissions. Consequently, additive manufacturers are formulating specific solutions to meet these rigorous compliance targets, ensuring the continued expansion of this market segment.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific commands the leading position in the Global Automotive Crankcase Additives Market, driven by its status as a massive automotive manufacturing hub. High vehicle production rates in China, India, and Japan directly fuel the demand for engine lubricants and associated additives. Furthermore, stringent environmental mandates, such as the China VI standards enforced by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and Bharat Stage VI norms in India, compel manufacturers to adopt high-performance additives. These regulations necessitate advanced formulations to ensure emission compliance and engine durability, solidifying the region's dominance in the global landscape.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, Afton Chemical Corporation launched a new dedicated performance additive designed specifically for hydrogen internal combustion engines. The product, marketed as HiTEC 12582, was engineered to address the unique challenges of hydrogen combustion, such as water handling, corrosion resistance, and pre-ignition control, which differ significantly from traditional diesel or gasoline applications. The company described the launch as a breakthrough in heavy-duty automotive technology, enabling the formulation of engine oils that support the transition to low-emission transport. This innovation aimed to eliminate the compromises often associated with fuel-agnostic lubricants in hydrogen-powered vehicles.
• In March 2025, BASF revealed plans to invest in its manufacturing site in Puebla, Mexico, to increase production capacity for aminic antioxidants. The company indicated that this expansion was driven by the growing global demand for high-performance lubricant additives, particularly those required to improve the oxidation stability of engine oils in modern vehicles. The increased capacity was intended to strengthen the supply chain for customers in North America and globally. A senior executive noted that the investment underscored the company's dedication to addressing the evolving technical needs of the automotive industry and ensuring the reliability of critical additive components.
• In November 2024, Infineum announced a strategic expansion of its local production capabilities in India by establishing a new blending facility. The company confirmed that the new unit would focus on blending sulfonate and salicylate packages, which are essential chemical components used in automotive crankcase lubricants. This development was intended to meet the rising demand in one of the world's fastest-growing lubricant markets and to enhance supply security for customers in the region. The organization emphasized that this investment reflected its commitment to localization and its objective to strengthen its position as a leading additive supplier in the Indian automotive sector.
• In July 2024, The Lubrizol Corporation announced the launch of a new passenger car engine oil additive technology designed to meet the upcoming ILSAC GF-7 specifications. This new product, identified as Lubrizol PV1710, was developed to address the evolving performance requirements of modern automotive engines, including the need for enhanced protection and efficiency. The company stated that the additive solution would enable oil marketers to formulate engine oils that comply with the new industry standards set to take effect in early 2025. The launch highlighted the company's focus on providing streamlined solutions that cover a broad range of base stocks and viscosity grades for the global automotive market.

Key Market Players

• 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

By Product	By Vehicle Type	By Region
Antioxidants Friction Modifiers Detergent Additives	Passenger Vehicles Commercial Vehicles	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• 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
• 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