Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 39.99 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.87%
Fastest Growing Segment	Passenger Cars
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 59.58 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market will grow from USD 39.99 Billion in 2025 to USD 59.58 Billion by 2031 at a 6.87% CAGR. Automotive diagnostic scan tools are electronic instruments designed to interface with a vehicle's onboard computer to identify system faults and monitor operational data. The demand for these devices is primarily driven by the increasing intricacy of vehicular electronics and the rising average age of the global fleet which necessitates frequent maintenance. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, in 2024, the average age of cars on United Kingdom roads reached a record high of nine years. This aging vehicle population underscores the critical need for regular diagnostic interventions to maintain vehicle functionality and adherence to safety standards.

However, the market encounters a significant impediment regarding the high acquisition and subscription costs associated with OEM-level diagnostic equipment. This financial barrier restricts market penetration among smaller independent repair workshops that often operate with limited capital and cannot easily absorb the expense of continuous software updates required for servicing newer vehicle models.

Key Market Drivers

The rising global adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles is a primary catalyst reshaping the diagnostic landscape, necessitating tools capable of analyzing complex battery management systems and electric powertrains. Unlike internal combustion engines, these vehicles require scanners that can monitor high-voltage battery health, thermal management data, and electric motor performance, pushing manufacturers to develop specialized software modules. This shift is evidenced by the sheer volume of electrified units entering the fleet. According to the International Energy Agency, April 2024, in the 'Global EV Outlook 2024', electric car sales approached 14 million in 2023, representing a 35% year-on-year increase. As these vehicles transition from warranty periods to general service, the demand for EV-compatible diagnostic solutions becomes critical for maintaining operational safety and efficiency.

Concurrently, the expansion of the independent aftermarket and service workshops fuels the need for versatile, multi-brand diagnostic equipment. Independent repair facilities are increasingly investing in universal scan tools to remain competitive against dealership networks, requiring capabilities that cover a vast array of makes and models. This segment's growth drives the consumption of tools that offer functional depth at a competitive price point. According to the Auto Care Association, June 2024, in the '2025 Auto Care Factbook', the United States automotive aftermarket was valued at $391 billion in 2023, reflecting the robust scale of the service sector. Furthermore, the continuous influx of new units sustains this demand; according to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, in 2024, global vehicle production reached 93.5 million units in 2023. This production volume ensures a steady stream of vehicles that will eventually require aftermarket diagnostic servicing.

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Key Market Challenges

The high acquisition and ongoing subscription costs associated with professional-grade diagnostic equipment constitute a significant barrier hampering the growth of the global automotive diagnostic scan tools market. As modern vehicles rely increasingly on complex software, diagnostic tools require frequent paid updates to maintain compatibility with new models. This financial structure creates a substantial hurdle for independent repair workshops, which often operate on tighter profit margins than authorized dealerships. Consequently, many smaller service providers delay equipment upgrades or avoid purchasing premium devices entirely, thereby limiting the potential sales volume for tool manufacturers and restricting market penetration in the independent aftermarket sector.

This cost barrier is particularly impactful given the vast scale of the repair industry that relies on these technologies. According to the Auto Care Association, in 2024, the United States automotive aftermarket industry was projected to reach a value of $534 billion. Despite this immense market potential, the inability of smaller independent operators to absorb the cumulative expense of hardware acquisition and mandatory software subscriptions prevents the widespread adoption of advanced diagnostic solutions. This financial friction effectively reduces the total addressable market, as a significant portion of the service landscape remains under-equipped to handle the latest automotive technologies.

Key Market Trends

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive fault analysis is fundamentally transforming the capabilities of diagnostic scan tools, shifting the industry focus from reactive error code reading to proactive health monitoring. Advanced algorithms now analyze vast quantities of historical sensor data to identify irregular patterns, allowing technicians to anticipate component failures before they result in vehicle breakdowns. This technological prioritization is strongly reflected in industry sentiment; according to Bosch, February 2024, in the 'Bosch Tech Compass 2024', 64% of global respondents identified artificial intelligence as the technology with the greatest importance for the future. Consequently, tool manufacturers are embedding machine learning modules that refine diagnostic accuracy over time, thereby reducing troubleshooting duration and improving first-time fix rates for complex electronic issues.

Concurrently, a surge in smartphone-based DIY diagnostic applications is decoupling diagnostic software from expensive proprietary hardware, effectively democratizing access to vehicle data. This trend caters to a growing segment of vehicle owners who prefer pairing low-cost wireless OBD-II dongles with mobile apps to perform basic maintenance tasks and reset warning lights independently. Financial incentives are a major influence on this behavior; according to the Auto Care Association, July 2024, in the 'Characteristics and Buying Behaviors of Automotive Maintenance DIYers' report, 72% of do-it-yourself consumers cited saving money as their primary motivation for performing their own maintenance. This consumer shift is forcing traditional scan tool vendors to develop consumer-grade mobile interfaces, expanding the market reach beyond professional repair workshops.

Segmental Insights

The passenger cars segment represents the fastest growing category within the global automotive diagnostic scan tools market due to the rising volume of vehicle production and the expanding integration of complex electronic systems. Stringent emission standards enforced by regulatory bodies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency mandate rigorous monitoring of exhaust systems, thereby increasing the necessity for reliable diagnostic equipment. Additionally, the continuous inclusion of advanced safety and connectivity features in modern vehicles compels service centers to utilize compatible scan tools for effective maintenance and regulatory compliance.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market, driven primarily by stringent regulatory mandates and a mature automotive aftermarket. The rigid enforcement of On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) standards by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ensures that vehicle emissions compliance remains a critical legal requirement, necessitating the widespread use of standardized diagnostic equipment. Additionally, the high concentration of technologically complex vehicles in the United States and Canada accelerates the demand for advanced fault-detection systems. This combination of regulatory compulsion and high vehicle ownership rates sustains the region's dominant market position.

Recent Developments

In September 2025, Bosch Diagnostics released substantial software updates for its ADS X series of scan tools, extending their capabilities to cover the first 2026 model year vehicles. The updates, identified as versions 6.11 and 6.12, were developed to ensure that workshops using the platform could maintain service readiness for the absolute latest vehicle models entering the market. By including support for additional 2024 and 2025 models from popular original equipment manufacturers, this release emphasized the company's dedication to keeping its diagnostic solutions synchronized with the rapid pace of automotive technological evolution and new model introductions.
In April 2025, Thinkcar Tech presented its newly developed artificial intelligence-driven diagnostic solutions at a major international trade exhibition in Kazakhstan. During the event, the company introduced the THINKTOOL Expert 399 and Expert 394, which utilized advanced AI technology to improve fault detection accuracy and streamline repair processes for technicians. These new tools were engineered to provide deeper system analysis and more efficient maintenance workflows, reflecting a broader industry trend towards intelligent diagnostic equipment. This product launch demonstrated the company's commitment to expanding its influence in the global automotive diagnostic scan tools market by delivering innovative technology to emerging regions.
In November 2024, Opus IVS formed a strategic partnership with a prominent national provider of ADAS diagnostic scanning services to enhance its intelligent vehicle support capabilities. This collaboration focused on integrating advanced identification technologies into the Opus IVS platform, thereby creating a unified solution for technicians to accurately identify and calibrate complex driver-assistance systems. By licensing specialized identification technology, the company aimed to empower collision repair shops with precise data to support well-informed repair decisions. This initiative highlighted the increasing critical need for accurate ADAS mapping and calibration workflows within the global automotive diagnostic scan tools market.
In October 2024, Snap-on Diagnostics launched a significant software update for its diagnostic platforms, introducing vehicle coverage for Tesla models for the first time. This fall release enabled technicians to perform diagnostics on the Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, while also adding coverage for various 2024 model year vehicles from manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Lexus, and Mazda. The update included enhanced guided component tests and exclusive features designed to help automotive professionals effectively service the growing number of electric and hybrid vehicles, reinforcing the company's position in the competitive diagnostic tools sector.

Key Market Players

Robert Bosch GmbH
Snap-on Incorporated
PHINIA Inc
Autel Intelligent Technology Co Ltd.
Continental AG
Denso Corporation
SCHENCK RoTec GmbH
MAHLE GmbH
General Technologies Corp.
Softing AG

By Type	By Vehicle Type	By Region
Automotive Paint Inspection Equipment Vehicle Emission Test System Digital Battery Tester Wheel Alignment Tester Handheld Tread Depth	Passenger Cars Commercial Vehicle	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market, By Type:

Automotive Paint Inspection Equipment
Vehicle Emission Test System
Digital Battery Tester
Wheel Alignment Tester
Handheld Tread Depth

Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market, By Vehicle Type:

Passenger Cars
Commercial Vehicle

Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools 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

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

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

Global Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Type (Automotive Paint Inspection Equipment, Vehicle Emission Test System, Digital Battery Tester, Wheel Alignment Tester, Handheld Tread Depth)

5.2.2. By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicle)

5.2.3. By Region

5.2.4. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Type

6.2.2. By Vehicle Type

6.2.3. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Type

6.3.1.2.2. By Vehicle Type

6.3.2. Canada Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Type

6.3.2.2.2. By Vehicle Type

6.3.3. Mexico Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Type

6.3.3.2.2. By Vehicle Type

7. Europe Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Type

7.2.2. By Vehicle Type

7.2.3. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Type

7.3.1.2.2. By Vehicle Type

7.3.2. France Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Type

7.3.2.2.2. By Vehicle Type

7.3.3. United Kingdom Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Type

7.3.3.2.2. By Vehicle Type

7.3.4. Italy Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Type

7.3.4.2.2. By Vehicle Type

7.3.5. Spain Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Type

7.3.5.2.2. By Vehicle Type

8. Asia Pacific Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Type

8.2.2. By Vehicle Type

8.2.3. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Type

8.3.1.2.2. By Vehicle Type

8.3.2. India Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Type

8.3.2.2.2. By Vehicle Type

8.3.3. Japan Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Type

8.3.3.2.2. By Vehicle Type

8.3.4. South Korea Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Type

8.3.4.2.2. By Vehicle Type

8.3.5. Australia Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Type

8.3.5.2.2. By Vehicle Type

9. Middle East & Africa Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Type

9.2.2. By Vehicle Type

9.2.3. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Type

9.3.1.2.2. By Vehicle Type

9.3.2. UAE Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Type

9.3.2.2.2. By Vehicle Type

9.3.3. South Africa Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Type

9.3.3.2.2. By Vehicle Type

10. South America Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Type

10.2.2. By Vehicle Type

10.2.3. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Type

10.3.1.2.2. By Vehicle Type

10.3.2. Colombia Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Type

10.3.2.2.2. By Vehicle Type

10.3.3. Argentina Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Type

10.3.3.2.2. By Vehicle Type

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Robert Bosch GmbH

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Snap-on Incorporated

15.3. PHINIA Inc

15.4. Autel Intelligent Technology Co Ltd.

15.5. Continental AG

15.6. Denso Corporation

15.7. SCHENCK RoTec GmbH

15.8. MAHLE GmbH

15.9. General Technologies Corp.

15.10. Softing AG

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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