Brake Friction Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, Commercial Vehicle), By Liner Type (Moulded Brake Liner, Woven Brake Liner), By Material Type (Metallic Brake Disc, Ceramic Brake Disc, Composite Brake Disc), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 18.03 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	3.79%
Fastest Growing Segment	Passenger Car
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 22.54 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Brake Friction Market will grow from USD 18.03 Billion in 2025 to USD 22.54 Billion by 2031 at a 3.79% CAGR. The Global Brake Friction Market comprises deceleration components such as brake pads, linings, and shoes designed to generate resistance against mating surfaces for vehicle control. The sector is propelled by the sustained demand for original equipment manufacturing and the expanding global automotive fleet which necessitates consistent aftermarket replacements. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), in 2024, global motor vehicle production reached 92.5 million units. This substantial manufacturing output directly bolsters the requirement for friction materials across diverse vehicle segments for both initial installation and maintenance.

However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the increasing adoption of regenerative braking technology in electric vehicles. This system utilizes electric motors to decelerate the vehicle, which significantly reduces the physical wear on traditional friction brakes and extends the replacement intervals for pads and linings. This technological shift threatens long-term aftermarket volumes, forcing manufacturers to adapt to lower turnover rates while simultaneously managing volatile raw material costs that strain profitability.

Key Market Drivers

Rising global vehicle production and sales act as the primary catalyst for the Global Brake Friction Market, necessitating substantial volumes of pads, linings, and shoes for initial OEM installation. This expansion is particularly evident in the commercial sector, where heavy-duty logistics and industrialization drive the manufacturing of new fleets requiring durable friction components. For instance, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), December 2025, in the 'Production and Sales of Commercial Vehicles' update, commercial vehicle sales in China reached 3.87 million units in the first eleven months of the year. Such sustained output in major manufacturing hubs directly correlates with increased procurement orders for braking systems, securing a baseline of revenue for friction material suppliers before vehicles even enter circulation.

Complementing new production, robust demand from the automotive aftermarket serves as a critical revenue stabilizer, driven by an aging global fleet that requires regular maintenance. As vehicles remain in operation longer, the frequency of wear-dependent replacements for brake components rises, insulating the market from cyclical dips in new car sales. According to the Auto Care Association, June 2025, in the '2026 Auto Care Factbook', U.S. light-duty aftermarket sales grew by 5.7% in 2024 to reach $413.7 billion. This growing maintenance ecosystem reflects the sector's resilience and profitability. Furthermore, the financial health of key market players underscores this positive trend; according to Brembo, in 2025, the company reported a third-quarter net profit of €65 million.

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Key Market Challenges

The integration of regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles presents a structural restraint to the brake friction market. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles that rely solely on friction to stop, electric vehicles use the motor to capture energy during deceleration. This process assumes a large portion of the braking load, which substantially decreases the frequency and intensity of contact between brake pads and rotors. Consequently, the lifespan of these friction components increases significantly, leading to a noticeable reduction in the frequency of replacement cycles required by vehicle owners.

This extended durability directly impacts the aftermarket segment, which traditionally drives volume for friction manufacturers. As the global fleet transitions toward electrification, the total addressable market for replacement parts faces downward pressure. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2024, global sales of electric cars reached approximately 17 million units. This rising volume of vehicles equipped with regenerative technology suggests a long-term decline in the turnover rate of consumable brake components, forcing suppliers to contend with lower recurring revenue streams per vehicle compared to traditional automotive platforms.

Key Market Trends

The Global Brake Friction Market is undergoing a fundamental structural change driven by the Transition to Copper-Free and Eco-Friendly Formulations. As environmental mandates regarding chemical safety tighten globally, manufacturers are aggressively reformulating friction compounds to eliminate hazardous materials like copper, antimony, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This shift is not merely regulatory but also a core component of the industry's sustainability goals, aiming to reduce the ecological footprint of brake dust and manufacturing emissions. A prime example of this industrial pivot is evident in recent supplier achievements; according to TMD Friction, August 2025, in the '2024 ESG Report', the company successfully achieved a 31% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) across its friction product lines, surpassing its long-term reduction targets significantly ahead of schedule.

Simultaneously, the sector is experiencing a rapid Integration of Smart Sensors for Real-Time Wear Monitoring and control, moving the industry toward fully digital chassis solutions. This trend transcends simple mechanical wear indicators, evolving into sophisticated electro-mechanical braking (EMB) architectures that utilize advanced sensor arrays to manage braking force dynamically and predict maintenance needs with high precision. This digitization eliminates the reliance on traditional hydraulic fluids and mechanical linkages, aligning perfectly with the software-defined vehicle architectures of modern electric fleets. The commercial viability of this technology was underscored when, according to ZF Friedrichshafen, January 2025, in the 'ZF secures substantial brake-by-wire technology business' press release, the company secured a major contract to equip nearly 5 million vehicles with its smart Electro-Mechanical Braking system, signaling a massive adoption of sensor-driven braking platforms.

Segmental Insights

The passenger car segment currently represents the fastest-growing category within the global brake friction market, driven primarily by rising global vehicle production and increasing consumer demand for personal mobility. This expansion is further supported by stringent safety regulations established by authorities such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which mandate rigorous braking performance standards to ensure road safety. Additionally, the growing adoption of electric vehicles requires specialized friction materials capable of managing higher vehicle weights. Manufacturers are consequently increasing output to meet the technical requirements of the expanding global passenger vehicle fleet.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global Brake Friction Market, driven primarily by the high concentration of light commercial vehicles, pickup trucks, and SUVs in the United States. These heavier vehicle classes require robust, durable friction materials to handle significant thermal loads and ensure operational safety. The region’s market dominance is further reinforced by a mature automotive aftermarket, sustained by a vast existing vehicle fleet and high average annual mileage. Additionally, stringent federal safety standards regarding stopping distances, enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), compel manufacturers to adopt high-performance ceramic and metallic formulations, ensuring consistent value growth across the sector.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, ZF secured a substantial business contract with a global original equipment manufacturer to supply its brake-by-wire technology for light vehicles. The agreement, which covers nearly five million vehicles, involves a "hybrid" braking system that combines electro-mechanical brakes on the rear axle with traditional hydraulic calipers on the front. This arrangement eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the braking system. The deal highlights the company's advancement in chassis technology and its ability to provide flexible, software-defined vehicle solutions that reduce assembly costs and support automated driving functions.
• In December 2024, Michelin and Brembo signed a global agreement to collaborate on the development of intelligent braking and tire solutions. The partnership aims to integrate Michelin’s tire modeling and algorithm capabilities with Brembo’s "Sensify" intelligent braking system. By enabling real-time data exchange between the tires and the braking control units, the companies seek to enhance vehicle safety and driving comfort. Initial tests indicated that this combined technology could significantly reduce braking distances regardless of tire wear or road conditions. This joint effort represents a strategic move to optimize vehicle performance through software and component integration.
• In November 2024, ADVICS expanded its aftermarket product portfolio by releasing 50 new stock keeping units for its ultra-premium disc brake rotors. Announced during the AAPEX event, this product launch increased the company's axle coverage to include over 65 million vehicles in operation across Asian and domestic brands. The new rotors feature high-carbon metallurgy and a protective coating designed to prevent rust and corrosion, mirroring original equipment standards. This expansion was part of the company's strategy to meet growing market demand for high-quality replacement braking components and to provide comprehensive coverage for a wide range of vehicle models.
• In April 2024, TMD Friction established strategic distribution partnerships with Aldo Romeo and Autocom to strengthen its presence in the Italian aftermarket. Under this collaboration, the partners began distributing the company's Textar and Don branded brake friction products for passenger cars. Aldo Romeo utilized its nine logistics platforms to cover the entire Italian territory, while Autocom focused on distribution throughout Sicily. This expansion followed the company's acquisition by AEQUITA and was designed to diversify its distribution channels, ensuring that its premium braking solutions were more accessible to customers across the region.

Key Market Players

• Brembo N.V.
• Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
• Robert Bosch GmbH
• ZF Friedrichshafen AG
• Nisshinbo Holdings Inc.
• Tenneco Inc.
• ADVICS Co., Ltd.
• MAT Holdings, Inc.
• Sangsin Brake Co., Ltd.
• ITAPROCHIM S.p.A.

By Vehicle Type	By Liner Type	By Material Type	By Region
Passenger Car Commercial Vehicle	Moulded Brake Liner Woven Brake Liner	Metallic Brake Disc Ceramic Brake Disc Composite Brake Disc	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Brake Friction Market, By Vehicle Type:

• Passenger Car
• Commercial Vehicle

• Brake Friction Market, By Liner Type:

• Moulded Brake Liner
• Woven Brake Liner

• Brake Friction Market, By Material Type:

• Metallic Brake Disc
• Ceramic Brake Disc
• Composite Brake Disc

• 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