Commercial Vehicles Tow Bar Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Fixed, Detachable, Retractable), By Sales Channel (OEM, Aftermarket), By Region, By Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 3.21 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.71%
Fastest Growing Segment	Aftermarket
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 4.74 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Commercial Vehicles Tow Bar Market will grow from USD 3.21 Billion in 2025 to USD 4.74 Billion by 2031 at a 6.71% CAGR. A commercial vehicle tow bar is a specialized mechanical assembly mounted to the chassis of light or heavy-duty vehicles, specifically designed to securely couple with and haul trailers or equipment. The global market is primarily supported by the sustained expansion of the logistics and e-commerce sectors, which necessitate versatile fleet capabilities for last-mile delivery and freight transport. Additionally, robust demand within the construction industry for hauling heavy machinery and materials further underpins the requirement for durable towing solutions across diverse commercial applications.

These fundamental drivers are evidenced by significant activity in the light commercial vehicle segment. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), in 2024, new EU van sales increased by 8.3%, reaching 1,586,688 units. This substantial volume of fleet additions reinforces the addressable market for OEM and aftermarket towing hardware. However, future expansion faces a significant challenge regarding stringent regulatory frameworks and safety standards, which impose complex homologation requirements and elevate manufacturing costs.

Key Market Drivers

Rising sales of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and pickup trucks serve as a primary catalyst for the market, acting as the essential platforms for towing hardware. Fleet operators and tradespeople increasingly invest in versatile utility vehicles to haul trailers and mobile equipment, directly necessitating robust OEM and aftermarket towing solutions. This upward trend in fleet renewal is evident in key regional markets; according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, January 2025, in the 'December 2024 New LCV Registrations' report, the UK LCV market grew by 3.0% to reach 351,834 registrations in 2024. This volume expansion expands the addressable install base for tow bars, supported by strong global fleet investments. For instance, according to Ford Motor Company, in 2024, the Ford Pro commercial division reported third-quarter revenue of $15.7 billion, a 13% increase year-over-year, highlighting the robust demand for commercial transport capabilities that utilize these components.

Simultaneously, growth in global construction and infrastructure development activities creates a critical dependency on vehicles equipped with heavy-duty towing apparatus. Construction projects require the frequent transport of mobile generators, cement mixers, and material trailers, demanding reliable tow bars mounted on work trucks. As governments and private entities ramp up spending on civil engineering, the utilization of commercial hauling assets intensifies. This correlation is substantiated by the U.S. Census Bureau, November 2024, in the 'Monthly Construction Spending, September 2024' report, which stated that construction spending during the first nine months of 2024 amounted to $1.6 trillion, representing a 7% increase over the same period in 2023. This escalation in building activity ensures a continuous demand for towing hardware capable of withstanding rigorous infrastructure support duty cycles.

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Key Market Challenges

Stringent regulatory frameworks and safety standards represent a formidable barrier to the expansion of the Global Commercial Vehicles Tow Bar Market. As regional authorities enforce rigorous mandates, such as the EU General Safety Regulation (GSR II) which became fully applicable to new registrations in July 2024, manufacturers must navigate increasingly complex homologation processes. These standards require the seamless integration of tow bars with advanced driver-assistance systems and sensor arrays, significantly elevating engineering and manufacturing costs. The resulting technical and financial burdens delay vehicle certification and dampen fleet investment, thereby restricting the volume of new chassis available for towing equipment installation.

This negative impact on the manufacturing supply chain is substantiated by recent industrial data. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), in 2024, truck production in the European Union contracted by 25.3% compared to the previous year. Since the demand for commercial towing assemblies is inextricably linked to new vehicle output, this sharp decline in manufacturing volumes directly reduces the addressable market for tow bars, hampering overall sector growth.

Key Market Trends

The development of EV-optimized towing solutions is gaining momentum as manufacturers address the specific engineering constraints of the growing electric chassis market. Unlike internal combustion platforms, battery-powered commercial vehicles are highly sensitive to the aerodynamic drag and additional weight imposed by traditional fixed tow bars, which can drastically reduce operating range. Consequently, the sector is witnessing a shift toward electrically retractable systems and lightweight composite hitch architectures designed to minimize energy consumption when not in use. This technical evolution is directly supported by the rapid electrification of the global fleet. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), April 2025, in the 'Global EV Outlook 2025' report, global sales of electric light commercial vehicles increased by more than 40% in 2024, exceeding 600,000 units, creating an urgent requirement for specialized range-preserving towing hardware.

Integration of smart towing connectivity is fundamentally altering the value proposition of commercial hitches, moving them beyond simple mechanical coupling to become active nodes in the digital fleet ecosystem. Advanced tow bars are increasingly incorporating sensors that interface with vehicle telematics to provide real-time data on trailer load distribution, lighting functionality, and connection security. This trend allows fleet managers to enhance safety protocols and prevent downtime through predictive maintenance, aligning with the broader industry move toward software-defined logistics. This demand for connected capabilities is illustrated by fleet investment patterns; according to Ford Motor Company, July 2025, in the 'Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results', paid software subscriptions for the Ford Pro commercial division reached 757,000, representing a 24% increase largely driven by customer demand for integrated telematics and digital fleet management solutions.

Segmental Insights

The aftermarket segment is establishing itself as the fastest-growing category in the global commercial vehicles tow bar market, driven by the increasing necessity for cost-effective maintenance solutions. As commercial fleets age, the rigorous demands of heavy-duty logistics cause substantial wear on towing components, necessitating frequent replacements to ensure vehicle safety. Fleet operators increasingly prioritize aftermarket products to lower repair expenses and minimize downtime compared to purchasing from original equipment manufacturers. This shift towards economical maintenance strategies ensures a sustained reliance on accessible third-party components within the transportation sector.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific stands as the leading region in the Global Commercial Vehicles Tow Bar Market, primarily driven by the high volume of commercial vehicle production in major economies such as China, India, and Japan. The region's rapid industrialization and extensive infrastructure development have necessitated robust logistics networks, resulting in a surge in demand for fleet vehicles equipped with durable towing capabilities. Furthermore, the expanding construction and e-commerce sectors require versatile light and heavy commercial vehicles for material transport. This consistent industrial growth, supported by regional adherence to vehicle safety standards, fundamentally underpins Asia Pacific’s market dominance.

Recent Developments

• In July 2025, VBG Group AB acquired the German company M.A.T. Malmedie Antriebstechnik GmbH through its Ringfeder Power Transmission division. Malmedie is a leading manufacturer of specialized mechanical coupling technology and safety clutches used in heavy industrial applications such as cranes and mining equipment. This acquisition was designed to strengthen VBG Group’s presence in the global coupling market by adding complementary high-performance products to its existing Ringfeder portfolio, which is widely recognized for its heavy-duty truck and trailer coupling solutions.
• In March 2025, Lippert acquired the assets of RVibrake, a provider of supplemental braking systems, to expand its Curt brand’s flat towing product line. The transaction included the integration of RVibrake’s technology, which allows a towed vehicle to brake in sync with the towing motorhome, into Lippert’s extensive towing portfolio. This acquisition was described as a strategic step to enhance Curt’s position in the towing market by offering a more comprehensive suite of safety and braking solutions for recreational and commercial towing applications.
• In December 2024, DexKo Global Inc. completed the acquisition of Cerma Srl, an Italian manufacturer specializing in high-precision hydraulic components such as valves and manifolds. This strategic move was intended to strengthen DexKo’s hydraulics value chain and expand its product portfolio for off-highway and industrial applications. The acquisition aligns with DexKo’s strategy to enhance its offerings in trailer running gear and chassis assemblies, where hydraulic systems play a critical role in braking and suspension performance for commercial and industrial vehicles.
• In September 2024, JOST Werke SE introduced the KKS-U Connector and the King Pin Finder at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover. The KKS-U Connector is an advanced version of the company’s automatic coupling system, designed to be retrofittable to existing trailers, which facilitates the automated connection of mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic lines between trucks and trailers. Alongside this, the King Pin Finder was launched as a camera-assisted coupling aid integrated into the fifth wheel, providing drivers with visual guidance on the dashboard to ensure precise and safe alignment during the coupling process.

Key Market Players

• Curt Manufacturing LLC
• David Murphy Towing
• Trimas Corporation
• ACPS Automotive GmbH
• Horizon Global Corporation
• Brink Group B.V.
• Bosal Nederland BV
• Hayman Reese
• McCabe Towbars
• PCT Automotive Limited

By Type	By Sales Channel	By Region
Fixed Detachable Retractable	OEM Aftermarket	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Commercial Vehicles Tow Bar Market, By Type:

• Fixed
• Detachable
• Retractable

• Commercial Vehicles Tow Bar Market, By Sales Channel:

• OEM
• Aftermarket

• Commercial Vehicles Tow Bar 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