Idler Arm Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Material (Alloy Steel, Iron, Carbon Steel, and others), By Sales Channel (OEM and Aftermarket), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles), By Region, Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Idler Arm Market, valued at USD 3.45 Billion in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 5.66% to reach USD 4.80 Billion by 2030. An idler arm is a critical pivoting component within a vehicle's steering system, designed to support the center link and facilitate the precise movement of steering linkages while maintaining wheel alignment. The global idler arm market's growth is primarily driven by consistent global automotive production volumes and the expanding automotive aftermarket requiring replacement parts for aging vehicles. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), global motor vehicle production reached 93,546,599 units in 2023, indicating a robust demand for essential automotive components.

A significant challenge impeding market expansion is the persistent vulnerability to supply chain disruptions. Geopolitical events, logistical complexities, and fluctuating availability of raw materials continue to impact manufacturing schedules and increase operational costs across the automotive components sector, directly affecting idler arm production and distribution.

Key Market Drivers

The increasing global vehicle production stands as a primary catalyst for the idler arm market, directly stimulating demand for original equipment components. Each newly manufactured vehicle necessitates a complete array of steering and suspension parts, including idler arms, thereby establishing a foundational requirement for market volume. This consistent output from global automotive manufacturing facilities creates a steady stream of demand for initial component installations. According to OICA's 2024 production statistics, China's motor vehicle manufacturing reached 31,281,592 units, exemplifying the scale of new vehicle production that drives essential component demand. Such significant production volumes across major automotive hubs reinforce the market’s reliance on new vehicle assemblies.

The expansion of the automotive aftermarket sector also significantly drives the idler arm market by addressing replacement demand. As vehicles age and accumulate mileage, wear and tear on critical steering components necessitate replacements, creating a continuous revenue stream for manufacturers and distributors in the aftermarket. This segment is bolstered by consumers retaining vehicles for longer periods, which naturally increases the need for repair and maintenance parts. According to the Auto Care Association, in a June 2024 press release, total United States light duty aftermarket sales grew by 8.6% in 2023 to $392 billion, highlighting the substantial economic activity in vehicle service and parts replacement. Furthermore, the overall global idler arm market benefits from a large installed base of vehicles, with the US vehicle fleet now including 289 million light vehicles in operation, as reported by S&P Global Mobility in May 2025, ensuring ongoing demand for replacement parts like idler arms throughout their operational lifespan.

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Key Market Challenges

The persistent vulnerability to supply chain disruptions represents a significant impediment to the growth of the Global Idler Arm Market. Geopolitical events, logistical complexities, and the fluctuating availability of essential raw materials directly impact manufacturing schedules and elevate operational costs for idler arm producers. These external pressures create an environment of uncertainty, hindering efficient production and timely distribution of these critical steering components.

This challenging environment directly translates into financial strain across the automotive supply sector. According to CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, in 2023, a survey revealed that 65% of companies were operating below a 5% profitability threshold, which is crucial for sustainable investment. Furthermore, 25% of these respondents experienced profit margins below 1%. Such diminished profitability curtails investment in production capacity, technological upgrades, and research and development for idler arms, consequently slowing market expansion and innovation.

Key Market Trends

The electrification of vehicles and the integration of advanced steering systems are significantly influencing the global idler arm market. Electric vehicles and evolving autonomous driving capabilities necessitate idler arms engineered for enhanced precision and durability, capable of interfacing with sophisticated electronic controls rather than traditional mechanical linkages. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2024, global electric car production increased by one-quarter over 2023, reaching 17.3 million units, underscoring the growing demand for specialized steering components. This strategic shift is evident in investments such as ZF Group's commitment of €1.3 billion to research and development for innovative braking and steer-by-wire systems, as detailed in a July 2024 announcement by the European Investment Bank.

The global idler arm market is increasingly driven by the adoption of lightweight and high-performance materials. This trend, spurred by demands for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, sees materials like aluminum alloys and high-strength steels reducing overall vehicle weight. Such materials enhance fuel economy and extend electric vehicle range, while providing superior strength-to-weight ratios for increased component durability in demanding steering applications. According to CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, the share of recycled or recovered production waste within the automotive supply industry increased to 86.5% in 2023. Furthermore, Magna International showcased Aural 5R and 2R Recycled Aluminum Alloys at IAA Mobility 2025, made from 100% recycled aluminum, highlighting the industry's commitment to both performance and circular economy principles in material development.

Segmental Insights

The alloy steel material segment demonstrates significant momentum within the global idler arm market, experiencing rapid growth driven by its advantageous mechanical properties. Its superior strength, durability, and robust resistance to wear and tear position alloy steel as a preferred material for manufacturers seeking to enhance vehicle performance and reliability. The increasing adoption of alloy steel in idler arm production is further supported by its overall cost-effectiveness, offering a balanced solution for critical steering system components that require consistent integrity under operational stresses. This combination of enhanced performance characteristics and economic viability fuels its expanding presence in the market.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific stands as the leading region in the Global Idler Arm Market, driven by its prominent status as a major automotive manufacturing hub. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India significantly contribute to global vehicle production, fueling substantial demand for idler arms in both original equipment manufacturer and aftermarket channels. This dominance is further propelled by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and supportive government policies across the region, which collectively stimulate increased automotive sales and manufacturing activity. The expanding vehicle fleet and ongoing industrialization also contribute to a robust aftermarket segment for replacement parts.

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Brogen EV Solution, a company specializing in electric power steering systems, highlighted the increasing adoption and optimization of Electric Power Steering (EPS) as a mainstream trend in the automotive industry. The company noted that EPS technology would continue to be refined for reduced energy consumption and improved response speed. These advancements in EPS systems are significant for the global idler arm market, as they represent a shift in steering technology that influences the design, integration, and demand for traditional mechanical steering components, including idler arms, particularly with the growth of electric and autonomous vehicles.

• In December 2024, Arm's ongoing collaborations demonstrated their impact on future automotive technologies, particularly in autonomous driving. The Nuro Driver integrated Arm's Automotive Enhanced (AE) solutions for more intelligent autonomous experiences, and NVIDIA announced its intent to incorporate Arm Neoverse-V3AE into its DRIVE Thor platform for next-generation software-defined vehicles. These advancements in autonomous systems require highly precise and reliable steering components. This directly drives breakthrough research and development in the broader steering system, which influences the design and material requirements for components like idler arms to meet rigorous safety and performance standards for autonomous applications.

• In November 2024, SKF Automotive introduced a new premium steering and suspension product line for the U.S. and Canadian markets. This comprehensive range includes various components such as track control arms, stabilizer links, and tie rod ends, which are integral to vehicle steering systems where idler arms function. The company emphasized that these new products were designed for an extended service life and reduced friction due to the inclusion of SKF’s proprietary synthetic grease. This launch reflects advancements in component durability and performance within the broader steering and suspension sector, directly impacting the idler arm market by setting new benchmarks for related parts.

• In January 2024, Volvo Trucks North America unveiled a completely re-engineered Class 8 Volvo VNL heavy-duty truck. This new vehicle platform, developed through six years of dedicated research and a substantial $400 million investment, features numerous next-generation enhancements aimed at improving productivity, safety, and sustainability. The redesign of such a heavy-duty vehicle often necessitates corresponding innovations in robust steering and suspension components, including idler arms, to manage increased loads and demanding operational conditions, thereby influencing design and performance requirements within the global idler arm market.

Key Market Players

• TRW
• MOOG
• Lemforder
• Delphi
• Dorman
• Mevotech
• ACDelco
• Sankei
• MAS
• RareParts

Report Scope:

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

• Idler Arm Market, By Material:

o   Alloy Steel

o   Iron

o   Carbon Steel

o   Others

• Idler Arm Market, By Sales Channel:

o   OEM

o   Aftermarket

• Idler Arm Market, By Vehicle Type:

o   Passenger Cars

o   Commercial Vehicles

• Idler Arm Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Idler Arm Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Idler Arm 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).

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