Automotive Lubricants Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Engine Oil, Gear Oil, Transmission Fluids, Brake Fluids, Coolants, Greases), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Automotive Lubricants Market Size & Trends

The global automotive lubricants market size was estimated at USD 72.05 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2023 to 2030. Growing demand for high-performance and lightweight vehicles in emerging economies such as India and China along with a shift in consumer preference towards sustainable lubricants is the key factor driving the market growth.

Increasing automotive production coupled with a shift in trend from heavy vehicles to lightweight vehicles is a key driving factor since the latter contributes significantly to weight savings and lower carbon emissions. A 10% reduction in the weight of an automobile results in approximately 5% to 7% fuel savings. In addition, the reduced weight also aids in controlling the emission of CO2 throughout the life cycle of the vehicle. It further helps the overall performance of the vehicle in terms of acceleration and handling. Moreover, the reduction in mass at unhinged points provides for a reduction in noise and vibration, making it a smoother ride. Thus, growing concerns regarding fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are expected to boost the demand for lubricants in commercial as well as passenger vehicles.

The U.S. is the largest consumer of the product in North America with a revenue share of 67.7% in 2022. According to the International Trade Administration, the U.S. is the second largest market for sales and production of vehicles in 2022 with light vehicles accounting for 14.5 million units of sales. Additionally, according to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, the foreign direct investment for the automotive industry in the country amounted to USD 143.3 billion in 2019. Thus, the advancing automotive industry in the country is anticipated to be the major driving force for the product over the forecast period.

Product Insights

Engine oil in the product segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 54.8% in 2022. Engine oils are most commonly used for lubrication of internal combustion engines in automobiles. These high-performance lubricants are available in various categories including fully synthetic, part synthetic, and mineral oils. Engine oils exhibit a wide range of exceptional characteristics such as high viscosity, heat resistance, wear protection, and strength. Thus, all these factors are contributing to the growth of engine oils.

Brake fluids are another segment witnessing the fastest growth over the forecast period. Braking fluids are hydraulic fluids that are frequently used in car hydraulic braking and clutch applications. The basic function of brake fluids is to produce an incompressible medium through which the driver's foot pressure on the brake pedal is transmitted in order to lock the friction material against the discs.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific region dominated the market with a revenue share of 57.2% in 2022. This growth is majorly attributed to the advancing commercial automotive lubricants market in India, Japan, and China. According to OICA, India produced a total of 5,456,857 vehicles including commercial vehicles, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and two-wheelers, witnessing a growth of 24% in 2022, compared to 2021. Additionally, the automotive sector in Japan is the third largest in the world comprising 78 factories in 22 prefectures. Thus, all these factors are contributing to the growth of the product market in the region.

Europe is another region witnessing growth over the forecast period. According to the European Commission, the automotive industry employs around 2.6 million individuals who are directly involved in car manufacturing, accounting for approximately 8.5% of overall manufacturing employment in the European Union. Furthermore, the Society of Motor Manufacturing and Traders (SMMT) estimates that the UK will produce around 775,014 cars and 101,600 commercial vehicles in 2022.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The automotive lubricants industry is highly competitive with the presence of a large number of players in the market. Companies are investing huge amounts in research & development activities and innovations so as to gain a competitive advantage. For instance, in March 2021, Nissan Motors India and ExxonMobil signed a contract to supply lubricants for passenger car aftermarket. ExxonMobil will increase its lubricant output by offering a selection of engine oils suited for BS3, BS6, and BS4 models from OEMs. On March 2023, ExxonMobil announced that it is investing nearly USD $110 million to build a lubricant manufacturing plant that will produce 159,000 kiloliters of lubricants, in Maharashtra, India. Some prominent players in the global automotive lubricants market include:

• Exxon Mobil

• Castrol

• Shell

• Repsol

• LUKOIL

• Sasol

• Indian Oil Corporation Ltd

• HP Lubricants

• Philipps 66

• Fuchs

• Cepsa

Automotive Lubricants Market Report Scope

Global Automotive Lubricants Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis on the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global automotive lubricants market report based on product and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilo tons; 2018 - 2030)

  • Engine Oil

  • Gear Oil

  • Transmission Fluids

  • Brake Fluids

  • Coolants

  • Greases

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, Volume; Kilo tons; 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Switzerland

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Netherlands

    • Russia

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Southeast Asia

    • Oceania

    • Kyrgyzstan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

    • Chile

    • Colombia

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Iran

    • Oman

    • UAE

    • Qatar

    • Kuwait

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • Angola

    • Nigeria