The torque vectoring market is estimated to be valued at USD 11.45 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 28.09 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.68% from 2024 to 2031. The torque vectoring market is witnessing positive trends driven by strict emission regulations mandating more fuel-efficient and lower emission vehicles.

Market Driver - Increasing Demand for Passenger and Sports Cars Globally

The global automotive industry has seen tremendous growth in the production and sales of passenger cars as well as sports utility vehicles in the last decade. Sports vehicles and high-performance variants within mainstream brands have also become hugely popular globally.

However, delivering dynamic driving characteristics expected by customers from such sophisticated premium cars comes with its engineering challenges. Simply boosting engine power is not a viable long-term solution considering rising environmental regulations. This is where torque vectoring systems offer compelling benefits to auto companies.

Leading manufacturers now use advanced torque vectoring as a factor to differentiate their products in the torque vectoring market. As the passenger car boom continues unabated in major markets combined with buyers demanding superior handling athletically-styled vehicles, the uptake of torque vectoring hardware can only be expected to accelerate in the coming years.

Market Driver - Advancing Automotive Technologies to Boost Efficiency & Safety

Automakers and parts suppliers have intensified their efforts to engineer powertrains and supporting technologies that enhance fuel savings without compromising the driving experience customers want. For automakers to meet these dual challenges of efficiency gains and advanced driver assistance, innovative system-level solutions are crucial.

By intelligently channeling drive torque where it is needed the most, electronic torque vectoring enhances cornering ability, stability and straight-line traction from lower-powered 'downsized' engines. Simultaneously, state-of-the-art steering, braking and traction management improves vehicle handling under various conditions, aiding driver assistance functions such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping.

As the benefits of integrating sophisticated torque vectoring technology become more apparent, stricter carbon regulations and new safety mandates will further catalyze its adoption across all major global vehicle segments over the next decade. The upsides for both automakers and vehicle owners in terms of competitive differentiation, efficiency, driving pleasure and passenger protection are undeniable.

Market Challenge - High Costs and Limited Application of Torque Vectoring Systems

One of the key challenges faced by the torque vectoring market is the high costs associated with the development and implementation of these systems. Torque vectoring enables individual control of torque to each wheel, allowing for enhanced vehicle dynamics and safety.

However, to achieve this level of precision torque control requires sophisticated differentials, coupling mechanisms, and electronics. Developing these precision components and integrating them into the drivetrain increases costs substantially. Additionally, the onboard computing power and sensors required to process real-time torque data adds to the expenses.

As a result, torque vectoring systems end up being premium features available only in higher-end luxury and performance vehicles. Their application remains limited as mass market automakers are hesitant to adopt these costly technologies in mainstream vehicles. For the torque vectoring market to witness broader adoption, costs will need to come down significantly.

Market Opportunity - Expansion of Autonomous Vehicle Technologies

One of the major opportunities for the torque vectoring market is the expected expansion of autonomous vehicle technologies in the coming years. As self-driving capabilities continue to progress, vehicle dynamics and stability will become even more crucial for safely maneuvering autonomous vehicles without human input.

With more automakers aggressively working towards developing fully autonomous vehicles, the demand for safety and maneuvering enhancing technologies like torque vectoring is expected to rise. As autonomous vehicle technologies achieve wider adoption over the next decade, it can drive the torque vectoring market towards substantial growth.

Automakers may see torque vectoring as a key differentiator in offering superior safety and experience in self-driving vehicles. This emerging application can help accelerate the adoption of torque vectoring systems across more vehicle segments.

BorgWarner's Dual Clutch Technology: Automakers like Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini implemented this technology, which improved vehicle dynamics and handling significantly. It helped these premium brands position themselves as leaders in performance and technology.

GKN's Twinster System: Automakers like Jaguar first implemented this on the XFR sedan in 2013. Independent rear wheel torque control enhanced traction, agility and stability even more than conventional all-wheel drive systems. It helped GKN secure partnerships with multiple OEMs and gain an early mover advantage in the emerging torque vectoring space.

ZF's Active Torque Vectoring: Automakers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes integrated this technology across their SUV lineups over 2016-18. ZF's focus on scalability, efficiency and packaging helped make torque vectoring an affordable option even for high-volume mainstream models, thereby expanding the torque vectoring market significantly.

Insights, By Propulsion: Enhanced Safety and Traction Leads to Dominance of AWD/4WD Systems

In terms of propulsion, all-wheel drive (AWD)/four-wheel drive (4WD) contributes 55.8% share of the torque vectoring market owning to its ability to provide optimal traction and safety. AWD/4WD systems distribute torque to all wheels simultaneously for improved acceleration, control and handling regardless of road conditions.

The even distribution of power to all wheels also increases stability at high speeds and while cornering. Automakers have recognized that many consumers are willing to pay more for the peace of mind that AWD/4WD offers in adverse weather. Crossover SUVs and luxury vehicles have especially benefitted from customer demand for advanced safety and enhanced driving dynamics.

Going forward, as standardization of advanced driver assistance systems increases expectations for vehicle response and maneuverability, the popularity of AWD/4WD configurations is expected to continue growing.

Insights, By Technology: Technology Leadership Drives Adoption of Active Torque Vectoring

In terms of technology, active torque vectoring systems contributes 63.4% share of the torque vectoring market due to its superior performance capabilities compared to passive torque vectoring systems. Active systems independently variably brake individual wheels using sensors and controllers to assess road conditions, acceleration and deceleration in real-time.

This allows for optimized torque distribution not just from front to rear, but also side to side for unprecedented agility, responsiveness and stability. Active systems strengthen overall vehicle dynamics to an extent not possible through suspension tuning or conventional differentials alone.

As a result, automakers can significantly boost handling, safety and driver enjoyment through advanced torque vectoring technology. The increasingly intuitive and seamless integration of active systems is driving rapid upgrades by both luxury performance brands as well as mass market electric vehicles seeking efficient dynamics.

Insights, By Vehicle Type: Passenger Vehicles Lead Adoption on Back of Enhanced Comfort and Safety

In terms of vehicle type, passenger cars contribute the highest share of the torque vectoring market due to the large volumes and growing emphasis on passenger comfort, infotainment and safety features. Torque vectoring technology also enhances passenger car dynamics to reduce fatigue on long trips while offering an elevated feeling of safety, stability, and predictable handling.

This resonates strongly with family buyers prioritizing ease of use and passenger well-being over commercial considerations like payload or duty cycles. Meanwhile, premium brands have successfully marketed torque vectoring as a key differentiator, justifying price premiums.

As technology costs decline and capabilities improve, mass market brands are also accelerating adoption rates to strengthen appeal against imported competition. Over time, these factors will see torque vectoring become standard much like ABS or stability control across all vehicle classes.

• Integration in Electric Sports Cars: Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating torque vectoring in electric sports cars to improve acceleration, handling, and overall driving experience. This trend is expected to continue as EV technology advances in the torque vectoring market.
• Collaborations Between Automakers and Tech Firms: There is a growing number of partnerships aimed at developing advanced torque vectoring systems, combining automotive expertise with cutting-edge technology.
• Regional Growth Patterns: The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate in the global torque vectoring market due to rapid industrialization, increasing disposable income, and a surge in demand for high-end vehicles.
• Electric Vehicle Segment Surge: The torque vectoring market within the electric vehicle segment is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR, reflecting the global shift towards sustainable transportation.

The major players operating in the torque vectoring market include GKN Automotive Limited, BorgWarner Inc., ZF Friedrichshafen AG, JTEKT Corporation, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., Dana Incorporated, Continental AG, Bosch Ltd, Jtekt Corporation, GKN Automotive Limited, American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Univance Corporation, and Eaton Corporation.

• In May 2024, BorgWarner introduced its electric Torque Vectoring and Disconnect (eTVD) system for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This system is designed to intelligently control wheel torque, enhancing vehicle stability and dynamic performance.
• In May 2024, Lamborghini introduced the Urus SE, the first plug-in hybrid version of their Super SUV. This model features an innovative electric torque vectoring system that enhances performance and adaptability across various driving conditions.
• In June 2023, BorgWarner agreed to acquire the Electric Hybrid Systems (EHS) business segment of Eldor Corporation for €75 million, with the transaction expected to close in the third quarter of 2023. This acquisition aimed to enhance BorgWarner's capabilities in engineering compact and efficient 400V and 800V on-board chargers, as well as innovative high-frequency DC/DC converter technology.

• By Propulsion
  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD)/Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
  • Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
  • Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
• By Technology
  • Active Torque Vectoring Systems
  • Passive Torque Vectoring Systems
• By Vehicle Type
  • Passenger Car
  • Light Commercial Vehicles
  • Heavy Commercial Vehicles
• By Clutch Actuation
  • Electronic Clutch
  • Hydraulic Clutch