Automotive

Global Automotive Wires & Cables Market

Global Automotive Wires & Cables Market is segmented by Vehicle Type, by voltage type, by application, by vehicle type, by end-user, and by Region.

Industry: Automotive

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Publishing Date:August 2025

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Forecast Period: 2025 – 2031

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Pages: 350

Key Market Insights:

The global automotive wires & cables market was valued at USD 28.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 42.5 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. The market comprises various wiring solutions used in internal and external vehicle systems including powertrain, lighting, infotainment, battery management, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

As vehicles transition toward electrification, automation, and connectivity, the role of durable, lightweight, and high-performance wires and cables is increasingly critical. Automotive OEMs are demanding advanced wire harnessing solutions that offer improved signal transmission, resistance to harsh environmental conditions, and reduced weight to support overall vehicle efficiency and safety.

 

Latest Trends:

Electrification and Data Transmission Driving Cable Innovation

The surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption is pushing innovation in high-voltage cable assemblies capable of supporting battery systems and power electronics. Flat wires, shielded cables, and lightweight aluminum-based wiring are being widely adopted to reduce vehicle weight while ensuring thermal stability and conductivity.

In addition, the shift toward connected and autonomous vehicles is accelerating demand for high-speed data transmission cables like Ethernet and coaxial types. These are essential for in-vehicle communication, infotainment, radar, LiDAR, and camera systems. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are now integrating modular, flexible cable architectures to manage increasing complexity and improve manufacturability.

Driving Factors:

Rising EV Production and Regulatory Push for Low-Emission Vehicles

The global transition toward electric mobility is a primary growth driver for the automotive wires & cables market. EVs require significantly more cabling than conventional ICE vehicles, with applications spanning battery charging, energy management, and thermal control. Government mandates on fuel efficiency and carbon neutrality are propelling investments in electric and hybrid vehicle platforms, directly increasing the need for high-performance wires, including cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) types. Additionally, safety regulations requiring robust electrical systems further stimulate innovation in wire insulation and heat resistance.

Restraining Factors:

Fluctuating Raw Material Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions

The market is sensitive to the prices of copper, aluminum, and plastic polymers used in wire manufacturing. Volatility in these raw materials significantly impacts production costs, especially in high-volume manufacturing.

Moreover, ongoing global supply chain challenges and trade restrictions can delay the availability of components, affecting OEM delivery schedules. Standardization across wiring systems also remains limited due to regional variations and differing vehicle architectures, posing design and integration challenges for suppliers.

 

Segmental Analysis

By Material Type:

Copper-Based Wires Dominate Due to High Conductivity and Durability

Based on material, the market is segmented into copper, aluminum, and others. Copper wires held the largest share in 2024 at 62.4%, due to superior electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and durability. However, aluminum wires are gaining traction, particularly in EV applications, for their cost-effectiveness and weight-saving properties.

By Voltage Type:

Low Voltage Segment Leads, But High Voltage Cables Gain Momentum in EVs

The market is classified into low voltage (up to 48V), medium voltage (48V–600V), and high voltage (above 600V). Low voltage cables dominate with 53.8% share, supporting legacy vehicle electronics. However, the high voltage segment is growing at a CAGR of 7.4%, backed by rapid EV penetration.

By Application:

Powertrain Wiring Accounts for Largest Share Amid Engine and Transmission Needs

Key application areas include powertrain, chassis & safety, infotainment, body & lighting, and others. Powertrain wiring dominates with a 28.1% share, serving critical systems such as engine control, transmission, and fuel injection. The infotainment and telematics segment is expected to grow at 6.6% CAGR, fueled by ADAS and vehicle connectivity upgrades.

By Vehicle Type:

Passenger Cars Lead Market with High Wiring Content per Vehicle

The market is divided into passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles. Passenger cars accounted for 64.7% of the market in 2024, reflecting higher production volumes and wiring density. Commercial vehicles are increasingly adopting robust wiring for fleet management, safety, and emission control.

By End-User:

OEM Segment Dominates Due to Factory-Installed Wiring Harness Systems

Based on end-users, the market is segmented into OEMs and aftermarket. OEMs held a 71.5% share in 2024, with manufacturers focusing on embedded and pre-engineered harness systems. The aftermarket segment is growing steadily in developing regions where vehicle electrification retrofits are becoming more common.

Regional Insights:

The automotive wires & cables market is assessed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

  • Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing region due to the strong presence of automotive manufacturing hubs in China, Japan, South Korea, and India. Government subsidies for EVs and expanding production capacity drive growth.
  • Europe holds a significant market share driven by stringent emissions regulations, EV R&D, and the region’s focus on lightweight, recyclable materials. Germany and France lead in premium vehicle wiring technology.
  • North America benefits from technological integration in connected cars and EV innovation led by the U.S. and Canada.
  • Latin America is seeing moderate growth in wiring demand, especially in Brazil and Mexico’s automotive clusters.
  • Middle East & Africa is emerging slowly, driven by infrastructure development and increased demand for commercial vehicle fleets.

 

Key Industry Insights:

Integration of Lightweight and Smart Wiring Solutions Shapes Competitive Strategy

Market leaders are focusing on advanced material development, such as silicon-insulated wires, optical fiber lines, and flat cable designs, to enhance performance and reduce vehicle weight. Collaborations with electronics and semiconductor firms are enabling smart, sensor-enabled wiring architectures, crucial for autonomous driving and infotainment systems.

Key Industry Players:

  • Bühler Group
  • GEA Group
  • Tetra Pak
  • Alfa Laval
  • Marel
  • Krones AG
  • JBT Corporation
  • SPX Flow
  • The Middleby Corporation
  • Heat and Control

Key Developments:

  • July 2024: With the launch of LIMEVERSE, Leoni has reached a significant milestone in advancing sustainable mobility. This new green product line features vehicle cables that are fully recyclable and significantly lower the overall CO₂ footprint, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible innovation.
  • February 2025: Lear acquired StoneShield Engineering to Enhance Advanced Automation Capabilities Within its E-Systems Business.

Segmentation:

By Material Type:

  • Copper
  • Aluminum
  • Others

By Voltage Type:

  • Low Voltage
  • Medium Voltage
  • High Voltage

By Application:

  • Powertrain
  • Chassis & Safety
  • Infotainment
  • Body & Lighting
  • Others

By Vehicle Type:

  • Passenger Cars
  • Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)
  • Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs)

By End User:

  • OEM
  • Aftermarket

By Region:

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • South America
  • Middle East & Africa

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