Global Passenger Car Camshaft Market to Reach US$4.9 Billion by 2030

The global market for Passenger Car Camshaft estimated at US$3.8 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$4.9 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Cast Camshaft Manufacturing Technology, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.7% CAGR and reach US$2.7 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Forged Camshaft Manufacturing Technology segment is estimated at 4.9% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$1.0 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.8% CAGR

The Passenger Car Camshaft market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.0 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$938.8 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.1% and 4.3% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.7% CAGR.

Global Passenger Car Camshaft Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is the Camshaft a Vital Component in Passenger Car Engine Operation?

The camshaft plays a central role in the operation of internal combustion engines by precisely controlling the opening and closing of intake and exhaust valves. In passenger cars, the camshaft synchronizes with the crankshaft to ensure optimal air-fuel mixture intake and exhaust gas expulsion, directly influencing engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control. Depending on engine design, cars may use a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), or variable valve timing (VVT) systems, each requiring tailored camshaft configurations.

Despite the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles, internal combustion engines continue to dominate global car production, particularly in emerging markets. This maintains the relevance of camshafts across petrol, diesel, and alternative fuel engine types. Advanced engines use precision-engineered camshafts to support higher RPMs, smoother valve operation, and better thermal management—especially important in turbocharged and downsized engines that operate under higher loads.

How Are Design and Material Innovations Shaping Modern Camshaft Manufacturing?

Camshaft manufacturing is undergoing continuous refinement to meet evolving requirements in durability, weight reduction, and cost-efficiency. Traditional cast iron camshafts remain in use due to their strength and cost-effectiveness, particularly in budget vehicle segments. However, forged steel and composite camshafts are gaining traction for their superior wear resistance and compatibility with high-performance engines.

Hollow camshafts and assembled designs using separate lobes and tubes are becoming popular, especially in premium passenger cars, due to their lower weight and reduced rotational inertia. These configurations improve fuel efficiency and allow for more complex lobe profiles. Variable valve timing systems increasingly incorporate cam phasers and actuator-controlled camshafts, allowing real-time adjustment of valve timing based on load conditions. These require tighter tolerances and integration with engine control units, driving demand for precision machining and electronically compatible components.

Where Is Demand for Passenger Car Camshafts Rising and Which Engine Segments Lead Adoption?

Global demand remains strong, led by high-volume production of combustion engine vehicles in Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India. These markets rely heavily on petrol-powered compact and mid-sized vehicles, creating sustained demand for camshafts across both mass-market and premium segments. North America and Europe, while seeing increasing EV adoption, continue to produce hybrid vehicles that also require camshaft-driven powertrains.

Inline four-cylinder engines dominate global passenger car configurations, and most use DOHC layouts, increasing the camshaft count per engine. Turbocharged and performance models demand advanced materials and precision profiles, supporting higher-value camshaft offerings. Growth in hybrid vehicles, particularly those with range extenders or small combustion engines, also supports demand for compact, efficient camshaft systems optimized for intermittent operation and quick thermal cycling.

Growth in the Passenger Car Camshaft market is driven by several factors…

Growth in the passenger car camshaft market is driven by factors such as sustained global production of internal combustion and hybrid vehicles, rising demand for efficient valve train systems, and advances in lightweight, wear-resistant camshaft materials. Increasing use of variable valve timing systems across mid-range and premium vehicles is contributing to higher complexity and value of camshaft assemblies.

Adoption of fuel-efficient turbocharged engines and compliance with stricter emission norms are encouraging OEMs to deploy precision-engineered camshafts that support optimized combustion. Manufacturing innovations such as assembled camshafts, computer-controlled grinding, and automation in casting and forging processes are enhancing scalability and quality. Even as electric vehicles gain market share, the large installed base and continued production of ICE and hybrid powertrains ensure steady long-term demand for passenger car camshafts across global markets.