This report provides a comprehensive overview of the global OE steering systems sector, major suppliers, top 14 markets, technology trends and market size forecasts.

What are the market dynamics of the automotive steering systems market?

The emergence of the novel coronavirus strain at the end of 2019 has far-reaching implications for the entire automotive industry. In the short term, demand for vehicles and, therefore, the parts that go into making them has dropped significantly, which will see revenues and profits at most suppliers and OEMs drop rapidly. In the longer term, companies will have to navigate resetting or restarting auto supply chains that could face additional restrictions following the outbreak. These additional costs, along with the dampened demand for parts and vehicles will weigh heavily on the balance sheets of both automakers and suppliers even once the virus is contained.

The development of low-cost electric power steering is a key factor in the evolution of power steering in emerging markets. Based on the requirements in emerging markets, manufacturers can develop smaller, lower-cost motors. In terms of EPS technologies fitted to passenger cars, the vehicle maker’s choice of technology depends on the application in terms of car segment, weight, and type of car. Up to medium-sized cars, there is the option to use either column EPS or rack type EPS. For large and heavy cars only rack type EPS is the appropriate technology.

Due to EPS, many additional features can be added via the steering system like parallel park, lane-keeping assistance, lane guidance, side wind compensation, nibble suppression, and vehicle stability enhancements. Once regarded as a niche product for small cars, EPS has now become the technology of choice for fuel-efficient vehicles. It can integrate with other onboard electronics to improve overall safety and driving performance.

What are the key segments of the automotive steering systems market?

The automotive steering systems market can be segmented into manual steering, hydraulic-powered steering, electric powered hydraulic steering, and electric powered steering. 

Manual steering segment in the automotive steering systems market

Manual steering segments are of two types: rack & pinion type and recirculating ball type.

A rack and pinion steering system use a gearset enclosed on a metal tube with each end protruding from the tube. A tie rod connects each end of the rack. A pinion gear is attached to the steering shaft. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the gear spins thereby moving the rack. The gearset converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels. It also provides a gear reduction, making it easier to turn the wheels.

A recirculating ball steering gear contains a worm gear. Power steering in a recirculating ball system operates in a similar way to a rack and pinion system. Assistance is provided by supplying higher pressure fluid.

Rack and pinion hydraulic power steering segment in the automotive steering systems market

Rack and pinion hydraulic power steering is a lightweight unit offering a smooth steering feel. It can be applied to a range of vehicles from small passenger cars to minivans.

Electrically powered hydraulic steering segment in the automotive steering systems market

Electrically powered hydraulic steering combines the advantages of electronically controlled on-demand steering with robust hydraulic actuation. Electrically-assisted steering systems, eliminate the need for the engine to provide mechanical power for the steering system and provide cost and performance benefits. EPHS eliminates belts, pulleys, and all direct connections with the engine by combining an advanced brushless motor, hydraulic power steering pump, electronic unit, and reservoir into an easy-to-install unit.

Electric powered steering segment in the automotive steering systems market

Reliability, improved control, downsized & more powerful electric motors, and enhanced battery performance will accelerate the adoption of EPS. There are three different types of EPS: column drive, pinion drive, and rack drive.  Column drive EPS uses a power assist unit, controller, and torque sensor which are attached to the steering column. It can be applied to fixed steering columns, tilt-type steering columns, and other types as well. Pinion drive EPS uses a power assist unit that is attached to the steering gear’s pinion shaft. Rack drive EPS uses a power assist unit that is attached to the steering gear rack. Its high reduction gear ratio enables very low inertia. Pinion drive EPS can be applied to small cars while rack drives are applied to mid-and full-sized vehicles.

Automotive steering systems market, by segment

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Which are the major automotive steering systems companies?

Some of the major companies in the automotive steering systems sector are China Automotive Systems Inc, Alliances, Customers, JTEKT Corporation, Mando Corporation, Nexteer Automotive, Nexteer’s EPS business in China, NSK Ltd, Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH, Showa Corporation, ThyssenKrupp AG, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

China Automotive Systems (CAS)

They produce power steering components and systems. Its product range includes rack and pinion power steering, integral power steering, electronic power steering and manual steering, steering columns, steering oil pumps, and steering hoses.

JTEKT Corporation

It is a leading global manufacturer of automotive bearings, power steering, driveline parts and systems, and machine tools. The headquarter is in the city of Osaka. Toyota Motor Corporation is the company’s largest shareholder. JTEKT has also made investments in its production facilities worldwide including extending its assembly line for piston gears, vacuum carburizing furnaces, and rotor machining equipment.

Mando Corporation

Mando is a major manufacturer of steering systems as well as brake and chassis systems in Korea. Its customers include Hyundai/Kia and other Korean car manufacturers. The company has a 50/50 joint venture with Brose International known as Mando-Brose Corporation in Seoul. The venture develops and manufactures the first step steering engines for the Korean market.

Automotive steering systems market, by company

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Market report scope

Scope

• This report contains an overview of the automotive sector along with detailed related component forecasts, supported by information drawn from GlobalData’s extensive range of sources.

Scope

– This report contains an overview of an automotive sector along with detailed related component forecasts, supported by information drawn from GlobalData's extensive range of sources.

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– This report has been extracted from GlobalData's regularly updated online Automotive Intelligence Center. Containing content, tools and services not found in this report, GlobalData's AIC offers a cost-effective multi-user car market research solution.