Automotive Liftgate Motor Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Automotive Liftgate Motor Market size was estimated at USD 2.11 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 2.27 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of 7.02% to reach USD 3.40 billion by 2032.

The integration of automated liftgate motors into modern vehicles has redefined the way consumers interact with their automobiles. These electromechanical systems now feature in more than 90 percent of newly produced passenger vehicles across North America and Europe, underscoring near-universal adoption in developed markets. By streamlining cargo area access, liftgate motors enhance convenience while reinforcing safety protocols through controlled opening and closing sequences.

As the automotive industry accelerates toward electrification, liftgate motors play an essential role in optimizing vehicle architecture. The rapid ascent of electric and plug-in hybrid sales-projected to surpass 20 million units globally in 2025 with U.S. volumes expected to climb by 16 percent year-on-year-illustrates the transformative momentum behind EV adoption. These platforms often standardize power liftgate systems to complement battery packaging and energy management strategies.

Moving forward, both original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket specialists are intensifying their focus on liftgate motor performance. Continuous improvements in torque delivery, lifecycle durability, and noise reduction are essential to meet evolving consumer expectations. In this context, the convergence of convenience, safety, and electrification has elevated the automotive liftgate motor from a premium option to a mainstream feature across multiple vehicle segments.

The technological landscape for automotive liftgate motors has undergone a dramatic evolution, shifting from durable hydraulic actuators to high-efficiency electric solutions. Next-generation electric motors now deliver improved energy efficiency and quieter operation, capturing OEM interest across both combustion and electrified vehicle platforms. This migration enhances reliability while aligning with emerging 48-volt architectures that support advanced vehicle electrification.

Simultaneously, sensor fusion and smart control capabilities have become hallmarks of premium liftgate systems. Innovations such as integrated LiDAR modules and radar-based obstacle detection-pioneered by leading suppliers-enable proactive anti-pinch safeguards and adaptive opening profiles. Gesture recognition and foot-activated sensors further streamline user interactions, reinforcing a hands-free experience that resonates with tech-savvy consumers.

Moreover, liftgate motors are increasingly embedded within the broader vehicle network, leveraging automotive communication protocols to synchronize with advanced driver assistance systems. Real-time data exchange enhances fault diagnostics and over-the-air updates, ensuring seamless integration with safety and infotainment subsystems. As a result, the liftgate motor has transcended its mechanical roots to become a sophisticated mechatronic component within next-generation vehicle architectures.

In 2025, the United States enacted sweeping tariff measures that reshaped the cost structures for automotive liftgate motor components. Steel and aluminum duties surged to 50 percent in early June, eliminating previous exemptions and significantly inflating raw material costs for motor housings and mounting hardware. Simultaneously, a 25 percent levy on auto parts sourced from Canada and Mexico introduced fresh pressures across integrated North American supply chains.

European automakers have already reported profound financial impacts from these policies. In 2025, industry leaders Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen collectively anticipate more than €10 billion in foregone cash flow as tariff-driven cost inflation erodes profit margins and surfaces amid slowing global volumes. At the same time, major U.S. OEMs face substantial exposures: General Motors expects a roughly $14 billion earnings hit, while Ford projects an impact approaching $6 billion if duty rates persist.

To navigate this complex environment, suppliers and OEMs are pursuing multi-pronged strategies. Nearshoring initiatives within the Americas leverage free trade agreements to mitigate duty burdens, while long-term contracts with domestic steel and aluminum mills aim to stabilize pricing. In parallel, investment in regional manufacturing footprint expansion is underway to localize electronic controller production and diminish reliance on high-tariff import channels. These strategic shifts are pivotal for maintaining competitive cost structures and safeguarding supply chain resilience.

The automotive liftgate motor market exhibits diverse dynamics across multiple segmentation dimensions, each shaping supplier and OEM strategies in unique ways. When viewed through the lens of distribution channels, liftgate systems are predominantly integrated at the OEM level to ensure seamless vehicle assembly. Aftermarket suppliers capture share by offering retrofit kits and replacement modules, but they face challenges related to brand loyalty and certified quality standards. In contrast, OEM-supplied motors benefit from direct engineering alignment and warranty integration.

From a technology perspective, electric actuators have emerged as the preferred solution for modern vehicles, particularly electric and hybrid platforms where hydraulic systems-long valued for high-force applications-are increasingly supplanted by compact brushless DC motors. Within motor topology, conventional brushed DC units continue to serve entry-level applications, while brushless DC and AC motors gain traction in premium segments due to superior efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements.

Vehicle type segmentation further highlights differentiated adoption patterns. Passenger cars-including sedans, hatchbacks and coupes-represent core volume, yet it is SUVs that drive the most rapid liftgate motor deployment, reflecting over 70 percent of new EV sales in the SUV category. Light commercial vehicles and trucks also command a dedicated focus, particularly in markets with robust logistics sectors. Voltage architecture presents an additional layer of differentiation: 12-volt systems remain the industry standard for passenger and crossover vehicles, whereas 24-volt configurations are prevalent in heavy-duty and commercial segments to support higher accessory loads.

Regional market attributes for automotive liftgate motors reflect broader economic, regulatory and consumer adoption patterns across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific. In the Americas, North American consumers’ strong preference for SUVs and pickup trucks bolsters liftgate motor integration. However, a recent decline in EV tax credits contributed to a 9 percent drop in electric vehicle sales in June 2025, underscoring how policy adjustments can affect adjacent component markets. Despite this volatility, hands-free convenience features remain highly valued among U.S. buyers.

In Europe, stringent CO2 emission targets and an expanding lineup of affordable EV models have accelerated the adoption of automated liftgate systems in both premium and mid-range segments. Global EV sales in Europe grew by 23 percent in June 2025, driven by sustained incentives in key markets such as Germany and Spain. Furthermore, the EU’s focus on sustainability encourages manufacturers to develop energy-efficient motor solutions that align with regional environmental priorities.

Asia-Pacific stands out as the largest and fastest-growing market, led by China’s dominance in EV production and consumer demand. Chinese EV sales surged by 40 percent in 2024, accounting for more than half of global volumes, and both domestic and international OEMs have ramped liftgate motor production accordingly. In Japan and South Korea, innovation-driven strategies emphasize lightweight materials and compact motor designs, whereas emerging markets such as India are poised for growth as urbanization and disposable incomes rise.

A handful of established suppliers and system integrators currently shape the competitive landscape for automotive liftgate motors. Industry leader Johnson Electric commands an estimated 18 percent share of the global market, leveraging its extensive brushless and brushed DC motor portfolio and deep OEM partnerships across Europe and North America. Following close behind, Bosch and Valeo collectively hold around 25 percent share by offering integrated liftgate modules that combine motors, sensors and control units into turnkey systems.

Brose Fahrzeugteile has distinguished itself through rapid innovation in smart liftgate drives, particularly in the Chinese market where its technical leadership drove a 12 percent year-over-year jump in demand in 2023. Meanwhile, Japanese players Mitsuba and Asmo (a Denso subsidiary) are aggressively expanding their brushless DC offerings, capitalizing on the global shift toward energy-efficient actuation and projected to outpace legacy brushed motor segments.

Tier-one suppliers such as Magna and HI-LEX have also intensified R&D investments, developing hybrid electric-hydraulic actuators and advanced sensor fusion algorithms to differentiate their offerings. Across the board, these leading companies are prioritizing scalable production investments, modular architectures and strategic alliances to address tariff pressures, raw material volatility and evolving regulatory requirements.

To thrive amidst rapid technological change and geopolitical uncertainties, industry leaders must adopt a proactive, multi-faceted strategy. First, accelerating the transition to brushless DC and AC motor platforms will yield long-term benefits in efficiency, durability and weight reduction. Investing in modular motor architectures and scalable manufacturing will accommodate variant diversity across voltage classes and vehicle types.

Second, strengthening supply chain resilience is paramount. Diversifying raw material sourcing-particularly for rare earth magnets and specialized alloys-will help mitigate exposure to tariff shocks and export restrictions. Recent disruptions in rare earth magnet availability highlight the criticality of alternative material research and onshore alloy partnerships.

Third, deepening digital integration and over-the-air update capabilities for liftgate control units can unlock new revenue streams. By embedding advanced diagnostics and predictive maintenance features, suppliers can enhance aftermarket offerings and foster enduring customer relationships. Finally, targeted expansion into emerging markets-where urbanization and disposable incomes are driving commercial vehicle growth-will capture incremental liftgate motor demand while balancing mature-market penetration challenges.

This study employs a rigorous mixed-method research framework, combining primary interviews with key executives from OEMs, tier-one suppliers and aftermarket distributors. These insights were triangulated against secondary data drawn from industry publications, trade associations, and reputable news sources to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Quantitative analysis leverages patent filings, production volume data, and 글로벌 shipment trends sourced from customs databases to map supply chain flows and identify capacity bottlenecks. Qualitative assessments draw upon case studies of technological innovation, supplier expansion initiatives, and tariff-driven strategic shifts.

The automotive liftgate motor market stands at the nexus of electrification, automation and evolving consumer expectations. As OEMs increasingly prioritize user-centric convenience and safety, liftgate motors have matured into vital vehicle subsystems. Technological advancements-from brushless DC powertrains to sensor-based intelligence-are redefining performance benchmarks and market requirements.

Geopolitical developments, notably in tariff policy, have underscored the need for supply chain agility and regional manufacturing strategies. Manufacturers that navigate these headwinds while capitalizing on segmentation insights-across distribution channels, motor types, vehicle categories and voltage classes-will emerge as market frontrunners.

Looking ahead, a balanced focus on R&D, operational resilience and targeted geographic expansion will position suppliers to seize growth opportunities in both mature and emerging markets. The strategic imperatives identified herein provide a roadmap for industry stakeholders to sustain competitive advantage and shape the future trajectory of automotive liftgate motor technologies.

For an in-depth understanding of these dynamic market forces and to gain access to the full suite of data, expert insights, and strategic guidance, connect directly with Ketan Rohom, Associate Director of Sales & Marketing. He can provide tailored support to ensure your organization capitalizes on emerging opportunities and addresses critical challenges. Reach out today to secure your comprehensive automotive liftgate motor market research report and stay ahead of the competition.