The global tailgate market encompasses a wide range of tailgate types, including manual, power, split, multi-function, liftgates, and drop-down tailgates, catering to diverse vehicle segments such as passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and luxury vehicles. Rapid advancements in smart technologies, increasing vehicle production, and shifts toward electric and sensor-based tailgates are influencing market growth worldwide. With a strong presence across OEM, aftermarket, online, and offline channels, the market is driven by consumer demands for convenience, safety, and innovation. Leading industry players are investing in R&D to differentiate their offerings and address evolving automotive trends, especially with growing emphasis on user-centric technologies and sustainability.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Rapid adoption of smart and electric tailgates: As automakers continue integrating electric and sensor-based technologies, demand for advanced tailgate systems increases significantly. For instance, Hyundai Mobis unveiled a new touchless smart tailgate system in June 2024, enabling hands-free operation.
Growth in SUV and pickup truck sales: The booming popularity of SUVs and pickup trucks, especially in North America and APAC, is driving tailgate demand. Ford’s latest F-150 series launch in Q3 2024 featured new multi-function tailgates, emphasizing robust adoption.
Key Trends
Rise of sensor-based and automated tailgates: Leading companies such as Magna International and Brose Fahrzeugteile have invested in sensor-driven, hands-free tailgates, which are now featured in flagship models since 2024.
Focus on lightweight and sustainable materials: Gestamp Automoción and Plastic Omnium introduced composite material tailgates in early 2024, aiming for improved efficiency and sustainability in response to regulatory and consumer pressure.
Key Opportunities
Expansion in emerging economies: Increasing vehicle ownership in APAC and Latin America provides large-scale opportunities for tailgate adoption. Aisin Seiki reported a significant partnership with Indian OEMs in August 2024 to deliver locally-manufactured power tailgates.
OEM collaborations with tech startups: Automotive giants are partnering with startups for smart feature integration. In July 2024, Faurecia entered a joint venture with a European AI firm to enhance smart-tailgate connectivity features.
Key Challenges
Complexity in technology integration: As advanced sensor and automation technologies become standard, OEMs face engineering challenges and increased costs. Magna Steyr reported delays in flagship model launches due to sensor integration issues in September 2024.
Aftermarket compatibility: Ensuring new tailgate systems are compatible with existing vehicle fleets is restricting aftermarket adoption. Flex-N-Gate highlighted significant installation challenges for older vehicle models in Q2 2024.
Key Restraints
High initial investment costs: Development and implementation of high-tech tailgates require significant upfront capital. Plastic Omnium cited high R&D costs as a limiting factor in Q3 2024 earnings.
Supply chain disruptions: Global supply chain instability, particularly in electronic components, led to production slowdowns for Toyoda Gosei and Hyundai Mobis in recent quarters.
In 2025, power tailgates lead the market, followed by multi-function and manual variants. Power tailgates, accounting for the largest share, are favored for their convenience and safety, particularly in premium and high-volume SUV/pickup categories. Multi-function tailgates are increasingly popular due to their versatility, supported by strong demand in North America. Manual tailgates remain relevant especially in entry-level commercial and passenger vehicles, offering cost-effective solutions. As automakers further invest in advanced electric and smart technologies, the proportion of sensor-based and automated tailgates is expected to rise, gradually diminishing the share of traditional manual models.
The largest application segment in the 2025 global tailgate market is SUVs, representing robust growth driven by consumer preference for larger vehicles with enhanced features. Pickup trucks also capture a significant share, owing to their popularity in markets such as North America and Australia. Passenger vehicles constitute a substantial segment, although their share is slightly decreasing as consumers shift towards SUVs and pickups. The commercial vehicle and van segments show consistent demand, with a moderate share attributed to logistics and fleet upgrades, while luxury vehicles leverage high-value, feature-rich tailgate options.
Global tailgate market revenue is projected to grow steadily from 2020 to 2035. In 2025, revenue is estimated at $5,200 million. Sustained demand for smart and electric tailgates, particularly in SUV and premium vehicle segments, underpins this growth. The market benefits from increased vehicle production and the proliferation of advanced safety and convenience features. By 2035, revenue is expected to reach nearly $10,900 million, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%. Expansion into emerging markets and continuous technological advances are pivotal growth drivers throughout the forecast period.
The global tailgate market demonstrated a healthy YOY growth trend between 2020 and 2035. Growth spiked in 2025 as new tech and OEM commitments boosted sales, showing a 9.1% rise. From 2026 onwards, YOY rates stabilize between 7%-8% as product innovations and market expansion continue, but competition and market maturity temper further acceleration. Slight growth fluctuations are expected in response to regulatory changes and supply chain variations, with overall positive momentum.
North America holds the largest regional share of the tailgate market in 2025, attributed to the popularity of pickup trucks and SUVs, coupled with early technology adoption. APAC closely follows, fueled by high vehicle production rates in China, India, and Japan and strong OEM investments. Europe maintains a solid share due to luxury vehicle demand and regulatory pushes for advanced safety features. Other regions, including South America and MEA, make up the remaining shares, gradually increasing as emerging markets grow.
The competitive landscape in 2025 features Magna International as the market leader, holding the largest share due to a broad product portfolio and extensive OEM partnerships. Brose Fahrzeugteile and Aisin Seiki are notable contenders, leveraging innovation and global reach. These top three players cumulatively account for almost half the market, leaving the remainder for specialized vendors and regional manufacturers. Strategic alliances, product innovation, and robust supply chains drive the market shares of these leading companies.
OEMs constitute the largest buyer segment, driven by direct supply agreements and integration of tailgates with new vehicles. The aftermarket segment holds a considerable share, attributed to growing vehicle customization trends, while dealers and distributors collectively represent a solid portion due to their essential role in regional distribution and end-customer support.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
5200
Regions
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East, Africa
Segments
By Type: Manual Tailgate, Power Tailgate, Split Tailgate, Multi-Function Tailgate, Liftgate, Drop-down Tailgate; By Application: Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, SUVs, Pickup Trucks, Vans, Luxury Vehicles; By Distribution Channels: OEM, Aftermarket, Online, Offline, Distributors, Dealers; By Technology: Hydraulic, Electric, Pneumatic, Mechanical, Smart Tailgate, Sensor-based; By Organization Size: Small, Medium, Large
June 2024: Hyundai Mobis launched a new touchless smart tailgate system for high-end SUVs.
July 2024: Faurecia formed a joint venture with a European AI firm to develop AI-enabled tailgate features.
August 2024: Aisin Seiki announced local manufacturing partnerships in India for power tailgates.
September 2024: Magna Steyr reported model launch delays due to challenges in sensor integration for advanced tailgate systems.
October 2024: Plastic Omnium expanded its composite tailgate production facility in France to meet rising OEM demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Ankit
Senior Research Consultant
Ankit is a Senior Research Consultant specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Automotive & Transportation. Ankit brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Ankit has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
