Global Automotive Antifreeze Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Automotive Antifreeze Market Size

The global automotive antifreeze market attained a value of about USD 4.26 billion in 2023. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period of 2024-2032 to reach approximately USD 8.40 billion by 2032.

Automotive Antifreeze Market Outlook

• In India, the passenger vehicle wholesales in FY24 surged by 8.4% to 42,18,746 units compared to 38,90,114 units in FY23.

• Utility vehicles (UVs) of India saw a significant growth of 25.8% in FY24, reaching 25,20,691 units, up from 20,03,718 units in FY23.

• In 2023, registrations of medium and heavy commercial vehicles (+3.5 tonnes) in the European Union jumped by 15.7%.

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Automotive Antifreeze Market Growth

Automotive antifreeze is a coloured liquid that is mixed with water to help regulate the temperature of the vehicle within a specified range. It is used to regulate the engine during extreme weather conditions and prevent corrosion.

The key drivers aiding the automotive antifreeze market expansion are the increasing vehicle production, especially in the passenger and commercial cars segments, as well as the growing demand for trucks and buses in countries like India. As per industry reports, commercial vehicle sales in India experienced a marginal growth in FY24, reaching 97 lakh units. Additionally, the rising awareness of the importance of engine maintenance and temperature control in vehicles is also driving demand. Environmental concerns and regulations are also prompting manufacturers to develop eco-friendly and long-lasting antifreeze solutions, which is expected to contribute to the market's steady growth.

Key Trends and Developments

Rise in vehicle production, growing demand for efficient engines, and development of bio-based coolants are factors shaping the automotive antifreeze market outlook

June 2024

Retail auto sales have seen a significant increase of 26% year-over-year and commercial vehicle sales experienced a 4% growth compared to the previous year. This showcases the rising demand for personal and commercial vehicles.

June 2024

Castrol India has launched its new EDGE range of products, designed for various vehicle types including Hybrids, European Cars, and SUVs. The products are engineered to provide high-performance lubrication and will soon be available at Castrol workshops and retail outlets across India.

June 2024

A Tata Safari SUV caught fire on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway due to short circuit and overheating. This incident highlights the need for effective cooling systems that prevent overheating and reduce the risk of engine fires.

May 2023

Castrol India expanded its product portfolio by launching Castrol Chain Cleaner, Castrol Chain Lube, Castrol 3-in-1 Shiner, Castrol 1-Step Polishing Compound, and Castrol Anti-Rust Lubricant Spray. These products are designed to cater to the growing demand for reliable automotive care commodities.

Increasing vehicle production

The automotive antifreeze market growth is driven by the increasing vehicle production due to the increasing demand for vehicles. This trend is leading to a growing demand for antifreeze coolants. In India, the overall vehicle sales grew by 12.5% in FY24 to 23,853,463 units, up from 21,204,846 units in FY23.

Rise of bio-based coolants and antifreeze

Governments and regulatory bodies are implementing stricter regulations and standards to reduce the environmental impact of industrial products. This is driving the demand for bio-based antifreeze, such as propylene glycol, glycerine, and ethylene glycol that are more sustainable.

Growing demand for high-performance vehicles and engine efficiency

The demand for high-performance vehicles and engine efficiency is leading to the automotive antifreeze market development in terms of efficient and eco-friendly antifreeze products. Castrol launched an advanced new ‘direct’ battery e-thermal fluid, Castrol ON, enabling EVs to provide enhanced performance.

Advancements in technology

Rising number of research activities, owing to investments in the chemical industry, automotive coolants are subject to robust technological advancements such as organic acid technology (OAT), hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT), which assist in creating silica and phosphate-free products.

Automotive Antifreeze Market Trends

The growth in the market for automotive antifreeze can be attributed to the rising demand for high performance vehicles. In addition, several auto racing competitions, like the Formula 1, is positively influencing the market demand for high-performance, heavy vehicles. Car coolants are a primary component to regulate the excessive heat produced by the powerful engine over fast speeds and is necessary for maintaining the long life of these vehicles.

Moreover, regulatory bodies like American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) have established standards, such as D1384 for corrosion protection in coolants and antifreeze, which has led to introduction of bio-based products in automotive antifreeze market. In addition, with the ease in availability of materials like ethylene glycol and glycerine, new companies are emerging as potential sellers of automobile antifreeze solutions, thereby further bolstering the market’s growth.

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Automotive Antifreeze Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Automotive Antifreeze Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Fluid Type

• Ethylene Glycol

• Propylene Glycol

• Glycerine

Market Breakup by Technology

• Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT)

• Organic Acid Technology (OAT)

• Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)

Market Breakup by Application

• Passenger Vehicle

• Commercial Vehicle

• Construction Vehicle

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

• Aftermarket

Market Breakup by Region

• North America 

• Europe 

• Asia Pacific 

• Latin America 

• Middle East and Africa

Automotive Antifreeze Market Share

Ethylene glycol segment dominates due to its various properties and low cost

The ethylene glycol segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period because ethylene glycol is the most common antifreeze used in vehicles. It is a mixture of 50% ethylene glycol and 50% water, which provides excellent temperature stability, high boiling point, low freezing point, and good thermal conductivity and specific heat. This makes it the most economical antifreeze available today, which contributes to its dominant market share.

As per automotive antifreeze market analysis, the propylene glycol segment is growing at a slower rate than ethylene glycol due to its higher cost. However, propylene glycol is less toxic than ethylene glycol and is used in antifreeze solutions that are safer for the environment. It is also used in some diesel applications that require nitrate-free HD OAT coolant.

The glycerin segment is also witnessing growth as glycerin is a byproduct of biodiesel production and is used as a base fluid in some antifreeze coolants. However, its use is limited due to its higher cost and lower thermal conductivity but is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional antifreeze fluids.

Inorganic additive technology is widely used in development of coolants as it aids in longer shelf life of engines by preventing corrosion

The inorganic additive technology (IAT) segment dominates the market due to its widespread use in traditional antifreeze coolants. IAT coolants use mineral or inorganic inhibitors such as phosphate, borate, silicate, nitrite, and nitrate to prevent corrosion and provide freeze and boil protection. These coolants are widely used in automotive and industrial applications due to their excellent heat transfer properties and low cost.

However, the organic acid technology (OAT) segment is expected to hold the largest automotive antifreeze market share due to its growing popularity and increasing adoption in the automotive industry. OAT coolants use organic corrosion inhibitors such as carboxylates to prevent corrosion and provide freeze and boil protection. These coolants are gaining popularity due to their non-toxic nature, biodegradable properties, and ability to meet stringent environmental regulations. The use of OAT coolants is becoming more widespread as manufacturers seek to reduce their environmental impact and comply with regulations.

Leading Manufacturers in the Automotive Antifreeze Market

Market players are focused on innovation and development of products to gain wider consumer confidence and maintain their edge over competitors

Castrol Limited, founded in 1899, is headquartered in Berkshire, United Kingdom (UK). The company offers industrial and automotive lubricants, including motor oils, greases, coolants, and similar products for various lubrication applications.

Halfords Group PLC is a leading UK retailer of motoring and cycling products and services. It was founded in 1892 in Birmingham, England. The company operates around 465 stores in the UK and Ireland, as well as over 250 Halfords Autocentre garages providing MOT, car repairs and servicing.

Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is based in California, United States. The company primarily operates in Western North America, the US Gulf Coast, Southeast Asia, South Korea, and Australia, offering fuels, lubricants, additives, and petrochemicals. Chevron is involved in hydrocarbon exploration, chemicals manufacturing and sales, and power generation.

Exxon Mobil Corporation was founded in 1882 and is headquartered in Texas, United States. The company is involved in oil and gas exploration, production, refining, marketing, and transport, as well as chemicals manufacturing and sales. Exxon Mobil offers petroleum products, including fuels, lubricants, and petrochemicals.

Other key players in the global automotive antifreeze market include Motul and Prestone Products Corporation, among others.

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Automotive Antifreeze Market Analysis by Region

Asia Pacific leads the market due to the significant growth in the demand for automobiles in India

The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the automotive antifreeze market share due to the significant growth in the demand for automobiles in countries like India and China. India and China, the fastest-growing automotive markets globally have witnessed an increase in the demand and sales for passenger vehicles and high-performance vehicles, which in turn is driving the demand for automotive antifreeze. For instance, Indian passenger vehicle sales in May 2024 were 300,795 units, showcasing a year-over-year growth of 4.2%.

The North America automotive antifreeze market is growing at a high CAGR due to the increasing number of vehicles in operation and thereby the rising need for thermal management and performance improvement. Moreover, market players are investing in research and development to create new antifreeze products. BASF, for example, introduced GLYSANTIN G22 ELECTRIFIED, a low conductivity ready-to-use coolant for electric vehicles based on ethylene glycol. This coolant addresses safety aspects related to battery thermal management, including corrosion protection, electrical conductivity, and heat dissipation. Additionally, BASF launched GLYSANTIN G30 ECO BMB 100, a premium grade coolant with organic acid technology (OAT), which is used in high performance vehicles.

Key Highlights of the Report

Automotive Antifreeze Market Report Snapshots

Automotive Antifreeze Market Size

Automotive Antifreeze Market Growth

Automotive Antifreeze Market Trends

Automotive Antifreeze Market Share

Automotive Antifreeze Manufacturers

Automotive Antifreeze Market Regional Analysis