North America Automotive Air Filters Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

North America Automotive Air Filters Market Outlook

The North America automotive air filters market size was valued at USD 1.23 billion in 2023. The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.50% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of USD 1.41 billion by 2032.

Key Takeaways

• In United States, approximately 60,000 people die every year due to diseases caused by harmful air pollutants.

• In 2022, sales of commercial vehicles in Canada crossed 0.13 million.

• United States is one of the largest markets for automotive air filters.

Automotive air filters are devices designed to remove impurities and contaminants from the air entering a vehicle's engine, preventing them from causing damage. These filters play a crucial role in maintaining engine efficiency by ensuring clean air for combustion. They typically consist of a porous material that traps particles like dust, pollen, and debris, safeguarding the engine and promoting optimal performance.

The automotive air filters market in North America is propelled by the continuous growth of the automotive industry, increasing emphasis on air quality, and the rising awareness of environmental concerns. Growing concern for air quality and stringent environmental regulations drive the demand for effective automotive air filters, as automakers strive to meet emission standards and provide cleaner air inside vehicles. In April 2023, US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) proposed standards to reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty and medium-duty vehicles, which can further increase the automotive air filters market value in North America.

Key Trends and Developments

Increasing research and development activities, rising use of sustainable materials for air filters, and advancements in smart filter technologies are driving the market demand

January 2022

Tesla Inc. introduced a HEPA filter and bioweapon defence mode in the Model Y that protects from virus and keep the vehicle cabin clean.

October 2022

Audi introduced Urban Air Purifier in their electric vehicles. This air purifier system can filter out particulate matter from the outside air and makes atmospheric air cleaner while driving and changing the vehicle.

June 2022

Ahlstrom-Munksjö entered into strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers to co-develop sustainable filter materials, addressing the industry's growing focus on eco-friendly solutions.

October 2019

WIX Filters introduced, WIX XP Cabin air filter. The newly designed filter is built with premium PUR-AIR technology and multi-layer protection that allows vehicle passengers and drivers to breathe cleaner air.

Rising research and development activities for high-efficiency filters

Regulatory requirements and consumer preferences for superior filtration and cleaner air has led to rising research and development (R&D) towards high-efficiency air filters with new fibres. Efficiency of air filters can be enhanced using nano-coating technology, which is currently in research and trial.

Incorporation of smart air filter technologies

North America automotive air filters market growth will likely propel in the forecast period due to the incorporation of smart air filter technologies in EVs and hybrid vehicles, which allows real-time monitoring of air quality and provides vehicle inhabitants with insights into the air filtration system's effectiveness.

Increasing use of sustainable materials in air filters

Market players are using sustainable materials in filter manufacturing, aligning with the automotive industry's broader push for eco-friendly practices and materials, which, in turn, can increase the North America automotive air filters market development.

Rising demand for cars with more comfortable interiors

As consumers prioritise comfort and improved air quality in their vehicles, the demand for cabin air filters is expected to rise. These filters are designed to capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that can cause allergies and respiratory problems, providing a cleaner environment inside the vehicle.

The development of electronic systems in vehicles, increasing use of electric motors, and introduction of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines are the factors that can foster the demand for superior air filters and are emerging as North America automotive air filters market trends. Donaldson Company recently launched a series of high-efficiency air filters, designed to meet the stringent emission standards, and provide superior filtration performance.

Additionally, the increasing number of vehicles on the road, coupled with higher average miles driven, contributes to the demand for automotive air filters, as regular replacement becomes essential for maintaining optimal engine performance. Moreover, the demand for air filters commercial vehicles is also increasing because air filters can help reduce air pollution and in turn, improve public health, which can further boost the North America automotive air filters market demand.

Market Segmentation

North America Automotive Air Filters Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Air Intake Filters

• Cabin Air Filters

Market Breakup by Vehicle Type

• Passenger Cars

• Light Commercial Vehicles

• Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Market Breakup by Filter Media

• Synthetic

• Activated Carbon

• Cellulose

• Others

Market Breakup by Sales Channel

• OEM

• Aftermarket

Market Breakup by Country

• United States of America

• Canada

Cabin air filters are expected to hold significant market share due to the increasing air pollution levels in the region

The cabin and intake air filters segments are expected to hold significant shares as per the North America automotive air filters market analysis, driven by growing consumer awareness regarding the impact of bad air quality on health. Due to rising air pollution in North America, these air filters are frequently replaced, which can increase the segmental market share in automotive air filters market.

The companies involved in production of cabin and intake air filters, such as DENSO Corp., Donaldson Co. Inc., and WIX Filters are spending heavily on providing finest air filters that prevent dust, pollen, and other harmful particles entering the cabin, which is further increasing the North America automotive air filters market share.

Passenger vehicles segment dominates the automotive air filters market because they offer higher mileage

According to the North America automotive air filters market report, the passenger cars segment dominates the market, followed by commercial vehicles. The growth in production and sale of passenger cars is expected to increase the deployment of air filters as they can improve engine performance, reduce pollution, and enhance passenger comfort, which can thereby increase the segment’s share.

As per North America automotive air filters market segmentation, the share of commercial vehicles, including light commercial vehicles, in the market is expected to grow during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to factors such as the higher yearly mileage of commercial vehicles compared to passenger cars, resulting in a higher frequency of scheduled services, and the increasing sales of commercial vehicles, including light commercial vehicles such as mini trucks.

Competitive Landscape

The market players are introducing air filters with advanced technologies to stay ahead in the competition.

Denso Corp. was founded in 1949 and is multinational automotive components manufacturer headquartered in Japan. It offers a wide range of products, including engine components, climate control systems, and airbag systems. Denso specialises in automotive components, including passenger and commercial vehicle parts and the company has a strong presence in North America.

Donaldson Company Inc. was founded in 1915 and is based in Minnesota, United States. It is known for its innovative solutions to complex filtration and contamination control challenges. The company specialises in the production and marketing of air filters and other filtration products used in various industry sectors, including commercial/industrial, aerospace, chemical, and alternative energy.

MANN+HUMMEL International GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1941 and is a leading global company in filtration technology. It is headquartered in Ludwigsburg, Germany. The company produces and markets air filters and other filtration products for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, chemical, and alternative energy. The company offers a wide range of products, including engine filters, industrial air filters, and oil and liquid filters.

Cummins Inc., founded in 1919, is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and distributes engines, filtration, and power generation products. Cummins also services engines and related equipment, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission control, electrical power generation systems, and trucks. The company is headquartered in Columbus and sells its products in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of more than 600 distributors.

Other key players in the North America automotive air filters market analysis include Toyota Boshoku Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, General Electric Co., MAHLE GmbH, Hengst SE, and K&N Engineering, Inc., among others.

United States is expected to maintain its dominance in the forecast period due to high demand for passenger cars

As per the North America automotive air filters market forecast, United States is expected to lead the market due to the high demand for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in the country. Stringent laws and regulations developed by the governments of the United States related to pollution control are also contributing to market growth.

Additionally, the country is fuelled by a robust automotive industry with players such as Panasonic Automotive Systems Company, Audi, and Tesla Inc. These players are continuously expanding their product offerings to give end users air filters with latest technology and cleaner air. In January 2023, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company introduced its nano X portable in-vehicle air cleaner designed to enhance and maintain cabin air purity, thus aiding the North America automotive air filters market growth.

Key Highlights of the Report