Europe Commercial Vehicle Filter Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Filter Type (Cabin Air Filter, Engine Intake Filter, Fuel Filter, and Oil Filter), By Application (Heavy Commercial Vehicle, Commercial Off-road Vehicle/Equipment), By End-user (OEM, Aftermarket), and Country Forecast, 2022-2029

The Europe commercial vehicle filter market size was valued at USD 203.1 million in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 231.2 million in 2022 to USD 349.8 million by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with commercial vehicle filters experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the Europe commercial vehicle filter market exhibited a decline of 6.65% in 2020 compared to 2019

 capture contaminants such as pollen, dust, or other pollutants from air or fluids supplied to the cabin, engine, or other automotive industry parts. There are various types of automotive filters available in the market, including cabin filters, engine inlet air filters, fuel filters, and oil filters. They contain multiple layer structures of specific filter media types/ material through which the material to be purified is passed.

The global automotive filters market is driven by the factors such as rising awareness regarding the harmful effects of pollutants and the increasing importance of a pollution-free healthy car atmosphere amongst users. Implementing emission norms and increasing the maintenance of vehicles to follow those emission standards are anticipated to boost the market growth of filters in Europe.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Disruptions Owing to COVID-19

The global automobile industry was hit by the significance of COVID-19, which affected the Europe commercial vehicle filter market growth and created a major economic setback in many European economies. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the adoption of many unprecedented measures to slow down the spread of the virus. Such measures have significantly impacted the entire supply chain in the European automotive and auto parts industry. Consequently, the automotive filter manufacturers witnessed a halt in production and reduced demand for filters among OEMs. COVID-19 has had a massive impact on the European economy.

According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the total number of new Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) registrations in the European Union in 2019 was 312,692 units (including the U.K.). In 2020, the total number of new HCVs was 226,781 units (including the U.K.). Europe witnessed an overall 27.5% decline in HCV registrations in 2020. The drop in registrations is due to the adverse impact of COVID-19 in the region.

In 2021, the total number of new HCVs registered in Europe was 278,770, with a 19.20% rise compared to 2020. Similarly, light commercial off-road vehicle sales in Europe also witnessed a significant decline in 2020 owing to the impact of COVID-19 on industries such as oil & gas, construction & mining, agriculture, and marine. The total number of units sold in 2019 was 444,920; in 2020, it declined by 9.4% to 402,967. Units registered in 2021 were 485,216, increasing by 20%.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant revenue prospects for air filter manufacturers, with high-performance devices, including HEPA and activated carbon technology filters by incorporating various technologies such as High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) ionic filters, polyurethane, and activated carbon filters. Furthermore, during the pandemic, manufacturers demonstrated confidence in their product capabilities by delivering new solutions and key segment research for various uses, and they are expected to sustain demand soon.

LATEST TRENDS

Increasing Focus on Developing Advanced Filters to Quantify Automotive Demand 

Filter manufacturers are investing in developing new types of filters suitable for the Europe commercial vehicle filter trends, further leading to the automotive industry's growth. Currently, buyers are diverting toward non-conventional vehicles such as electric, battery-powered, or even hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles. Key players of heavy commercial vehicles are also in the queue to adopt these newer technologies parallel with the passenger segment.

For instance, in April 2022, Ahlstrom-Munksjo introduced a new filtration solution for fuel cell air intake support. Air intake provides oxygen to the fuel cell. The new filter consists of a unique proprietary multi-layer dry technology that can absorb hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3), and nitrogen oxide (NOx). It delivers HEPA-level performance, removing up to 99.95% of the smallest particles. This new development will be a growing market trend for key players' filter products and businesses.

Companies are also investing in technological advancements and developing conventional engine filters, such as fuel, cabin air, hydraulic, and oil filters, which are required in both conventional and non-conventional propulsion engines. In May 2022, Alco introduced a technologically developed PU (Polyurethane) in manufacturing automotive air filters. According to the company, the material offers longevity as it has a high corrosion resistance throughout the lifecycle; polyurethane products ensure stability even under harsh conditions. According to a recent study by the company, revenues from global sales of polyurethane for the fabrication of automotive and commercial vehicle filters are estimated to reach approximately USD 800 million.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Demand for Occupants’ Comfort to Augment Growth

Rising air pollution due to factors such as industrialization across developing and underdeveloped European economies coupled with the rising demand for occupants' comfort is likely to fuel the adoption of advanced automotive and commercial vehicle filters in HCVs and commercial off-highway vehicles. There is a significant rise in pollution levels in the atmosphere due to industrial development. The increased usage of automobiles is also a substantial contributor to the rising pollution levels.

Automotive commercial vehicle filters, such as cabin filters, ensure the fresh air quality in the vehicle cabin, further providing high comfort to vehicle occupants. Similarly, an oil filter is also essential for the satisfactory performance and operation of lubrication and hydraulic systems as it removes abraded metal, dirt, carbon particles, and other contaminants from the oil. Additionally, engine air and fuel filters are essential to maintain efficient engine performance and fuel economy and avoid engine breakdown.

Thus, increasing demand for these automotive filters in various commercial and off-highway vehicles for efficient performance is anticipated to boost the Europe market in the near future.

Rising Demand for Worn-out Filter Replacement to Drive Market Growth

Automotive filters are subjected to wear and tear after usage in a specific time interval. Therefore, the worn-out filters must be replaced in significant time to avoid vehicle breakdown due to faulty automotive filters. For instance, in the case of off-highway vehicles such as tractors, cab air filters are recommended to be replaced annually.

Therefore, increasing demand for automotive filters in the key aftermarket will likely accelerate the market growth during the forecast period. Additionally, regulations enforced by the European Union for emission control, such as EU VI and others, have fueled the adoption of advanced filters, further influencing market growth.

Moreover, changing filters of commercial fleets is necessary to ensure the efficient working of the fleet vehicles; therefore, an increasing number of replacements of commercial vehicle filters from heavy-duty vehicle fleets is anticipated to propel the market growth in the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Increasing EV Penetration Across Europe to Limit the Market Growth

Increasing EV penetration in the European commercial and off-highway vehicle industry is anticipated to hamper fuel and engine air filter demand during the forecast period. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and run on an electric motor, which eliminates the use of engine air and fuel filters. Therefore, as the demand for commercial electric vehicles such as electric trucks, telehandlers, and others increases, the adoption of fuel and engine air intake filters is likely to decrease in the future.

Additionally, stringent emission regulations for emission control and government subsidies for purchasing electric vehicles are some of the factors expected to fast-track the adoption of commercial electric vehicles. Electric trucks and buses will reduce the adoption of fuel and engine air intake filters in the future. After China, Europe is the leader in electric vehicle adoption. Moreover, electric heavy-duty commercial vehicles, such as battery electric trucks, sales in Europe are clearly showing signs of fast growth in Europe.

SEGMENTATION

By Filter Type Analysis 

Oil Filter Dominates Market Due to Filtering Quality, Quantity, Reliability, and Cost Effectiveness

The market is segmented by filter type: cabin air filter, engine intake filter, fuel filter, and oil filter. The oil filter segment currently holds the largest market share and is anticipated to be the largest market segment throughout the forecast period. Moreover, these filters are more cost-effective, and the requirement is higher than other commercial vehicle filters, fueling the Europe market growth.

There has been a growth in stringent legal guidelines about emission and gas performance norms enforced through governments and governing bodies within the region, developing environmental issues amongst people and governments of numerous international locations due to extensive Greenhouse Gases (GHGs). This has compelled automotive manufacturers to seek different methods to meet these standards by developing new products to meet such standards. These factors are surging the demand for automotive oil filters in this region.

By Application Analysis

Implementation of Stringent Emission Regulation for Heavy Commercial Vehicles from European Government is Propelling the Segment to Grow at Highest CAGR

By application, the market is segmented into heavy commercial vehicles and commercial off-road vehicles/equipment.

The heavy commercial vehicle segment is estimated to grow with the highest CAGR during the projected period. Heavy commercial vehicles consist of trucks, buses, and loaders. Implementing stringent emission norms from European regulatory bodies for such heavy commercial vehicles has raised awareness about the safety & maintenance of such vehicles. Furthermore, periodic maintenance of such vehicles is at a comparatively higher frequency than off-road vehicles and is regulated by RTO. After COVID-19, an increase in construction projects, logistics, and passenger transport has added to the fleet of such vehicles giving rise to filtration.

By End-user Analysis

Aftermarket Segment Currently Dominating Owing to Wide Presence of Distributors and Retailers in the Region

By end-user, this market is segmented into aftermarket and OEM.

The aftermarket segment currently holds the largest Europe commercial vehicle filter market share. The aftermarket segment dominates the Europe market share due to the wide presence of distributors, retailers, and offline & online footprints worldwide. A customer gets a wide range of options in this segment. Considering the rising awareness about emission norms, periodic maintenance of these vehicles becomes essential to extend engine life & working efficiency. This has resulted in a surge in demand for aftermarket filters for annual replacements. Although the unit cost of the commercial vehicle filter will be lower, it is based on the volume that generates aftermarket sales.

COUNTRY INSIGHTS

Surging heavy commercial vehicle sales across the U.K. is driving the market growth. For instance, the country registered 31,001 heavy commercial vehicles and 50,271 commercial off-road vehicles in 2021. It witnessed sales growth of around 9%, according to data published by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

Germany had 10% sales of commercial vehicles in 2021, with 55,562 heavy commercial vehicles and 98,898 commercial off-road vehicles. A rise in commercial vehicles also generated more filtration requirements, further influencing the market growth in the region. It has the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

In 2021, France witnessed a 5% rise in net sales, which included 38,787 units of heavy commercial vehicles & 69,186 units of commercial off-road vehicles from the survey by ACEA.

The rest of Europe dominates the Europe market during the forecast period. It registered 153,420 units of heavy commercial vehicles & 266,860 units of commercial off-road vehicles in 2021. This segment constitutes other significant countries such as Spain; these nations strongly support CO2 reduction, thus contributing to the Europe market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Adoption and Expansion of Product Portfolio made Mann+Hummel International GmbH & Co. KG a Leading Player in Market

It is the parent company of the MANN+HUMMEL Group. MANN+HUMMEL provides filtration solutions for numerous areas of expertise and sectors, including vehicles, industrial applications, clean air for interior spaces and outdoors, and water filters for sustainable water use. Moreover, the company develops, produces, and distributes filter media and simulation technologies, liquid and air filter systems, intake systems, membrane technologies, and thermal management components.

The company is recognized as a global technology leader in filtration. Sales of electric vehicles will increase again in 2021. MANN+HUMMEL is considering this development by expanding its battery-electric drives and fuel cell product portfolio. For example, in June 2022, the company introduced a new transmission oil filter for cooling and lubricating e-axle used in passenger cars and commercial vehicles. This filter W 7071 is used for Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 & 400 models.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Mann+Hummel GmbH (Germany)


• Cummins Inc. (U.S.)


• Freudenberg Filtration Technologies GmbH (Germany)


• Sogefi Group (Italy)


• Alco Filters (U.K.)


• UFI Filters (Italy)


• Hollingsworth & Vose (U.S.)


• K&N Engineering Inc (U.S.)


• Parker Hannifin Corporation (U.S.)


• Ahlstrom Munksjo (Finland)


• Donaldson Company, Inc (U.S.)


• Hengst Filtration (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In May 2022, Alco introduced a technologically developed PU (Polyurethane) to manufacture automotive air filters. According to the company, the material offers longevity as it has a high corrosion resistance throughout the lifecycle; polyurethane products ensure stability even under harsh conditions. According to a recent study by the company, revenues from global sales of polyurethane for the fabrication of automotive filters are estimated to reach approximately USD 800 million.


• In April 2022, Ahlstrom-Munksjo introduced a new filtration solution for fuel cell air intake support. Air intake provides oxygen to the fuel cell. A new filter with a unique proprietary multi-layer dry technology platform and customized adsorbent blends can absorb hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ammonia (NH₃), and nitrogen oxide (NO_x). The intake channel integrates high particulate efficiency layers, which deliver HEPA-level performance, removing up to 99.95% of the smallest particles. This new development will be a growing market for companies' filter products and businesses


• In December 2021, Freudenberg Group acquired RPS Products (Hampshire, U.S.); the company will be integrated into the existing company Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, L.P., Hopkinsville, U.S., and will continue operating under that name.


• In September 2021, the new cabin air filter developed by Sogefi (CIR Group), “CabinHepa,” using HEPA media, offered 50 times more protection than a conventional cabin air filter. Sogefi is the first supplier to offer the aftermarket a European system that filters particles the size of any virus to protect the vehicle’s occupants.


• In August 2021, Parker Hannifin announced that it signed an agreement on the purchase of ("Meggitt") on the terms of a mentioned cash acquisition of the complete issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Meggitt plc.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides a detailed market analysis and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, product types, and product applications. In addition, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights vital industry developments. Further, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation