Industry: Automotive
Published Date: January-2025
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Delivery Timelines: Contact Sales
Number of Pages: 191
Report ID: PMRREP35060
The global automotive roof rack market is to reach the size of US$ 1.6 Bn by 2025. It is anticipated to experience a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period to reach a value of US$ 2.2 Bn by 2032. Nearly, 35% of all new vehicles sold globally will be electric and of these EVs, around 40% will be designed with roof rails or provisions for roof racks by 2032.
There are over 190 million people are expected to engage in outdoor recreation in North America by 2030, increasing the demand for roof racks to transport gear. As SUVs and crossovers continue to dominate, accounting for 55% of global car sales by 2030, the demand for automotive roof racks is estimated to surge. Roof racks are often standard or easily adaptable to these vehicle types, making them the primary segment driving market growth.
Key Highlights of the Industry
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Market Attributes |
Key Insights |
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Automotive Roof Rack Market Size (2025E) |
US$ 1.6 Bn |
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Projected Market Value (2032F) |
US$ 2.2 Bn |
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Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2025 to 2032) |
4.5% |
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Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023) |
1.6% |
North America automotive roof rack market held a market share of 29% in 2024. The region has long been a hub for outdoor recreation, with a significant portion of the population participating in outdoor activities. As more people engage in these activities, the demand for roof racks to support transportation significantly increases as they require vehicles to transport equipment.
In 2023, SUVs accounted for over 50% of total vehicle sales in the U.S. SUVs and crossovers are estimated to further undergo substantial growth as consumers seek vehicles that combine functionality, comfort, and versatility. SUVs and crossovers are perfect for outdoor activities and family trips, making them the most common vehicle types equipped with roof rails and roof racks.
Roof racks are often bundled with SUVs and crossovers, and as these vehicles become increasingly popular, the demand for roof racks will rise in tandem. Consumers in North America, especially in the U.S., are known for their high disposable incomes and willingness to spend on automotive accessories, including roof racks.
Consumers in North America are more likely to invest in roof racks for outdoor and leisure activities with an increasing focus on customization and the ability to enhance the functionality of their vehicles.
Aluminum alloys led material type with a share of 53.5% in 2024. Aluminium alloys are significantly lighter than traditional steel and other materials. This lightweight property is crucial for roof racks, as it minimizes the additional weight on the vehicle, improving overall fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
Lightweight materials are essential to enhance the vehicle’s range in the EV market. Aluminum alloys help minimize weight without compromising strength, making them ideal for use in roof racks for EVs.
Aluminum alloys are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, which means they can support heavy loads while remaining strong enough to withstand stress, impact, and environmental factors. Roof racks are subjected to challenging outdoor conditions, including exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and UV rays.
Aluminum alloys offer long-term durability in these harsh environments without weakening or degrading, ensuring the roof racks maintain their functionality and appearance over time. Aluminum alloys are more resistant to impact damage compared to plastic or less durable materials, making them an ideal choice for the roof rack market where protection of cargo is essential.
Passenger cars held a share of 60.4% in 2024. Based on statistics, passenger cars accounted for 70% to 75% of total vehicle sales worldwide in 2023. As consumer preferences shift towards vehicles that can accommodate a variety of needs, passenger cars are increasingly being equipped with roof racks.
In North America and Europe, the sales of family cars and versatile sedans with roof racks have witnessed steady growth. For instance, in the U.S., the demand for roof racks among passenger cars rose by 12% from 2020 to 2023, driven by an increase in outdoor and recreational activities among consumers. Roof racks in passenger cars provide valuable storage space for a variety of purposes. This makes them an essential accessory for individuals and families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Passenger cars, particularly sedans, hatchbacks, and compact cars, are more affordable than larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks, making them more accessible to a broad range of consumers. In 2023, over 60% of passenger cars sold in the U.S. and Europe markets were in the compact and midsize categories, which are most commonly associated with roof racks.
The global automotive roof rack industry is predicted to be driven by the rising integration of EVs in transportation, thereby increasing the adoption roof rails and integrated systems. The industry is poised for expansion as EV manufacturers design vehicles that accommodate roof racks.
Focus on aerodynamics and fuel efficiency is likely to result in the development of efficient roof racks that enhance vehicle performance while offering versatility in carrying outdoor gear. New innovations may include smart roof racks with features such as built-in lighting, adjustable heights, or enhanced security systems. The forecast period is estimated to have a rising demand for customizable roof racks that cater to specific requirements of outdoor enthusiasts.
The global automotive roof rack industry is predicted to be driven by the rising integration of EVs in transportation, thereby increasing the adoption roof rails and integrated systems. The industry is poised for expansion as EV manufacturers design vehicles that accommodate roof racks.
Focus on aerodynamics and fuel efficiency is likely to result in the development of efficient roof racks that enhance vehicle performance while offering versatility in carrying outdoor gear. New innovations may include smart roof racks with features such as built-in lighting, adjustable heights, or enhanced security systems. The forecast period is estimated to have a rising demand for customizable roof racks that cater to specific requirements of outdoor enthusiasts.
The automotive roof rack market expanded at a CAGR of 1.6% during the historical period. Market growth in the period was prominently fueled by increased participation in outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and camping, particularly in regions like North America and Europe.
SUVs and crossovers were the most popular vehicles using roof racks with 40% of SUVs being equipped with roof rails, a feature that made these vehicles ideal for roof rack installations. With restrictions on international travel during the COVID19 pandemic period, people increased their focus on outdoor activities such as road trips, camping, and water sports, boosting the demand for roof racks.
A continued boom in outdoor recreational activities post-pandemic, combined with increased interest in adventure tourism, contributed to the demand for roof racks. Manufacturers introduced light and more aerodynamic roof racks, which helped reduce fuel consumption and improve efficiency, addressing concerns around added weight in cars. The period also noted a rise in customizable roof racks, including modular and adjustable systems.
Growing popularity of outdoor activities, such as cycling, kayaking, skiing, and camping is predicted to continue to drive the demand for roof racks in the forecast period. SUVs are estimated to account for 50% of global car sales by 2025, driving continuous demand for roof racks as SUVs are the primary vehicle type for such accessories.
Increasing Outdoor Recreational Activities
Outdoor recreation participation reached an all-time high of 57.3% of the population aged six and older in U.S in 2023. Outdoor gear transportation is a key consideration for those participating in recreational activities like cycling, kayaking, and skiing. As more individuals engage in these activities, the need for roof racks to transport bikes, kayaks, skis, and camping gear increases.
The growing demand for roof racks is pushing manufacturers to innovate customized solutions for specific outdoor activities. Bike racks are among the most popular roof rack accessories, with 60 million people in the U.S. participating in cycling-related outdoor activities annually. Kayak and paddleboard racks are in demand owing to increasing water sports participation, with more than 23 million people in the U.S. engaging in paddling sports.
Growth of SUV and Crossover Vehicles
The global SUV sales reached approximately 45 million units in 2021. SUVs and crossovers represented 48% of global car sales in 2023, showcasing consistent growth. In the U.S., SUVs accounted for over 50% of vehicle sales in 2023, and this trend is expected to continue with an increasing preference for large and versatile vehicles.
The demand for roof racks is predicted to witness exponential growth as more consumers purchase SUVs and crossovers. This is because these vehicles usually require additional storage for outdoor gear like bikes, kayaks, skis, and luggage, making roof racks essential accessories. SUVs are often favored for outdoor recreational activities like camping, hiking, and biking.
Rise in popularity of these activities is estimated to result in consumers seeking roof racks to transport gear. Over 30% of SUV owners in the U.S. engaged in outdoor activities in 2023, driving up the need for roof racks. As SUVs become technologically advanced, roof rack manufacturers are integrating smart features to help users track their roof rack’s status or adjust settings.
Limited Compatibility with Certain Vehicle Models
The growing variety of vehicle designs and styles, particularly in terms of roof shapes and sizes, can create difficulties in ensuring roof racks fit all types of vehicles. This issue presents both challenges for manufacturers and limitations for consumers looking for compatible solutions.
Several modern vehicles feature panoramic sunroofs or glass roofs, which make it difficult to install traditional roof racks. This design is becoming common in SUVs and luxury vehicles, with about 35% of new SUVs offering panoramic roofs as a standard or optional feature.
The design of electric and hybrid vehicles, particularly in terms of battery placement, has led to less flexibility in installing traditional roof racks. EVs and hybrids often feature low-slung roofs and compact structures, leaving limited space for external accessories like roof racks. For instance,
Electric Vehicle (EV) Integration
Global electric vehicle sales exceeded 14 million units in 2024, representing 18% of all car sales, compared to 4% in 2020. EVs prioritize energy efficiency to maximize their range. Roof racks for EVs need to be designed to be aerodynamic and lightweight to minimize drag and optimize battery life.
The use of lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber is likely to increase in roof rack design to reduce the overall weight of EVs, enhancing their range. Roof racks for EVs must be compatible with the unique design and structural features of electric vehicles, which often include more seamless roof designs or integrated features like solar panels.
Urban Mobility and Micro-Mobility Trends
Car ownership may decline, leading to fewer people relying on cars for short trips as urban areas grow and the popularity of micro-mobility increases. However, for those who still use vehicles, roof racks will be critical for transporting micro-mobility devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and even folded bicycles.
Compact and modular roof racks are estimated to gain popularity, enabling car owners to carry micro-mobility devices with minimal impact on fuel efficiency or aesthetics. As of 2023, around 56.2% of the world’s population lived in urban areas, and this is projected to increase to 68% by 2050. This shift is highly contributing to the higher demand for efficient and space-saving transportation solutions.
Micro-transit services, including on-demand buses, shuttles, and vans, are increasingly gaining popularity as flexible, cost-effective, and environment-friendly transportation options. Governments and corporations are pushing for sustainable urban mobility solutions. By 2030, it is expected that 60% of urban mobility will be shared, electric, and autonomous. This aligns with the focus on eco-friendly alternatives to private car ownership, resulting in less congestion and fewer emissions.
As consumers shift to multimodal transport approach, the demand for roof racks that can accommodate bikes, e-scooters, or compact cargo further increases, offering flexibility for customers who rely on both cars and micro-mobility devices.
Companies in the automotive roof rack market are developing lightweight, durable, and aerodynamic roof racks to improve vehicle efficiency and aesthetics. They are introducing modular and customizable designs to cater to a wide range of vehicle types and user preferences.
Businesses are also integrating advanced materials like aluminum alloys and composites, for enhanced strength and corrosion resistance. They are utilizing eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Manufacturers are promoting products designed for recyclability and reducing carbon footprints. They are also offering tailored solutions for different vehicle categories, such as SUVs, sedans, and electric vehicles. Brands are providing easy-to-install and user-friendly designs that enhance the customer experience.
Recent Industry Developments
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Attributes |
Detail |
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Forecast Period |
2025 to 2032 |
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Historical Data Available for |
2019 to 2023 |
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Market Analysis |
US$ Billion for Value |
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Key Regions Covered |
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Key Market Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled in the Report |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization and Pricing |
Available upon request |
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The market is anticipated to reach a value of US$ 1.6 Bn in 2025.
Most roof rack systems are composed of roof bars, feet, and fit kits. They can carry the load by attaching to a specific type of roof.
Growth of SUV and crossover vehicles remains a key driver for market growth.
Prominent players in the market include Thule Group, Atera GmbH, and Rhino-Rack.
The market is predicted to witness a CAGR of 4.5% through 2032.
