Automotive NVH Materials Market

Automotive NVH Materials Market Size and Forecast

The Global Automotive NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) Materials Market is expected to witness significant growth from 2025 to 2034, driven by the rising demand for vehicles with superior comfort, safety, and durability. Automotive NVH materials are made from extremely lightweight materials. They are used to minimize noise, vibration, and harshness levels in vehicles, thereby enhancing ride quality and providing a more enjoyable driving experience. This is a crucial consideration for automakers, as consumers today strive to minimize unwanted noise and vibrations in their vehicles. Moreover, these materials contribute to the increased longevity and improved fuel economy of automotive components by controlling noise and vibrations within the vehicle system.

The NVH materials market is expected to be driven by the global rise in vehicle production, particularly in emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil. Urbanization, increased disposable income, and a growing middle class are driving demand for passenger and commercial vehicles, particularly in developing regions worldwide. The rising presence of leading automobile manufacturers also supports the demand for NVH materials in these countries. As consumers demand significantly improved ride quality and stricter noise regulations, emerging regions are compelling companies to incorporate advanced NVH solutions into their vehicle models.

Moreover, tech development in the automotive industry helps determine the market forces. EVs and hybrids are generally quieter than ICE vehicles, so NVH materials are still needed to absorb battery noise and minimize other noises, such as wind noise and rattles. The share of NVH solutions, including those mentioned above, is expected to continue growing as new types of vehicles become increasingly prevalent in the market.

The aftermarket segment is also seeing growing interest in automotive NVH materials. As consumers increasingly expect personalized and high-performance vehicles, they are witnessing aftermarket services, such as soundproofing and customization, grow rapidly. This is likely to give a boost to the NVH materials market in the coming years as vehicle owners focus on enhancing their driving experience by minimizing unwanted noise and vibrations.

Market Dynamics

Drivers: Higher Demand for Cars in Emerging Markets

The increasing demand for automobiles, particularly in developing nations such as China, India, and Brazil, is a key driver of the Automotive NVH Materials Markets growth. This contact has led to the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization in these regions, resulting in increased disposable income and altered lifestyles. Thus resulting in consumers of these markets becoming more inclined to buy vehicles with improved comfort features, such as reduced noise and vibration. This shift in consumer trends is compelling automakers to incorporate advanced NVH materials into their cars, driving market expansion.

Additionally, nations such as China, South Korea, Japan, and India have become major centers of car manufacturing, producing both domestic and export cars. The increasing domestic demand for automobiles and the expansion of manufacturing facilities are also driving the growth of these regions in the NVH materials market. Another key factor contributing to market growth is the increasing sales of luxury vehicles, which are typically equipped with advanced NVH control features.

Restraints: Implementation of Active Noise Control Systems

The demand for NVH materials is growing rapidly, although the market faces challenges due to the need for active noise control (ANC) systems. ANC technology eliminates unwanted noise by creating sound waves that cancel out the original noise, thereby improving acoustic comfort without the need for additional materials. When equipped with ANC, auto manufacturers can provide radical noise cancellation without adding weight to the car. Here, it offers an alternative to conventional NVH materials in specific applications, particularly in the suppression of low-frequency noise.

However, there are limitations to ANC systems. They are primarily effective at attenuating low-frequency sounds but are ineffective against high-frequency noise or vibrations. Consequently, while ANC is poised to minimize the consumption levels of select materials designed for noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reasons, it is not expected to completely replace them, especially where high-frequency noises and vibrations are concerned, which require specialized materials for attenuation.

Opportunities: An Interest in Battery-Powered and Hybrid Vehicles

In an unprecedented push toward EVs and hybrid vehicles, the automotive NVH materials market is expected to face both challenges and opportunities. Because these vehicles are quieter than conventional internal combustion engines, they present new NVH challenges. Engine noise, in particular, is often cited as a contributor to other noises, such as tire noise, wind noise, and suspension thwack, creating a cabin atmosphere conducive to sleep. To combat such issues, EVs and hybrids will soon feature highly complex NVH materials that are becoming increasingly perfect in quality.

The increasing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles is expected to drive demand growth for NVH materials, particularly those optimized for high-frequency noise absorption. Exploring this is not only critical for overcoming their drawbacks but also opens up opportunities for manufacturers of NVH materials to develop solutions specifically designed for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Challenges: NVH Materials Increase Vehicle Weight

The automotive NVH materials market is faced with numerous challenges, one of which is the increasing weight of cars, which runs counter to its primary objective of reducing noise and vibration. Adding NVH materials to a vehicle improves its ride quality and passenger comfort,  but it also increases the vehicles weight. This works against attempts to shed pounds and improve fuel economy that have enjoyed a renaissance in the wake of rising gas prices and stricter emissions standards.

OEMs are being pushed harder than ever to provide cars that conform to fuel consumption and emissions standards, driving the need to reduce vehicle weight. Achieving NVH control while reducing vehicle weight remains a significant challenge for the industry. Consequently, manufacturers are exploring lightweight and advanced materials, including composites and nanomaterials, that can reduce noise and vibration while minimizing added weight.

The report will encompass both quantitative and qualitative data, providing a comprehensive analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Automotive NVH Materials Industry Segmentation

Product Insights

Based on material type, the automotive NVH materials market can be segmented into foam laminates, molded rubber, film laminates, and other materials. Based on type, in 2022, foam laminates emerged as the largest segment of the market. Foam laminates are widely used in various automotive insulation applications, including roof lining, floor insulation, and door insulation, as well as for cushioning, which is expected to drive the growth of foam laminates. Foam laminates provide lightweight and flexible solutions that are ideal for noise and vibration suppression in automotive applications.

Molded Rubber - This is the second-largest product segment, driven by the tonnage-based consumption of molded components as sealing and lining solutions for blossoming automotive NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) applications. Consequently, due to their high level of effectiveness in vibration absorption and low friction properties, rubber materials are utilized in various automotive applications to ensure smooth and noise-free machinery operation. The synthetic rubber segment is expected to grow as these products are strong,  flexible, and chemically stable.

Significant growth is expected in the market for film laminates, particularly those used in windows and glass for damping airborne noise, which is characterized by low-wavelength vibrations. The increasing demand for reducing noise inside cars, as well as enhancing vehicle aesthetics, has driven the use of film laminates in the automotive industry.

By Product:

• NBR
• Polypropylene
• PVC
• Textile Materials (Synthetic)
• Polyurethane
• Mixed Textiles Fibers
• Fiber Glass
• Polyester Fiber
• Textile Materials (Cotton)

Application Insights

Some of the applications for automotive NVH materials include noise and vibration absorption. The Share of Noise and friction absorption applications decreased in 2022. The noise and friction absorption applications held the largest share of the automotive absorbers market in 2022, driven by consumers' growing concerns about noise and friction in their vehicles and on-road experiences. This trend is particularly well reflected in markets like China and India, where vehicle production continues to grow, and the reduction of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) in vehicles becomes increasingly appealing to consumers.

By Application:

• Roof Module
• Engine Casing
• Trunk Module
• Floor Module
• Wheel Arches
• Cockpit Module
• Bonnet Liners

End-Use Insights

The passenger cars segment accounted for the largest share of the automotive NVH materials market by end use in 2017, driven by increasing demand for comfort in affordable vehicles. The increased usage of high-speed passenger car NVH materials by manufacturers is due to government regulations and additional efforts to enhance the overall quality of the vehicles. Moreover, the increasing demand for logistics and transportation, particularly for light and heavy commercial vehicles, is fueling the consumption of NVH materials in this sector.

By End-use

• LCVs
• HCVs
• Cars

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region holds the largest share of the global automotive NVH materials market, driven by the rapid economic growth and increasing automotive output in countries such as China, India, and Japan. North America is projected to maintain its lead throughout the forecast period, driven by growing demand for passenger cars and increasing consumer expectations for enhanced vehicle comfort. The US region is also one of the largest markets, alongside Europe, due to its strict regulations and the presence of well-established automotive manufacturers.

By region

• North America - (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
• Europe - (U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Rest of Europe)
• Asia Pacific - (China, Japan, India, South Korea, South East Asia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific)
• Latin America - (Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of Latin America)
• Middle East & Africa - (GCC Countries, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa)

Competitive Landscape

This is further augmented by the increasing need for product differentiation and system integration in addressing unique noise challenges, as well as high operational costs and stringent environmental regulations imposed by governments across various regions. Industry-leading businesses are investing in eco-friendly and lightweight materials to enhance performance, reduce environmental impact, and improve vehicle comfort. The competition in the NVH materials market is expected to cool down as automotive manufacturers aim to meet strict regulatory requirements and develop products that cater to consumer preferences for reduced noise disturbance and enhanced ride experience.

Companies are not only focusing on innovation but also following strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to strengthen their market position and diversify their product portfolios. In May 2024, BASF SE partnered with 3B Fibreglass for the sustainable production of Ultramid polyamide for automotive NVH applications. The joint effort aims to utilize 3B Fibreglass’s sustainability-driven fiberglass to enhance material performance while reducing its environmental footprint. This type of collaboration showcases how key players are combining their expertise and capabilities to meet the increasing demand for more compact and high-performance automotive materials.

Emerging economies are becoming an increasingly attractive market for NVH material manufacturers, presenting new opportunities and challenges for both global players and local enterprises. Including NVH materials, the growing demand is expected to continue for automobiles and related components as developing countries expand and their middle classes increase. This leads to increased competition within the global marketplace, as these regional competitors primarily compete based on cost-effective manufacturing and a deep understanding of local market requirements. As the automotive market in Asia continues to grow, particularly in countries such as China and India, so does the competitive environment, with domestic businesses striving to meet the overwhelming demand for cars.

Some of the major players operating in the automotive NVH materials market include Creative Foam Corporation, BRC Rubber & Plastics Inc., Wolverine Advanced Materials, ElringKlinger AG, Hoosier Gasket Corporation, Interface Performance Materials, and others. To further consolidate their position in the rapidly growing NVH performance market, these companies are pursuing strategies including the pursuit of application development as well as customized materials to cater to specific NVH performance characteristics, enabling differentiated products for an assortment of vehicle configurations such as passenger cars, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs).

The competitive rivalry in this market is fragmented, with a high number of suppliers at a specialized and comparable level and a wide scope of demand in the global NVH materials market. OEMs with novel solutions that help minimize noise and vibration and promote overall vehicle comfort are capturing competitive shares. It can be utilized as a new product development strategy by focusing on acquisitions and building a portfolio while also capitalizing on economies of scale to meet the increasing demand for premium NVH materials across the automotive segments.

List of the Top Key Players in the Automotive NVH Materials Market:

• Avon
• Johns Manville
• Fagerdala World Foams
• 3M
• Soucy Baron
• Mitsui Chemicals
• ExxonMobil Chemical
• Borealis
• Owens Corning
• Eagle Industries
• Hutchinson
• Roush Industries
• Celanese
• NITTO DENKO
• DuPont
• Henkel ANAND India
• Recticel
• Wolverine Advanced Materials
• Huntsman
• BASF
• CTA Acoustics
• MBM Resources Berhad
• IAC
• BSW
• Borgers
• Eastman Chemical
• LANXESS
• Covestro
• Assan Hanil

Note: Please note that we have only provided a list of key companies, while the final report encompasses more than 15 leading companies

Automotive NVH Material Industry Ecosystem

Considering the types of materials, the global automotive NVH materials market was led by thermoplastic polymers, which accounted for the largest share in terms of volume in 2021. The polymers were chosen due to their high chemical, electrical, and thermal resistance, as well as their superior mechanical properties. There are numerous applications in the automotive sector for thermoplastic polymers, including lightweight components that help reduce the overall weight of vehicles. This weight savings improves fuel economy and ride comfort, both of which are important selling features in todays cars. The increasing demand for fuel-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable vehicles is driving all parts manufacturers to focus on efficient power propulsion, presenting a significant opportunity for thermoplastic polymers in passenger cars, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs), as well as in the interiors and exteriors of these vehicles.

In 2021, passenger cars accounted for the largest share of the automotive NVH materials market in terms of value. During the forecast period, the passenger vehicles segment is expected to grow at the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in terms of NVH materials demand. The increase in passenger car production is supported by factors such as growing urbanization, improving living standards in developing economies, and the expansion of production facilities by international automotive companies. With the growth of the automotive industry in the Asia-Pacific and other regions, demand for advanced NVH solutions to enhance vehicle performance, comfort, and acoustic quality is accelerating.

Based on region, the Asia-Pacific held the significant volume share of the automotive NVH materials market in 2021, with China being the dominant market in the region. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and the growth of a middle class in several countries in the region have contributed to this expansion. Automotive manufacturers are focusing on NVH solutions as the demand for quieter and more user-friendly vehicles is expected to grow with the popularity of automobiles in China and India. The NVH materials market in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period as this region is a hub for the automotive industry.

Latest News and Developments

Highlights of Company Developments in the Automotive NVH Materials Market in January 2023: Uniproducts Ltd. partnered with Integral Coach Factory, India, to supply sound insulation components for Indias fastest train project. As the first of its kind, these trains will seamlessly incorporate advanced insulation materials from Uniproducts, enhancing passenger comfort and underlining the demand for advanced noise control technologies, so all road and rail applications are poised to benefit from this trend.

For instance, in May 2024, BASF SE opened a new Polyurethane Technical Development Center in India to support the market development of numerous polyurethane applications in sectors such as transportation. Polyurethane is also widely used in automotive NVH applications due to its flexible structure, durability, and acoustic properties. This lab is likely to enable the company to tap into a new facet of this market.

Additionally, in April 2024, Dow opened its first European MobilityScience™ Studio in Italy, designed to facilitate cooperation with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and tier suppliers. Suja Thomas, Head of R&D at BASF India, said, “The new facility will be dedicated to R&D in sustainable mobility solutions, including NVH materials. Dow’s new studio will help enhance NVH technologies for the electric vehicle market as demand for noise, vibration, and harshness control continues to rise for electric vehicles (EVs).

Celanese also launched Zytel NVH, a structural material that dampens specific frequencies, for use in electric vehicle motor mounts. It is intended to reduce NVH in electric cars, thereby elevating passenger comfort by isolating and processing residual sounds from high-speed motors. With the rise of electric vehicles, technologies like Celanese’s Zytel NVH are providing solutions for overcoming the unique challenges of EV noise, vibration, and harshness.

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

The rich market insights presented in the Automotive NVH Materials market will help stakeholders, manufacturers, and distributors align their market-centric strategies according to the ongoing and expected trends in the Automotive NVH Materials industry. Market segmentation, analysis of historical trends, and forecast data enable stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding investments, product development, and entry strategies into the market. Companies in the Aerospace Actuators market can use this report to inform their future strategies.

By being aware of regional dynamics, stakeholders can identify growth markets and act accordingly. By applying Porter’s Five Forces analysis in this study, readers will gain valuable insights into the competitive landscape, which will help them assess the intensity of rivalry in the market and understand the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers. This analysis enables businesses to assess the competitive dynamics of the automotive NVH materials market and identify opportunities for differentiation in product offerings and service capabilities.

Furthermore, the study provides a comprehensive competitive analysis that highlights the positioning of major players, enabling stakeholders to assess the markets overall attractiveness. Such wisdom enables companies to make informed strategic decisions, thereby increasing their market share within their respective industries.