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Automotive Chromium Market Analysis Europe, APAC, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, Germany, China, UK, India - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Automotive Chromium Market Analysis Europe, APAC, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, Germany, China, UK, India - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Published: Jul 2024 140 Pages SKU: IRTNTR73181

Market Overview at a Glance

$443.1 Mn
Market Opportunity
4.5%
CAGR
4.23
YoY growth 2023-2024(%)

Automotive Chromium Market Size 2024-2028

The automotive chromium market size is forecast to increase by USD 443.1 million at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2023 and 2028.

  • The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for decorative chrome plating In the automotive industry. Thin coatings of chromium are increasingly being preferred due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. However, the market faces challenges due to the hazardous effects of chromium plating on the environment and human health. The production and disposal of chromium plating waste pose significant risks. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to continue growing due to the demand for aesthetically pleasing and durable automotive parts. Producers are focusing on developing eco-friendly chromium plating technologies to mitigate the environmental impact and meet regulatory requirements.
  • The market is also expected to be driven by the increasing demand for electric and autonomous vehicles, which require advanced and durable coatings for their components. Overall, the market is poised for growth, with producers and suppliers addressing the challenges through innovation and sustainable practices.

    • What will be the Size of the Automotive Chromium Market During the Forecast Period?

    Automotive Chromium Market Size

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  • The market experiences dynamic growth driven by the ongoing pursuit of advanced vehicle aesthetics and enhanced consumer preferences for stylish, high-end vehicles. Chromium, a valuable and attractive metal, plays a significant role in automotive styling through its use in various applications such as vehicle trim, side-view mirrors, and brand insignia. Automotive designers continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate chromium into automotive design, with trends including the integration of chromium into vehicle fins, lights, and even rocket exhaust mimicry. Chromium's use in automotive manufacturing processes, including plasma and magnetron sputtering, results in dense, high-quality coatings that offer durability and resistance to corrosion.
  • Carmakers prioritize energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing methods, with continuous production lines and batch processes employed to minimize waste and reduce the use of toxic materials. Chromium's production involves densified plasma and the application of magnetic fields, resulting in a high-energy process. Despite its benefits, chromium's production and disposal present environmental challenges. Efforts to improve chromium's sustainability include the development of alternative coating materials and the optimization of production processes to minimize waste and improve energy efficiency. Overall, the market remains a vibrant and evolving sector, driven by consumer demand for stylish, high-performance vehicles and the ongoing quest for sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes.

    • How is this Automotive Chromium Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

    The automotive chromium industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

    • Application
      • Decorative plating
      • Functional plating
    • Geography
      • Europe
        • Germany
        • UK
      • APAC
        • China
        • India
      • North America
        • US
      • South America
        • Middle East and Africa

        By Application Insights

        • The decorative plating segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

        Decorative chromium plating is a common practice In the automotive sector, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. This plating process enhances the visual appeal of various components, such as bumper covers, grilles, headlight bezels, interior parts, door handles, fog light housings, wheels, and truck trim, among others. It offers protection against stains, abrasion, and corrosion, thereby increasing the longevity of these parts. Additionally, chromium plating improves the performance of several automotive components, including tool and die molds, printing wear roll surfaces, brake discs, engine and suspension parts, motor shafts, machinery parts, medical devices, fasteners, and commercial firearm components. The plating process involves the deposition of chromium atoms onto a base material, typically nickel or copper, using techniques like magnetron sputtering or electroplating.

        The result is a shiny, luxurious finish that adds to the brand identity of vehicles.

        Automotive Chromium Market Size

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        The Decorative plating segment was valued at USD 1122.10 million in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

        Regional Analysis

        • APAC is estimated to contribute 44% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

        Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

        Automotive Chromium Market Share by Geography

        For more insights on the market share of various regions, Request Free Sample

        The European automotive industry, a significant contributor to the EU economy, is witnessing growth due to increased R&D investments. The European the market is experiencing growth, driven by the increasing sales of luxury vehicles. Chrome plating is extensively used for aesthetic enhancement, particularly in premium vehicles. This trend is fueling the demand for luxurious automobiles in Europe, where high-net-worth individuals are on the rise. The use of chrome for exterior components such as fins, lights, and rocket exhausts, as well as interior components, adds visual highlights and a luxurious finish. Manufacturers employ various techniques like electroplating, magnetron sputtering, and PVD to apply chromium.

        Despite the toxic nature of hexavalent chromium compounds, regulations ensure safe disposal of waste materials. The automotive sector's focus on durability and visual appeal necessitates continuous production lines and batch processes. Key components like side-view mirrors, grilles, and digital display panels are often chromed for brand identity and design excellence.

        Market Dynamics

        Our  researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

        What are the key market drivers leading to the rise In the adoption of Automotive Chromium Industry?

        Increasing demand for decorative chrome plating is the key driver of the market.

      • Decorative chrome plating is a crucial aspect of automotive styling, adding a luxurious finish to various exterior components and brand insignia. Hexavalent and trivalent chromium compounds are commonly used in this process, providing visual highlights and enhancing the overall appearance of vehicle parts. Popular models often feature chrome plated components such as door handles, wheels trim, mirrors, emblems, logos, and grilles. The application of decorative chrome plating requires precise control, typically over a layer stack consisting of a base coating, topcoat, and transparent lacquer. The technology involves the deposition of chromium atoms onto a target using techniques such as magnetron sputtering, which operates under high vacuum conditions.
      • The process involves ionization of gas molecules, creating a plasma, and ejecting chrome atoms towards the target using an electric field and magnets. The resulting chrome layer is densified to ensure durability and adhesion. Decorative chrome plating offers several benefits, including protection against corrosion, scratch, and wear and tear. However, the use of hexavalent chromium compounds, which are toxic and carcinogenic, raises concerns regarding regulations and waste materials. Sputtering techniques, such as magnetron sputtering, minimize the use of these materials while ensuring efficient production through batch processes and continuous production lines. Automotive suppliers employ various technologies, including PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), to produce decorative chrome plating.
      • These technologies offer improved durability, resistance to contaminants, and reduced adhesion problems. Decorative chrome plating is also used in interior components, such as dashboard accents and control panel trim, providing a refined look and feel. Decorative chrome plating is an essential aspect of automotive design, contributing to brand identity and vehicle appeal. It is used in various applications, from side-view mirrors to LED lights and ambient interior lighting. The technology continues to evolve, with advancements in reflection, transmission, and electromagnetic waves used in vehicle exteriors, including daytime running lights, radar systems, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and electric drivetrains.
      • In conclusion, decorative chrome plating plays a significant role in automotive styling, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. The technology involves the deposition of chromium atoms onto a target using various techniques, ensuring durability, resistance to corrosion, and a luxurious finish. The use of hexavalent chromium compounds raises concerns regarding regulations and waste materials, necessitating the adoption of alternative technologies and production methods. Decorative chrome plating continues to be a vital component of automotive design, contributing to brand identity and vehicle appeal in various applications.

        • What are the market trends shaping the Automotive Chromium Industry?

        Rising demand for thin coatings in automotive industry is the upcoming market trend.

      • The market encompasses the production and application of chromium coatings on various exterior and interior components of vehicles. Chromium plating is a popular technique used in automotive styling to add visual highlights and provide a luxurious finish. Decorative chrome elements include finned grilles, lights, and rocket exhaust tips. Brand insignia and model names are often embellished with chromium plating for a distinct identity. Automotive suppliers employ various techniques such as electroplating, vacuum deposition, and magnetron sputtering to apply chromium coatings. These methods ensure adhesion and durability, enhancing the longevity of vehicle components. However, the use of raw materials like hexavalent chromium compounds, which are toxic and carcinogenic, has led to regulations limiting their application.
      • Manufacturers are exploring alternatives, such as molded plastic and pressed steel, to reduce the environmental impact and health risks. Nanotechnology is also a significant driving factor, enabling thinner coatings and improved performance. Chromium plating protects components from corrosion, oxidation, and wear, contributing to the overall durability of interior finishes and vehicle exteriors. Automotive components benefiting from chromium plating include side-view mirrors, radiator grilles, and engine components. Modern technologies like LED lights, ambient interior lighting, radar systems, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and electric drivetrains incorporate chromium plating for enhanced functionality and aesthetics. In the automotive industry, chromium plating is a crucial aspect of brand identity, particularly for electric cars.
      • The process involves applying a thin layer of pure chromium through techniques like magnetron sputtering in high vacuum conditions. Contaminants are excluded using inert sputter gases like argon, and the electric field ionizes gas molecules to create plasma. Chrome atoms are ejected and adhere to the target, forming a densified plasma layer. This layer is then cooled and solidified, resulting in a hard, durable, and visually appealing coating.

        • What challenges does the Automotive Chromium Industry face during its growth?

        Hazardous effects of chrome plating is a key challenge affecting the industry growth.

      • The market encompasses the production and application of chromium-plated components in vehicles. Chromium plating is a popular method used for enhancing the visual appeal and durability of exterior and interior parts. Key components include fin trims, lights, rocket exhaust tips, and brand insignia. Decorative chrome is applied through electroplating, using raw materials such as hexavalent chromium compounds. However, the use of hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, raises concerns regarding environmental and health hazards. Byproducts from the chromium plating process can contaminate soil and water, affecting aquatic life. Regulations have been implemented to mitigate these risks, leading to the development of alternative plating technologies, such as Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and vacuum metallizing.
      • These methods offer a more sustainable and safer alternative, using inert sputter gases like argon and magnets to create densified plasma. The shift towards electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems has also influenced the demand for chromium-plated components, including side-view mirrors and digital display panels. Carmakers continue to invest in research and development, focusing on improving the durability of interior finishes and enhancing the reflective properties of chrome for vehicle exteriors. Engineers are also exploring the use of chromium in radiator grilles, daytime running lights, radar systems, and adaptive cruise control, as well as electric drivetrains and engine components.
      • Despite the challenges, the market remains a significant contributor to the industry's aesthetic and functional advancements.

        • Exclusive Customer Landscape

        The automotive chromium market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the automotive chromium market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

        Automotive Chromium Market Share by Geography

         Customer Landscape

        Key Companies & Market Insights

        Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, automotive chromium market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence In the industry.

        American Electroplating Co. - The automotive industry utilizes chrome plating as a premium finishing solution for engine components and bumpers. This process involves electroplating chromium onto a base metal to enhance durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Chrome plating significantly improves the longevity of these parts, ensuring optimal functionality under harsh operating conditions. The application of chromium in automotive manufacturing not only enhances the vehicle's visual appeal but also provides essential protective benefits.

        The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

        • American Electroplating Co.
        • Arlington Plating Co.
        • Ashford Chroming Ltd.
        • Atotech
        • Borough
        • Douglas Metal Finishing Ltd.
        • Element Solutions Inc.
        • Elsyca NV
        • Galva Decoparts Pvt. Ltd.
        • Kakihara Industrial Co. Ltd.
        • Koch Industries Inc.
        • Metzka GmbH
        • Novex cz
        • Plamingo Ltd.
        • Royal Plating
        • SARREL
        • SYNERGIES CASTINGS Ltd.
        • TFC Group LLC
        • US Chrome Corp.
        • Valley Chrome Plating Inc.

        Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

        Research Analyst Overview

        The market encompasses the production and application of chromium and chromium-containing materials In the manufacturing of various components for vehicles. Chromium, a transition metal, is known for its lustrous and resilient properties, making it an ideal choice for automotive applications. The demand for chromium In the automotive industry is driven by several factors. Firstly, its ability to create a visually appealing finish, enhancing the aesthetic value of vehicles. Chromium plating is often used on exterior components such as grilles, side-view mirrors, and trim, as well as interior finishes. The production process for chromium-plated components involves several steps. The base material is first prepared, and a layer stack is created, which includes a plastic layer, a base coating, and a topcoat.

        The topcoat is typically a transparent lacquer that protects the chromium layer. The chromium is then applied through a process known as vacuum deposition or magnetron sputtering. During the vacuum deposition process, chromium atoms are ejected from a target in a high vacuum chamber. An electric field is applied, ionizing the gas molecules, which then form a plasma. The plasma is accelerated towards the component, where the chromium atoms adhere. Magnets are used to control the direction of the plasma, ensuring precise application. The densified plasma created during this process results in a durable and uniform chromium layer.

        However, challenges remain In the production process, including the use of toxic materials such as hexavalent chromium compounds, which can be carcinogenic. Regulations governing the use of these materials are strict, and waste management is a significant concern. The automotive suppliers play a crucial role In the production and application of chromium-plated components. They work closely with designers and carmakers to create concepts that meet the evolving needs of consumers. For instance, the increasing popularity of electric cars has led to the development of new chromium-plated components for electric drivetrains and radiator grilles. In recent years, there has been a trend towards the use of alternative materials, such as PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), which offers a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional chromium plating.

        PVD uses less energy and produces less waste, making it an attractive option for automotive suppliers looking to reduce their environmental impact. The market is dynamic and constantly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences. The use of chromium in automotive applications is expected to continue, as it offers a durable and visually appealing finish that enhances the overall value of vehicles. However, the industry must continue to address the challenges associated with the production and disposal of chromium-containing materials to ensure sustainability and compliance with regulations.

        Market Scope

        Report Coverage

        Details

        Page number

        140

        Base year

        2023

        Historic period

        		 2018-2022

        Forecast period

        2024-2028

        Growth momentum & CAGR

        Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.5%

        Market growth 2024-2028

        USD 443.1 million

        Market structure

        Fragmented

        YoY growth 2023-2024(%)

        4.23

        Key countries

        US, Germany, China, UK, and India

        Competitive landscape

        Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks

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        What are the Key Data Covered in this Automotive Chromium Market Research and Growth Report?

        • CAGR of the Automotive Chromium industry during the forecast period
        • Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth and forecasting between 2024 and 2028
        • Precise estimation of the size of the market and its contribution of the industry in focus to the parent market
        • Accurate predictions about upcoming growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
        • Growth of the market across Europe, APAC, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa
        • Thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
        • Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the automotive chromium market growth of industry companies

        We can help! Our analysts can customize this automotive chromium market research report to meet your requirements.

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        Table of Contents not available.

        Research Methodology

        Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The analysts have presented the various facets of the market with a particular focus on identifying the key industry influencers. The data thus presented is comprehensive, reliable, and the result of extensive research, both primary and secondary.

        INFORMATION SOURCES

        Primary sources

        • Manufacturers and suppliers
        • Channel partners
        • Industry experts
        • Strategic decision makers

        Secondary sources

        • Industry journals and periodicals
        • Government data
        • Financial reports of key industry players
        • Historical data
        • Press releases

        DATA ANALYSIS

        Data Synthesis

        • Collation of data
        • Estimation of key figures
        • Analysis of derived insights

        Data Validation

        • Triangulation with data models
        • Reference against proprietary databases
        • Corroboration with industry experts

        REPORT WRITING

        Qualitative

        • Market drivers
        • Market challenges
        • Market trends
        • Five forces analysis

        Quantitative

        • Market size and forecast
        • Market segmentation
        • Geographical insights
        • Competitive landscape

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        Frequently Asked Questions

        Automotive Chromium market growth will increase by $ 443.1 mn during 2024-2028.

        The Automotive Chromium market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during 2024-2028.

        Automotive Chromium market is segmented by Application( Decorative plating, Functional plating)

        American Electroplating Co., Arlington Plating Co., Ashford Chroming Ltd., Atotech, Borough, Douglas Metal Finishing Ltd., Element Solutions Inc., Elsyca NV, Galva Decoparts Pvt. Ltd., Kakihara Industrial Co. Ltd., Koch Industries Inc., Metzka GmbH, Novex cz, Plamingo Ltd., Royal Plating, SARREL, SYNERGIES CASTINGS Ltd., TFC Group LLC, US Chrome Corp., Valley Chrome Plating Inc. are a few of the key vendors in the Automotive Chromium market.

        APAC will register the highest growth rate of 44% among the other regions. Therefore, the Automotive Chromium market in APAC is expected to garner significant business opportunities for the vendors during the forecast period.

        US, Germany, China, UK, India

        • Increasing demand for decorative chrome platingDecorative chrome plating protects automotive components from corrosion is the driving factor this market.
        • scratch is the driving factor this market.
        • and wear and tear. It offers brightness and enhances their appearance. Hexavalent and trivalent chromium are popularly used for decorative chromium plating of automotive components. Decorative chrome plating is mainly applied to exterior automotive components or vehicle parts is the driving factor this market.
        • including door handles is the driving factor this market.
        • wheels trim is the driving factor this market.
        • exterior trims is the driving factor this market.
        • wheel covers is the driving factor this market.
        • mirrors is the driving factor this market.
        • emblems is the driving factor this market.
        • logos is the driving factor this market.
        • prominent bumpers is the driving factor this market.
        • headlights is the driving factor this market.
        • taillights is the driving factor this market.
        • and grilles. Decorative chrome plating is thinner than functional chrome plating is the driving factor this market.
        • with the latter being used more for protection from external conditions than appearance. The decorative chrome plating technology yields favorable results when applied over a layer of nickel or copper. It is extensively used in automotive applications as it imparts a unique bluish-white luster to decorative parts. is the driving factor this market.

        The Automotive Chromium market vendors should focus on grabbing business opportunities from the Decorative plating segment as it accounted for the largest market share in the base year.