Global Automotive Fifth Wheel Coupler Market 2016-2020

Overview of the global automotive fifth wheel coupler market

Market research analysts at Technavio have predicted that the global automotive fifth wheel coupler market will grow steadily at a CAGR of more than 7% by 2020. Constant infrastructure development and mining activities are likely to lead to the demand for high-performance trucks. The exponential increase in global population has subsequently increased the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, which, in turn, will lead to the increase in the adoption of construction equipment. Moreover, the growth in mining activities in several countries across the globe such as Russia, Australia, Canada, Chile, Brazil, South Africa, India, the US, and China will also demand the requirement for high-performance trucks leading to the adoption of fifth-wheel couplers since trailers play an important part in logistics.

Technological advances in fifth-wheel designs and configurations will lead to the development of armored fifth-wheel for yard tractors. One of the leading manufacturers, Fontaine has already developed and introduced an armor fifth-wheel that is stronger, simpler, and protected from kingpin impairment and can be used by OEMs and also as fifth-wheel hitch installation in the aftermarket segment. The device comes with replaceable wear pads and composite air cylinders for longer life and also comes with an anti-hitch feature to prevent false coupling.

Competitive landscape and key vendors

Due to the presence of numerous players who offer various types of coupling devices as per the requirement of the customers, the market appears to be largely fragmented and is dominated by established players such as Fontaine Fifth Wheel, Hitch Corner, SAF-HOLLAND, and JOST. Key players in the market have been in the industry for decades and are constantly upgrading their products to meet the changing customer requirements. For instance, Tulga Fifth Wheel, a company based in California, manufactures fifth-wheels, king pin, pintle hooks, and accessories for both OEMs and aftermarket segments. The company is aimed at meeting customer requirements with its services. With expertise in installing all kinds of semi-trailers, towing hitches, and trailer parts, the company has recently opened its new branch in California that focuses on wholesaling its products to vendors.

The leading vendors in the market are -

• Fontaine Fifth Wheel
• Hitch Corner
• SAF-HOLLAND
• JOST

The other prominent vendors in the market are Eidal International and Capus.  

Segmentation by application and analysis of the automotive fifth wheel coupler market

• RV trailers
• Class 7 and 8 trucks
• Farm equipment

During 2015, the farm trucks market segment accounted for about 48% of the total share of the market and dominated this market. The increasing investments in agricultural equipment and the rise in agricultural activities across the globe, especially in the developing regions, will lead to the increase in the use of tractors with trailers. This will subsequently drive the demand for fifth-wheel hitches from this market segment.

Geographical segmentation and analysis of the automotive fifth wheel coupler market

• Americas
• APAC
• EMEA

This market study estimates that in terms of geography, the Americas will account for about 42% of the total share of the global automotive fifth wheel coupler market by 2020 and will also dominate this industry throughout the forecast period. Factors such as the rise in utilization of heavy-duty trucks for logistics and the increasing popularity of luxury RVs in North America will have a positive impact on the market in the coming years. Additionally, favorable government policies that encourage agricultural practices will lead to the rise in the sales of agriculture equipment in this region, which will again fuel the growth of the fifth-wheel couplers market in the coming years.

Key questions answered in the report include

• What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2020?
• What are the key factors driving the global automotive fifth wheel coupler market?
• What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global automotive fifth wheel coupler market?
• What are the challenges to market growth?
• Who are the key vendors in the global automotive fifth wheel coupler market?
• What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global automotive fifth wheel coupler market?
• Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.
• What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global automotive fifth wheel coupler market?

Technavio also offers customization on reports based on specific client requirement.

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Fifth-wheel coupling is a type of technical arrangement in automobiles that provides the linkage between a semi-trailer and the towing truck. The coupling comprises of a kingpin, a two or three-inch diameter steel pin on the front of the semi-trailer, and a horseshoe-shaped coupling equipment on the rear of the towing vehicle. To minimize friction, grease is used on the surface of the fifth wheel. The major advantage of this coupling is improvements in the vehicle’s towing stability. Fifth wheels have a long service life, are easy to operate, low-maintenance, lightweight, and cost-effective. JOST, Hitchcorner, and Fontaine are some of the prominent vendors in this market space.

The report, global automotive fifth wheel coupler market, is part of Technavio’s automotive research portfolio. This portfolio provides a comprehensive market analysis along with the market share, market sizing, and market segmentations covering areas such as auto accessories, automotive components, automotive electronics, automotive manufacturing, automotive services, powertrain, and wheels and tires. These market research reports provide a perspective on the various market opportunities and market threats along with the key trends that would influence the market growth during the forecast period. It presents insights into the changing competitive landscape and a detailed profiling and market analysis of the vendors. Also covered in the research are the key regions or countries that would have an impact on the market during the assessment years.