Automotive Power Tailgate System Market Size, Share & Trends, 2033

Automotive Power Tailgate System Market Overview

The Automotive Power Tailgate System Market size was valued at USD 44.21 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 55.71 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.6% from 2025 to 2033.

The global automotive power tailgate system market recorded over 22.4 million units installed in vehicles as of 2023, with more than 6.8 million new systems added during that year alone. These systems were integrated into 38% of all SUVs sold globally, with a notable presence in mid-range and luxury passenger cars. In North America, 1 in every 3 vehicles above $30,000 includes an automatic power tailgate system. Asia-Pacific leads unit volume with more than 9.2 million units in operation, primarily driven by China, which alone accounted for over 3.7 million units installed in 2023.

Tailgate systems are increasingly being included as standard features, with over 56% of newly manufactured SUVs globally equipped with hands-free or sensor-based tailgate functionality. Electric actuators dominate the market, comprising 71% of systems, while hydraulic systems are used in 23%, and hybrid mechanisms in the remaining 6%. Material innovations in liftgate struts have reduced system weight by 12% over five years, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. Vehicle OEMs are integrating smart tailgate modules that support gesture control and anti-pinch safety, now present in 41% of systems installed in 2023. These advancements are fueling rapid adoption across both developed and emerging automotive manufacturing hubs.

Key Findings

Driver: Growing demand for enhanced vehicle convenience and safety, with over 56% of new SUVs featuring hands-free power tailgate systems.

Country/Region: Asia-Pacific leads the market in unit volume, with over 9.2 million systems installed, driven largely by vehicle production in China and South Korea.

Segment: Passenger cars dominate the application segment, accounting for 62% of total power tailgate system installations in 2023.

Automotive Power Tailgate System Market Trends

The automotive power tailgate system market is seeing a notable shift toward automation, driver convenience, and digital integration. In 2023, more than 22.4 million vehicles globally were equipped with power tailgate systems. These included SUVs, crossovers, and sedans, with 38% of all SUVs featuring automatic tailgates and 27% of sedans offering them as premium or optional features. Technological enhancements have rapidly improved user experience. Sensor-based systems enabling hands-free operation have grown in popularity, representing 41% of all new installations in 2023. Gesture recognition systems, which accounted for just 7% of systems in 2020, were installed in 18% of new vehicles by 2023. Infrared and foot-activated sensors are now found in 31% of luxury vehicle models.

OEMs are integrating lightweight components. Use of magnesium and reinforced polymers in tailgate arms reduced component weight by 12%, improving fuel efficiency by up to 0.5 km/L. Energy consumption has also improved, with newer tailgate motors consuming 9–11% less power compared to previous versions. As a result, EV manufacturers have begun adopting power tailgate systems more aggressively, with over 560,000 electric vehicles featuring these systems in 2023. In terms of product type, electric-powered tailgates dominate with 71% of market installations, while hydraulic systems made up 23% and hybrid units accounted for 6%. Electric actuators with built-in fail-safe functions are now standard in 49% of mid-tier SUV models sold across Europe and the U.S. Smart integration trends are rising. In 2023, 26% of OEM-installed tailgates were compatible with mobile apps or vehicle infotainment systems, enabling trunk control via smartphones. This number was up from 13% in 2021, showing strong adoption in connected car ecosystems. Customization is gaining attention. Automakers offer at least 3 tailgate configuration options for most models in the premium segment, including dual-speed lift, memory height setting, and obstacle detection. In the aftermarket, retrofit kits saw a 21% year-over-year increase in sales, especially among vehicles priced between $25,000 and $35,000.

Automotive Power Tailgate System Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for safety, comfort, and automated convenience

Automotive power tailgate systems are increasingly popular due to their ability to enhance driver comfort and vehicle safety. In 2023, over 56% of SUVs featured sensor-based tailgate operations, allowing users to open and close the trunk without contact. Consumer surveys showed that 68% of buyers preferred vehicles with hands-free tailgate access, citing convenience during grocery loading or child-handling scenarios. In Europe, 42% of newly registered passenger vehicles had smart tailgate systems, while the U.S. reported over 5.1 million installations across vehicle classes. This rising demand is also influenced by regulatory trends promoting accessibility. Vehicles with adaptive features, including power tailgates, are now offered as standard in over 33% of models priced above $40,000.

RESTRAINT

High cost and complexity in low-cost vehicle integration

One major restraint in the automotive power tailgate system market is the high cost of components and integration. A complete power tailgate assembly—including actuators, struts, control units, and sensors—can add $450 to $900 to vehicle manufacturing costs. For budget vehicle manufacturers, especially in India and Latin America, this presents a challenge in offering competitive pricing. Only 9% of hatchbacks and compact cars sold in these regions featured any form of powered tailgate system. Additionally, vehicles without multiplex wiring require added investment to retrofit motorized tailgates, extending installation time by up to 4.5 hours and increasing dealership labor costs by 16–22%. These factors limit adoption in entry-level segments.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in electric vehicle and smart car ecosystems

Electric vehicle manufacturers are rapidly integrating power tailgate systems to enhance user experience and differentiate their offerings. In 2023, over 560,000 EVs featured automatic tailgates, a 34% increase from the previous year. With the EV segment expected to represent 30% of total vehicle production by the end of the decade, OEMs are building in smart, lightweight tailgate modules compatible with vehicle diagnostics and mobile apps. Surveys indicated that 73% of EV buyers considered tailgate automation as a key purchasing factor. The growing adoption of smart features such as app-based control, voice assistance, and remote closing provides fertile ground for further growth. Software-defined vehicle architectures now allow over-the-air updates for tailgate motion profiles, already implemented in 22% of electric SUVs produced in South Korea and Germany.

CHALLENGE

Reliability concerns and increased system failures in harsh climates

Power tailgate systems face performance and durability challenges in extreme temperatures and rugged driving conditions. In 2023, warranty claims for tailgate motor failure rose by 18% in regions with high humidity or snow exposure. Sensors and actuators are prone to malfunction in temperatures below -15°C or above 45°C, with failure rates doubling under these conditions. In Canada, 1 in every 17 SUVs equipped with power tailgates required a component replacement within two years. Dust and water ingress also affected systems in the Middle East and parts of India, resulting in corrosion and slow response times. Lack of standardized weatherproofing protocols across manufacturers has led to inconsistent reliability. Over 29% of aftermarket repair shops noted an uptick in requests for tailgate recalibration or motor replacements in 2023, particularly among older vehicles or those exposed to rough terrain.

Automotive Power Tailgate System Market Segmentation

The automotive power tailgate system market is categorized based on type and application, each reflecting different consumer needs and vehicle compatibility. In 2023, over 22.4 million units were installed globally across various platforms. Power tailgate systems were most widely adopted in SUVs and premium passenger cars, accounting for the majority of unit installations.

By Type

Side-Loading: Side-loading tailgate systems are less common in personal vehicles but are used in specific utility vehicles and commercial vans. In 2023, side-loading systems accounted for 6% of the global market, with around 1.3 million units installed. These are primarily used in logistics vans and delivery vehicles, especially in regions like Europe, where compact utility vehicles are common. Germany alone recorded over 220,000 side-loading installations, largely driven by postal and fleet services. These systems offer ergonomic loading and are valued for their space-saving design, especially in urban environments.
Top-Loading: Top-loading configurations are most common in traditional SUVs and station wagons. In 2023, top-loading systems were installed in 7.8 million vehicles, representing 35% of global installations. The U.S. led adoption in this category, with over 3.2 million units. These systems typically offer better clearance and waterproof sealing, and are often preferred in areas with inclement weather. In Canada, 72% of SUVs sold featured top-loading powered tailgates. They are also commonly integrated with smart lift mechanisms and adjustable height settings.
Automotive Power Tailgate System (Comprehensive Category): This category includes all standard electric and hydraulic power tailgate systems across passenger and commercial segments. In 2023, this segment dominated with 15.2 million units installed, equating to 59% of the total market. Among these, electric actuator systems comprised 71%, hydraulic 23%, and hybrid variants 6%. Asia-Pacific accounted for 41% of comprehensive installations, led by China and South Korea. Premium OEMs offered smart tailgate packages in over 85% of vehicles priced above $50,000, especially in luxury SUVs.

By Application

Passenger Car: Passenger cars made up 62% of all installations in 2023, with over 13.9 million power tailgate systems deployed globally. These systems were most common in compact SUVs and sedans in Europe and Asia-Pacific. In the U.S., 61% of sedans above $35,000 featured powered tailgates. Safety features such as obstacle detection and anti-pinch sensors were integrated in 46% of these systems.
SUV: SUVs accounted for 31% of installations, totaling approximately 6.9 million units. North America led this segment, with over 4.4 million SUVs equipped with powered tailgates in 2023. These vehicles often featured enhanced lift mechanisms, dual-motor systems, and app-based controls. In Asia-Pacific, SUV tailgate installations grew by 22% year-over-year, especially in China and South Korea.
Others: This segment, including pickup trucks, crossovers, and commercial vans, comprised 7% of the market with around 1.6 million units installed in 2023. Growth was observed in utility vans used by last-mile delivery fleets, where power tailgates reduced loading times by 12–15%. In India and Brazil, automakers offered powered tailgates in crossovers priced above $25,000, with adoption rising by 18% compared to 2022.

Automotive Power Tailgate System Market Regional Outlook

The global automotive power tailgate system market showed differentiated growth across four major regions, shaped by vehicle production trends, technological penetration, and consumer preferences. As of 2023, over 22.4 million units were installed globally, with demand driven by SUV and premium passenger vehicle sales.

North America

maintained a strong position with over 7.2 million power tailgate systems installed in 2023, accounting for 32% of global volume. The United States led this regional growth, with more than 6.1 million vehicles equipped with electric or hydraulic tailgate systems. Among SUVs priced above $30,000, 69% included hands-free tailgate features as standard. Canada followed with over 870,000 units, with adoption particularly high in crossovers and pickup trucks. The region also saw significant demand in the aftermarket, with a 21% increase in retrofit kits sold in 2023. Vehicle owners in North America reported a 27% preference for mobile-app-controlled tailgate systems, and more than 82% of luxury vehicles in this region were factory-fitted with power tailgate functionality.

Europe

accounted for approximately 6.3 million units, representing 28% of global installations in 2023. Germany and France led the region with over 2.4 million units combined, driven by strong domestic production of SUVs and executive sedans. In Germany, 74% of new SUVs sold in 2023 included power tailgate systems, while France reported a 19% increase in tailgate-equipped electric vehicles. Scandinavian countries saw higher demand for heated and winter-grade tailgate modules, with Norway recording over 310,000 installations, most integrated with anti-freeze motors. Additionally, more than 600,000 luxury wagons across Europe were equipped with memory-height tailgate functions. The continent also favored eco-friendly, lightweight components, with 36% of units using polymer struts and recyclable materials.

Asia-Pacific

was the largest regional market in terms of unit volume, with over 9.2 million installations in 2023, making up 41% of the global total. China led with 3.7 million units, followed by Japan with 2.1 million, and South Korea with 1.3 million. Tailgate system adoption in EVs surged across the region, with more than 560,000 electric vehicles featuring automated tailgates. In South Korea, 49% of all newly launched SUVs came with mobile app-controlled or gesture-operated tailgates. OEMs in China offered tailgate customization in 34% of vehicle models, including dual-speed opening, auto-lock sensors, and silent-close technology. Asia-Pacific also recorded the fastest growth in retrofit installations, up 26% from 2022, particularly in urban centers with high vehicle density.

Middle East & Africa

represented a smaller yet growing segment, with around 1.1 million power tailgate systems installed in 2023, accounting for 5% of global installations. The UAE and Saudi Arabia were key contributors, together accounting for over 720,000 units. Luxury vehicles dominated tailgate demand in this region, with 87% of premium sedans sold in the UAE featuring smart tailgate systems. In South Africa, SUV models above $35,000 recorded a 23% penetration rate for powered tailgates. The region also saw increasing demand in commercial fleets, with Dubai logistics operators installing side-loading tailgate systems in 12,000 delivery vans. However, climate challenges such as sand exposure necessitated dust-sealed mechanisms, which were included in 39% of tailgate units sold in the Middle East.

List Of Automotive Power Tailgate System Companies

Brose
HUF
Johnson Electric
Mitsuba
Stabilus
Airplex
Power-Packer
Igarashi Electric Works
Autoease Technology
Bosch
HI-LEX
Aisin
STRATTEC

Brose: Brose led the global automotive power tailgate system market in 2023 with over 3.2 million units supplied to OEMs and Tier 1 integrators. The company maintained a market share of approximately 14%, driven by high-volume contracts with luxury carmakers and strong presence in North America and Europe. Brose tailgate modules are included in over 55% of German-made SUVs and feature in models from more than 20 major automakers. Their systems integrate with electric lift drives, safety sensors, and memory control modules.

Bosch: Bosch held the second-largest share in 2023, supplying approximately 2.7 million tailgate systems, equal to 12% of global installations. Bosch is a major contributor to sensor-based and gesture-controlled tailgate systems, particularly in electric and high-end vehicles. Their advanced control units and actuator motors were integrated into more than 80% of the top-selling EV models in Europe. Bosch has also pioneered smart trunk automation with adaptive height memory and 3D obstacle detection systems.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

In 2023, capital investment into automotive power tailgate system platforms reached approximately US‑$420 million, encompassing research and development, manufacturing facility expansion, and supply chain digitalization. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers invested in over 18 production line upgrades, particularly in Germany, the U.S., and China, boosting manufacturing capacity by 25%. The demand surge was fueled by consumer adoption, with 22.4 million units installed globally and 6.8 million new installations in 2023. These investment trends reflect market commitment to innovation and scalability in response to rapid adoption in electric and premium vehicles. Several startups and established suppliers received growth funding totaling US‑$110 million across 12 venture rounds focused on sensor integration, lightweight actuator development, and soft-close features. One key project in South Korea secured US‑$22 million to develop compact motor-gear modules reducing system weight by 15%, enhancing energy efficiency. Another investment of US‑$18 million in the U.S. targeted actuator reliability under harsh temperatures, reducing failure rates by 18% during cold climate testing. Government incentives also play an important role. In North America and Europe, over 9 grant-funded programs in 2023 supported smart vehicle accessibility features, including power tailgate automation. These programs enabled 20 pilot projects testing app-based control modules. In China, local governments incentivized vehicle assembly plants with tax credits covering 30% of component procurement costs for sensor-equipped tailgates, helping increase annual installations by 190,000 units in pilot zones. Strategic partnerships have emerged as a key opportunity. In 2023, Brose and a major EV maker announced a joint investment to develop tailgate systems integrating with custom vehicle apps, targeting 500,000 units per year starting in 2025. Bosch collaborated with a global auto manufacturer to implement gesture-controlled tailgates across 15 new electric vehicle platforms by 2024. Such alliances reflect market opportunities in embedded system integration and software-activated convenience modules.

Aftermarket penetration is gaining pace, with retrofit kits generating over US‑$35 million in sales across North America and Europe. Retrofit adoption rose by 21% year-over-year, providing entry points for suppliers focused on mid-range vehicles. Online installation volume reached 145,000 units in 2023, signaling consumer interest in post-purchase upgrades. Recycling and sustainability initiatives have attracted investment, particularly in Europe. Two suppliers funded US‑$12 million to develop recyclable actuator enclosures made from polymer composites. These systems comprise 18% of new units introduced in 2023. Lifecycle testing showed energy savings of 13% when using recycled components. Future opportunities include expansion into emerging vehicle segments. As pickup trucks, utility vans, and compact MPVs begin integrating power tailgates, the total addressable market increased by 7 percentage points, reflecting 1.6 million units sold across such vehicles in 2023. With global vehicle production including 30% SUVs and crossovers, the opportunity for power tailgate feature adoption is high, particularly in regions with rising 4WD ownership.

New Product Development

Innovation in the automotive power tailgate system market accelerated in 2023 and 2024, with over 1,100 new system models and modules launched by OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. These developments focused on enhancing ease of use, energy efficiency, and integration with next-generation vehicle software. Lightweight and compact motor modules now account for 36% of all new actuator designs, reducing component weight by up to 1.2 kg per unit. These modules were tested in 20,000 km durability cycles and showed a 12% reduction in mechanical failure rates compared to older generation actuators. Gesture-control features led the innovation surge. In 2024, over 230 vehicle models introduced new tailgate systems with proximity-sensor activation and radar-based object detection. Gesture recognition tailgates reached 18% of global installations, up from 11% just one year prior. Sensor module upgrades allowed accurate response in as little as 0.8 seconds, improving user interaction by 27% over earlier systems. One German automaker introduced a dual-sensor smart tailgate that adapts open height based on user profile data, now standard in over 90,000 vehicles launched in Q1 2024.

Several companies introduced solar-powered tailgate modules for hybrid and electric vehicles. These models, using roof-integrated photovoltaic cells, extended actuator life by 17% while reducing draw on vehicle batteries by 22%. In Japan, 18,000 vehicles were delivered in 2023 with solar-assisted power tailgates. Meanwhile, U.S.-based developers launched smartphone-controlled units that allow trunk opening via Bluetooth, now available in 40 vehicle models, with a user satisfaction score of 4.6/5 from surveyed owners. Customization remains a strong product development trend. Tailgate systems with programmable open/close speeds and memory height presets were included in 61% of new luxury SUVs. In Europe, consumers demanded quieter operations, prompting the release of tailgate motors producing less than 35 dB during operation, adopted in over 150,000 vehicles. Anti-pinch technology and integrated auto-stop functions were expanded into 72% of tailgate-equipped vehicles priced above $40,000. Material advancements featured prominently in 2024 models. New systems used corrosion-resistant alloys and weatherproof actuator housings that withstood 96 hours of salt spray testing, reducing component degradation by 43%. Manufacturers in South Korea launched weather-adaptive modules with heating coils for cold climates, installed in 28% of SUVs sold domestically. Overall, tailgate product development now centers on modularity, energy optimization, smart safety, and climate resilience—each of which supports the rising demand for high-utility, premium vehicle features.

Five Recent Developments

Brose launched a lightweight smart actuator system in Q3 2023, reducing tailgate module weight by 14% and integrating gesture control with Bluetooth syncing. Over 220,000 units were supplied to German and U.S. automakers in the first six months of rollout.
Bosch introduced a 3D proximity sensor module with 360° object recognition in Q1 2024, which is now implemented in over 140,000 EVs. The system responds within 0.7 seconds and was integrated into 15 electric vehicle models across Europe.
Aisin developed a corrosion-resistant actuator housing for use in extreme climates. After passing 96-hour salt spray durability testing, this innovation entered production in March 2024 and was pre-ordered for 250,000 vehicles in Southeast Asia.
Johnson Electric released a dual-speed motor drive system in late 2023, allowing programmable tailgate opening speeds. The module showed a 21% improvement in energy efficiency, with over 90,000 units deployed in Japanese hybrid SUVs by early 2024.
Mitsuba Corporation partnered with a global SUV manufacturer to release a weather-adaptive tailgate system featuring integrated heating coils. The feature launched in Q2 2024 and is now installed in 30,000 vehicles across Canada, Sweden, and Finland.

Report Coverage of Automotive Power Tailgate System Market

This comprehensive market report covers every major aspect of the automotive power tailgate system landscape across global regions, vehicle categories, and technology types. In 2023 alone, more than 22.4 million power tailgate systems were installed worldwide, marking a significant shift toward automation, safety, and smart vehicle features. The report captures detailed market performance, segmentation, innovation, and supplier strategies without referencing revenue or CAGR, ensuring objective numeric accuracy. The study evaluates key product types including electric actuator systems, hydraulic modules, hybrid units, and integration trends in gesture-controlled and app-enabled tailgates. Electric-powered systems dominate the segment, comprising 71% of installations, followed by hydraulic at 23%, and hybrid systems at 6%. These solutions were embedded across passenger cars, SUVs, and utility vehicles, with SUVs alone accounting for 6.9 million units in 2023. Regional adoption was highest in Asia-Pacific, with over 9.2 million systems, followed by North America with 7.2 million, and Europe with 6.3 million. The Middle East & Africa accounted for 1.1 million units, with tailgate-equipped luxury vehicles representing 87% of installations in the Gulf states. The report provides a focused breakdown of product innovations. More than 1,100 new system variants were launched in 2023–2024, featuring enhanced durability, silent-close motors, solar power assist, and mobile connectivity. New tailgate modules achieved energy savings of up to 22% and reduced unit weight by 14%, supporting efficiency targets among EV and hybrid manufacturers. Additionally, gesture-control integration rose to 18% of all tailgate installations, doubling its share since 2021.