Towing Equipment Market Share & Trends [2033]

Towing Equipment Market Overview

Global Towing Equipment Market size is estimated at USD 10883.65 million in 2024 and expected to rise to USD 14833.3 million by 2033, experiencing a CAGR of 3.5%.

The towing equipment market encompasses devices such as boom lifts, hook‑and‑chain units, flatbeds, wheel‑lift systems, integrated assemblies, tow bars, fifth‑wheel hitches, goosenecks, wiring harnesses, winches, straps, safety chains, and adapters. In 2023, boom‑type towing equipment represented over 45.1% of global product units Passenger‑vehicle applications accounted for approximately 54.3% of all towing‑equipment units sold in 2023 , while OEM distribution channels supplied more than 52.3% of total unit volume .

In 2024, Asia‑Pacific achieved a 34.3% share of global units, driven by rapid urbanization and infrastructural vehicle growth in countries including China, India, and Japan . North America accounted for roughly 40% of unit volume in 2023 , with Europe contributing about 30% . Belt‑style towing equipment made up approximately 55% of industrial towing‑system units, while crawler‑type systems represented around 45% . Annually, more than 400 million towing units are sold in vehicle segments worldwide, including over 250 million units in Europe.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: Increasing vehicle breakdowns and accident recovery needs have significantly accelerated the adoption of towing equipment across both urban and rural environments. In 2023, over 68 million vehicle breakdown cases were reported globally, demanding immediate roadside assistance support systems.

Top Country/Region: The United States held the largest share of towing equipment usage, accounting for over 31% of global towing unit deployment in 2023. Over 38 million towing-related service calls were registered across the country.

Top Segment: The flatbed towing segment led the market with approximately 42% share of all towing unit installations in 2023, driven by its capability to handle luxury, immobile, and damaged vehicles securely.

Towing Equipment Market Trends

The global towing equipment market is witnessing substantial shifts as technological momentum, end-user preferences, and regional growth patterns evolve. One of the most pronounced trends in 2024 is the continued dominance of boom-type systems, which comprised over 45.1% of all product-type unit sales in 2023 . Boom systems remain critical across emergency roadside towing and commercial recovery due to their versatile lifting capabilities.

Flatbed towing continues to maintain its position as the leading segment, accounting for roughly 42% of towing unit installations in 2023 . Designed for high-end, immobile, or accident-damaged vehicles, flatbeds are preferred for their enhanced safety and minimal vehicle contact during transport. This trend has been bolstered by the growing number of luxury vehicles needing secure towing.

In terms of application, passenger-vehicle towing represents the largest use case with more than 54.3% of units sold globally in 2023 . This is paralleled by significant uptake in logistics fleets—OEM-sourced distribution channels delivered 52.3% of total towing unit volume in the same year , reflecting vertical integration among manufacturers and fleet operators.

Geographically, Asia-Pacific stands out, contributing 34.3% of global unit volume in 2024 . In particular, commercial vehicle segments in China, India, and Japan are fueling growth, as infrastructure and e-commerce logistics expand . North America remains a powerhouse with approximately 40% of unit volume in 2023, with recreational vehicles (RVs) and multifaceted utility towing contributing to this dominance .

Material innovation continues, with belt-style towing systems holding about 55% of the industrial towing market and crawler-type systems making up the remaining 45% . Belt systems are favored for their compact footprint and adaptability in urban settings.

Manufacturers are also exploring specialized towing equipment catering to electric and autonomous vehicles. Although electric towing variants are nascent, their share is steadily increasing, supported by OEM-led R&D initiatives expected to produce compatible systems in the next 12–24 months .

Finally, safety and regulatory compliance are increasingly embedded into equipment design. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor data, towing industry technicians earn an average wage of USD 22.52 per hour . Many manufacturers now integrate advanced sensor arrays and remote-control functions to minimize technician presence in hazardous zones, aligning with stricter global safety standards. This trend is expected to drive further R&D investment in automation and remote-control towing modules.

Towing Equipment Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Increasing number of vehicles and breakdown incidents

In 2023, global vehicle registrations surpassed 1.5 billion units, with over 65 million roadside assistance calls recorded in North America alone . Belt-type towing systems accounted for 55% of industrial towing-equipment production in the same year, underlining the demand for reliable, lightweight systems across urban zones . Passenger vehicles represented 54.3% of total unit sales globally in 2023, emphasizing consumer reliance on towing for breakdown and accident situations . With over 40% of towing apparatus used in North America and 34.3% coming from the Asia-Pacific region, increasing fleet size and urban density are primary drivers for market growth . This translates into a consistent need for robust tow bars, winches, and flatbed systems designed to manage rising service calls and operational demands across logistics, emergency, and fleet management sectors.

RESTRAINT

High initial equipment and compliance costs

Advanced towing systems incorporating IoT sensors and remote controls cost up to 25% more than conventional equipment, deterring small fleet owners and aftermarket consumers . Additionally, manufacturers must meet varying safety and emissions standards across regions—North America and Europe implement over 5 layers of regulatory compliance for tow hitches, wiring, and braking systems . Materials such as steel and aluminum form over 60% of manufacturing costs. In 2023, steel prices surged by 12%, adding pressure to production economics . These cost factors combined can raise end-user prices by up to 20%, reducing purchase intent among cost-sensitive markets, especially in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

OPPORTUNITY

Integration of smart and eco-friendly solutions

Sales of electric and IoT-enabled towing accessories grew by over 18% between 2022 and 2023 in North America, with 1.2 million connected units sold in the U.S. . Smart tow bars now include load-sensing and anti-sway alert features, found in 23% of flatbed systems in 2024 . Adoption of aluminum- and carbon-fiber tow components has increased 4.5% year-over-year, reducing unit weight by up to 30% compared to steel . Additionally, Asia-Pacific electric tow variants grew from 0.5% to 3% of total systems in just 12 months . OEMs are collaborating with tech firms to embed telematics and predictive maintenance into towing units—a move that could drive aftermarket subscriptions and data services, opening recurring revenue streams.

CHALLENGE

Technical workforce shortages and counterfeit parts

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor 2023 shows a 10% shortfall in certified towing technicians, with the average technician shortage spanning 4.8 weeks per open position . In Europe, over 22% of roadside assistance companies reported delays attributable to staffing gaps in Q4 2023 . Meanwhile, counterfeit towing accessories—estimated at 8% of aftermarket units in North America—lead to failure rates of up to 7% during load tests, posing serious safety concerns . Regulatory bodies in the U.K. and Germany issued over 1,500 safety recalls for towing assemblies between 2022 and 2023 . These issues limit growth, undermine consumer confidence, and force manufacturers to enhance training, certification, and traceability programs along supply chains.

Towing Equipment Market Segmentation

The towing equipment market is segmented by type—belt towing and crawler towing—and by application, including architecture, transport, and others. Belt systems dominate lighter-duty operations such as warehouse and logistics, while crawler systems serve heavier industrial environments. Architecturally, belt and crawler equipment support material handling and specialized assembly uses. Transport applications, including commercial fleets and passenger-vehicle towing, represent the bulk of demand. Other uses span military, aerospace, and infrastructure projects.

By Type

Belt Towing Equipment : Belt systems command approximately 55–65 % of the market share. They are prevalent in light‑duty applications—warehousing, inner‑city logistics, and auto‑yards. In North America, belt loaders formed 34.7 % of belt‑type loads in 2024 alone . Belt systems’ lighter weight—30 % lighter than comparable steel chain gear—facilitates faster deployment and lower transport costs . Their compact footprint allowed 1.5 million units usage across commercial hubs in 2023, accounting for over 55 % of industrial towing needs .
Crawler Towing Equipment : Crawler systems represent 35–45 % of the market .Designed for heavy loads and rough terrain, they're widely used in construction and mining sectors. In 2023, crawler rigs handled approximately 45 % of high‑tonnage recoveries globally . The sub‑segment is fastest‑growing, with an 8 % annual rise fueled by infrastructure spending . Asia-Pacific crawler demand grew 15 % in 2024 across building and rail projects . Crawler units, comprising 45 % of industrial systems, handled an estimated 1.2 million heavy recovery tasks in 2023 .

By Application

Architecture use of towing systems : accounted for 30 % of global demand in 2023, supporting building materials positioning, façade maintenance, and prefabricated home installations .
Both belt (55 %) and crawler (45 %) types : used, with belt favored in tight urban work zones.Transport applications dominate with about 50 % of system use,including light commercial fleets, emergency tow services, RV recovery, and passenger‑vehicle towing.
More than 250 million transport‑oriented tow: units were deployed globally in 2023.Others (20 %) span military convoys, aerospace hangar shifts, and agricultural machinery handling, totaling around 80 million specialized lift events in 2023 .

Towing Equipment Market Regional Outlook

The regional performance of the towing equipment market in 2023–2024 varies significantly by market share and end-use trends:

North America

North America accounts for approximately 36 % of global market share, with the U.S. towing equipment segment alone at $1.8 billion in 2024 . Over 50 % of sales come from freight transport and commercial vehicles, with recreational vehicle (RV) and emergency towing systems driving demand . Belt systems lead regional usage, with 34.7 % penetration in logistics hubs. The growth of e-commerce, increased RV ownership, and infrastructure projects contribute to 40 % of global unit volume in the region .

Europe

Europe holds around 29 % of global market share, with towing systems valued at approximately $9.8 billion in 2023 . Belt and crawler systems support building construction in Germany, the UK, and France, with flatbed installations comprising over 30 % of units. Europe registered around 250 million transport-oriented tow units, with passenger-vehicle applications taking the lead . Regulatory compliance demands in emissions and safety have led to >1,500 recalls in towing equipment across the region between 2022–2023 .

Asia‑Pacific

Asia‑Pacific holds 24 % of the market, with strong growth in China, India, and Japan . Crawler demand surged 15 % in 2024, with belt systems filling 55 % of industrial needs . The tow-truck sector holds about 25 % market share, driven by urbanization and commercial vehicle demand . The fleet of commercial vehicles grew to ~200 million units in 2023, boosting towing needs for logistics and emergency services.

Middle East & Africa

The MEA region represents about 4 % of global share, with heavy-duty oilfield operations and infrastructure drives in Gulf nations fueling demand . Belt and crawler systems support construction and logistics, with approximately 100,000 new heavy tow units deployed between 2022–2023. Recreational vehicle towing is emerging, representing around 10 % of regional installations, while oil and gas-driven heavy-duty towing accounts for ~60 % of use .

List of Top Towing Equipment Market Companies

BOSAL
Brink
CURT Manufacturing
Horizon Global

Top two companies with largest market shares

BOSAL: leads in Europe and North America, delivering over 30 % of flatbed and tow-bar units in those regions in 2023 .

CURT: Manufacturing is the top North American player, accounting for approximately 25 % of aftermarket tow-bar and hitch sales in 2023 .

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the towing equipment market is gaining momentum across multiple fronts. In 2023, global industry value exceeded USD 5.46 billion, with the vehicle-towing subsegment alone hitting USD 5.46 billion . The tow-tractor submarket—used in warehousing, airports, and logistics—reached USD 2.2 billion in 2023, with light-duty units covering USD 749.9 million of that . Meanwhile, the aircraft-towing equipment sector was valued at USD 2.12 billion in 2023 .

Emerging investment trends include acquisitions and partnerships: CURT Manufacturing expanded into European operations in January 2023 . BOSAL launched a lightweight hitch line in October 2023 . Miller Industries maintains an order backlog of nearly USD 1 billion and saw a 31 % increase in Q4 2023 sales—up to USD 296.2 million, with profits at USD 16.7 million .

Opportunities lie in electric and autonomous towing: electric tractors accounted for USD 886.4 million of tow-tractor sales in APAC in 2022 . The aircraft-towing segment includes electric variants valued at USD 0.4 billion in 2023, with growth potential as airlines seek sustainable ground operations .

Infrastructure projects in Asia-Pacific and MEA suggest robust demand. Belt systems reached 1.5 million units in North American logistics settings in 2023 . In the Middle East, approximately 100,000 heavy tow units were deployed during 2022–2023 . Investors can tap into regions like the U.S.—where RV ownership and road transport constitute over 50 % of local towing unit sales .

Moreover, lightweight construction materials—aluminum and carbon-fiber—are trending: the aircraft-towing tow-bar segment was worth USD 0.56 billion, tow tractors USD 0.68 billion, and towbarless units USD 0.48 billion in 2023 . The electrification element within aircraft towing reached USD 0.4 billion, with adoption expected to rise .

Strategic online retailer and OEM alliances also offer ROI potential. Direct sales represent 62.2 % of tow-tractor revenue globally . Investors can channel funds into aftermarkets, recurring-service subscriptions, telematics integration, and sustainable product lines—especially as lightweight and electric offerings gain traction. The combined valuation of current market segments—vehicle-towing USD 5.46 billion, tow-tractors USD 2.2 billion, and aircraft-towing USD 2.12 billion—reveals a total USD 9.78 billion market opportunity .

New Product Development

Manufacturers are focusing on innovation, particularly in lightweight and connected towing systems. BOSAL’s October 2023 launch of a lightweight towing hitch reduced product mass by approximately 25 % compared to conventional models . Similarly, CURT Manufacturing introduced advanced sensor-enhanced hitches in early 2024 for European markets, enhancing stability with real-time load feedback .

Miller Industries developed remote-controlled boom towing units integrating obstacle-detection sensors, deployed in over 150 units across North America by Q4 2023 . The company’s backlog approaches USD 1 billion, with the new technology contributing to a 31 % rise in Q4 sales .

In warehousing and airport logistics, tow tractors incorporating electric power and autonomy captured market attention. The global tow-tractor segment reached USD 2.2 billion in 2023, with electric light-duty units producing USD 749.9 million . Automated models with up to 3.5 tonnes towing capacity and machine-learning navigation systems began trials at major U.S. and APAC airports in late 2023.

Aircraft ground handling saw radical innovation in 2023. Towbarless vehicles reached USD 0.48 billion in valuation, with over 30 units installed at airports across Europe . Electric aircraft tractors made up USD 0.4 billion of the 2023 aircraft-towing valuation . New towbarless electric units introduced in early 2024 reduced ground handlers’ exposure to emissions.

Material innovation emphasized carbon-fiber and aluminum composites. Tow-bar materials shifted 18 % toward composites in 2023, enabling weight reductions of up to 30 % for heavy-duty hitches . Belt and crawler systems now include carbon-fiber reinforced drive modules—the first 100 units of carbon-fiber crawler rigs were deployed in Chinese infrastructure works in 2024.

On the software front, telematics platforms are bundled in over 20 % of new tow-bar and winch systems within the U.S. and Europe. Predictive maintenance services reduced unplanned downtime by 15 % in fleet pilot programs across North America.

Finally, safety consciousness has driven product enhancements—new towing systems embed LED lighting, remote cut-off switches, and anti-sway algorithms. In June 2023, the U.S. implemented new safety standards for towing accessories, prompting product redesigns .

Five Recent Developments

January 2023: CURT Manufacturing expanded its product distribution to Europe, boosting regional aftermarket share by 12 % .
June 2023: New U.S. safety regulations required remote shut-off and LED visibility in flatbed units, affecting over 1,500 recalls .
October 2023: BOSAL introduced a lightweight hitch line with a 25 % mass reduction, outperforming competitor hitches in testing .
Q4 2023: Miller Industries recorded USD 2 million in Q4 sales (up 31 %) and profits ofUSD 16.7 million, backed by remote-control boom equipment orders totaling nearly USD 1 billion .
Early 2024: European airports adopted towbarless electric aircraft tractors valued at USD 48 billion, reducing handler carbon emissions by over 20 % .

Report Coverage of Towing Equipment Market

The report covers product types—boom systems, flatbeds, belt and crawler systems, winches, tow bars, hitches, and aircraft-tractors—providing shipment volume details. Boom products accounted for 45.1 % of volumes in 2023 , while flatbeds made up 42 % of installations . Belt and crawler systems are analyzed separately: belt systems held 55–65 % of industrial market share, crawler systems 35–45 % .

Application segments include passenger vehicles (over 54.3 % of unit sales in 2023), commercial fleets, architecture uses (making up 30 % of demand), and ""others"" such as military and agriculture accounting for 20 % . Geographic coverage spans North America (carrier of 36 % of volume), Europe (29 %), Asia-Pacific (24 %), and MEA (4 %) with breakdowns of end-use sectors—RVs, freight, warehousing, airports, and construction .

Channel analysis includes OEM versus aftermarket versus direct, with OEMs contributing 52.3 % of production volume in 2023 . Tow-tractor distribution by direct sales topped 62.2 % globally in 2022 .

Materials evaluated include steel, aluminum, nylon, polyurethane, and carbon-fiber. Steel and aluminum comprised over 60 % of costs; composite materials took an 18 % share in 2023 toward lightweighting . The aircraft-towing subreport includes segments such as tow bars (USD 0.56 billion), tractors (USD 0.68 billion), towbarless units (USD 0.48 billion), and electric variants (USD 0.4 billion), with regional splits—North America (USD 0.85 billion), Europe (USD 0.6 billion), and APAC (USD 0.4 billion) for 2023 .

Competitive profiling features BESAL, CURT, Brink, and Horizon Global, highlighting market share—BOSAL controlled 30 % of flatbed and tow-bar units; CURT held 25 % of North American aftermarket tow-bar sales . Recent developments include new product lines, safety compliance, and regional expansions. Financial metrics such as unit volumes, shipment counts, and backlog figures are provided without CAGR or revenue projections.