The journey to autonomous and connected vehicles is built on a foundation of motion. Beyond the main traction motor, a modern vehicle contains over 100 smaller electric motors that control everything from the steering feel and brake pressure to the angle of the seats and the focus of the headlights. As cars become more automated and personalized, the demand for these precise, reliable, and connected motion systems is exploding, creating a new frontier for innovation.

The growth of this sector is intrinsically linked to the features offered in modern vehicles. According to Straits Research, the global automotive motors landscape was valued at USD 39.65 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 42.35 billion in 2025 to reach USD 71.68 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2025-2033). This expansion is fueled by the increasing sophistication of comfort, safety, and performance features that all rely on electric motors.

Regional Focus and Competitive Dynamics

Innovation and production are truly global, with regional hubs focusing on different aspects of the supply chain:

• Europe: German engineering leads in high-performance and safety-critical applications. ZF Friedrichshafen AG continues to be a leader in electric power steering motors, a critical component for both EV efficiency and the future of autonomous steering. Continental AG is a major supplier of BLDC motors for advanced brake boosters and thermal management systems.

• North America: The focus is on supporting the rapid transition to electric trucks and SUVs. Wolverine Advanced Materials (USA), a key supplier of electromagnetic components, recently expanded production to meet soaring demand for motor parts from U.S.-based EV manufacturers.

• China: As the world's largest EV market, China is a hub for motor production. Zhejiang Founder Motor Co., Ltd. is a major domestic supplier of traction motors for Chinese EV brands like BYD and NIO. The government's push for NEV (New Energy Vehicle) adoption continues to drive massive local investment in motor manufacturing capacity.

• South Korea: Companies like LG Magna e-Powertrain, a joint venture between LG Electronics and Magna, are becoming formidable global players. Recent news highlights their contract to supply complete e-drive systems to General Motors for its upcoming generation of Ultium-based electric vehicles.

Recent News and the Efficiency Race

The most pressing update in the industry is the relentless drive for higher efficiency to extend EV range. This is leading to the widespread adoption of hairpin winding technology in traction motors, which allows for a denser copper fill and better thermal performance compared to traditional round-wire windings.

In a landmark announcement, Mercedes-Benz (Germany) revealed details of its new axial-flux electric motors developed by YASA, a UK-based company it acquired. These motors are significantly lighter and more power-dense than traditional radial-flux motors, promising greater performance and efficiency for their high-end electric models. In another strategic move, Vitesco Technologies (Germany), a spin-off from Continental, announced a major order from a European automaker for its new fully integrated electric drive system, which is specifically designed for compact vehicle segments, highlighting the trend of optimizing motor systems for specific vehicle classes.

In summary, the proliferation of automotive motors is a key indicator of a vehicle's technological sophistication. From enabling the core functionality of electric powertrains to ensuring passenger comfort and critical safety, these components are at the heart of the industry's evolution towards a more automated and electric future.