Global Hands Free Power Liftgate Market

Dhruv Bindhani · Jun 24, 2025

The provided text is a summary of a market research report on the Global Hands Free Power Liftgate Market, published on September 17, 2020. It gives an overview of the market's size, projected growth, key drivers, restraints, segmentation, and major players.

Here's a detailed breakdown and an updated perspective:

Global Hands Free Power Liftgate Market Summary from the Text:

Valuation (2017): US$ 1.7 Billion
Projected Valuation (2026): US$ 2.7 Billion
CAGR (2017-2026): 6.43%

Definition: A hands-free power liftgate is a vehicle's back-door system that allows for automatic opening and closing. This is controlled by the user via a dashboard key, a handheld key fob, or a specific gesture (e.g., a foot operation) in a designated sensor region of the liftgate.

Market Dynamics:

Drivers:
- Increasing demand for electronic and sensor-based components in vehicles.
- Growing desire to integrate technological advancements into automotive features.
- Consumer willingness to spend on luxury vehicles equipped with advanced sensors and electronics.
- Improvements in product quality and the accuracy of sensing mechanisms.
Restraints:
- Degradation of sensing mechanisms over time.
- High configuration/initial cost of the system.

Market Segmentation (as per the report scope):

By Product:
- Fully Automatic
- Semi-Automatic (accounted for the highest share in 2017 and expected to maintain the highest CAGR).
By End User:
- Commercial Vehicle
- Passenger Car (generated the highest market share, including Sedans, SUVs, and other types).
  - The strengthening economy and increasing purchasing power are cited as key drivers for passenger car demand, especially luxury models equipped with high safety and advanced sensor-based features.

Regional Market Analysis:

Asia-Pacific: Expected to gain significant market share, driven by increasing demand for sensors and electronic devices in the automotive sector, particularly in fast-growing economies like China, India, and Southeast Asia.
North America: The text states it's "growing at faster to hold the largest market share" (though the provided text gives an "US$ XX.XX Mn" value which isn't specified, other search results often indicate North America as a leading market).
Europe
Middle East and Africa
South America

Key Players (operating in the market):

Aisin Seiko Co., Ltd. (now Aisin Corporation)
Autoease Technology
Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.KG
Faurecia SA (now FORVIA)
Grupo Antolin Irausa S.A
Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
Johnson Electric
Magna International Inc.
Stabilus GmbH
Tommy Gate (Woodbine Manufacturing Co. Inc.)

Report Scope and Objectives (by Maximize Market Research):

The report provides a comprehensive analysis, including PESTLE analysis, competitive landscape, Porter’s five forces model, and market attractiveness analysis. It benchmarks segments based on market size, growth rate, and attractiveness, and covers market leaders, followers, and new entrants with details on their expansion plans, R&D expenditure, and growth strategies.

Updated Perspective (Current as of June 2025):

The market has continued to evolve since the 2020 report. Recent market research from other firms provides updated figures and trends:

Current Market Size (2024): The global hands-free power liftgate market size is estimated to be around USD 1.5 Billion in 2024 (IMARC Group) or USD 1.34 Billion in 2023 (Zion Market Research). There is some variance in estimates across different research firms.
Projected Growth: IMARC Group projects the market to reach USD 2.3 Billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 5.03% (2025-2033). Zion Market Research forecasts a growth to USD 2.89 Billion by 2032 with a higher CAGR of 8.9%.
Key Trends since 2020:
- Continued Demand for Convenience and Luxury: The drive for enhanced customer experience and comfort, especially in premium vehicles, remains a primary driver.
- Integration with ADAS and Smart Car Technologies: Hands-free liftgates are increasingly viewed as part of a larger suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and smart vehicle features.
- Technological Advancements: Continuous improvements in sensor technology (ultrasonic, radar, infrared) and sophisticated software algorithms are enhancing functionality, reliability, and ease of use.
- Smartphone Integration: Growing trend of integrating hands-free liftgates with smartphone applications for remote operation and personalization.
- Growth in SUV and EV Segments: The increasing popularity of SUVs, crossovers, and electric vehicles (EVs) significantly contributes to market growth, as power liftgates are often standard or highly desired features in these vehicle types. EVs, in particular, may offer simpler integration due to their electrical architecture.
- COVID-19 Impact: While the initial pandemic might have caused temporary disruptions in automotive manufacturing, the market has shown a positive growth trajectory in the subsequent years, driven by the desire for automated features and connected car technologies.
Product Segmentation Trend: Some recent reports suggest that fully automatic liftgates are accounting for the largest share due to the growing demand for fully automated tailgate systems, powered by hydraulic mechanisms for ease of use with heavy objects. This contrasts slightly with the 2020 report's emphasis on semi-automatic, indicating a shift in consumer preference or technological evolution.
Regional Dominance: While Asia-Pacific is a strong growth region, North America is often cited as currently holding the largest market share due to technological advancements, higher disposable incomes, and the presence of major automotive OEMs.

Key Player Offerings (based on recent public information):

Aisin Corporation (formerly Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.): Offers a range of body and vehicle safety systems, including components for doors and roofs, which would likely encompass power liftgate mechanisms and drives.
Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.KG: A major supplier of mechatronic systems for doors and liftgates. They offer complete power liftgate drives, latches with power cinching units, control units, obstacle detection sensors, and specific "kick sensors" for hands-free operation.
FORVIA (Faurecia SA): While heavily involved in seating, interiors, and clean mobility, FORVIA's focus on "Safe and Automated Driving" and "Smart Actuators with integrated control units" suggests their components could contribute to advanced power liftgate systems. Their seating solutions also mention "remote control of seat folding," implying integration with vehicle power systems.
Grupo Antolin Irausa S.A: Specializes in vehicle interiors, including "Boot & Liftgate Trim" and "Liftgate Trim Modules (LTM)." They focus on lightweighting, soundproofing, and cargo management systems, which are integral to the overall liftgate assembly, potentially integrating with power and hands-free functionalities. They also have "Body & Comfort Electronics" including "Keyless entry systems" which are crucial for hands-free operations.
Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG: Known for vehicle access and immobilization systems. They offer "Kick Sensors" specifically for hands-free opening and closing, as well as tailgate release systems, latches, actuators, and associated control units.
Johnson Electric: A prominent supplier of compact drives and motors for power liftgate struts. Their products are designed for high torque, reliable operation, and integration with position sensors, essential for the smooth functioning of power liftgates.
Magna International Inc.: A comprehensive automotive supplier offering "Power Closures" as part of their mechatronics systems. This includes full power liftgate and trunk systems, capable of "touchless opening and closing" through gesture recognition and integrated ECUs.
Stabilus GmbH: A leading manufacturer of gas springs and dampers. Their "POWERISE" automatic drive systems are specifically designed for power liftgates, providing electro-mechanical spindle drives that enable automatic opening and closing of tailgates and trunks.

Global Hands Free Power Liftgate Market

Dhruv Bindhani

Active member