The global automotive fuel tank market size was estimated at USD 18.03 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 26.81 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2033. The market continues to expand steadily due to sustained demand for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, particularly in emerging economies across Asia Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa. In these regions, ICE vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation due to cost advantages, limited charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, and rising vehicle ownership driven by urbanization and income growth. As a result, demand for durable, efficient, and regulation-compliant fuel storage solutions remains strong.
Technological advancements are significantly reshaping the automotive fuel tank industry, with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) increasingly transitioning from conventional metal fuel tanks to high-performance plastic and multi-layer composite tanks. These modern fuel tanks provide superior corrosion resistance, reduced vehicle weight, and improved compliance with increasingly stringent evaporative emission regulations. Multi-layer plastic fuel tanks, in particular, are widely adopted in regions such as North America and Europe due to their ability to effectively minimize hydrocarbon permeation and meet regulatory standards. Additionally, advancements in blow-molding, welding, and barrier-layer technologies have enabled manufacturers to produce complex tank geometries, improving vehicle packaging efficiency, crash safety, and design flexibility.
Leading market participants are actively investing in capacity expansion, material research and development, and localized manufacturing facilities to meet growing regional demand and evolving emission norms. Automotive component suppliers are increasingly forming strategic partnerships with polymer and chemical companies to develop advanced fuel tank materials, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and advanced barrier resins. Furthermore, several OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are investing in modular fuel tank systems designed for easy integration into hybrid vehicle platforms, supporting fuel efficiency and packaging requirements. Emerging markets are also experiencing rising foreign direct investment (FDI) in automotive manufacturing, which is indirectly boosting demand for OEM fuel tank supplies and strengthening regional supply chains.
Key Market Trends & Insights:
- Asia Pacific dominated the automotive fuel tank market with the largest revenue share of 45.6% in 2024. This dominance is supported by high vehicle production volumes in major automotive manufacturing hubs such as China, India, and Japan, along with increasing domestic demand. The automotive fuel tank market in Japan is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR during the forecast period, driven by continued innovation in fuel system technologies and compliance with stringent emission standards.
- By capacity, the 45–70-liter segment accounted for the largest market share of 55.6% in 2024. This capacity range is widely used across passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles due to its balance between driving range and space efficiency. The above 70-liter segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the expansion of long-haul transportation, cross-country logistics, and fleet-based commercial operations.
- By material, the plastics segment held the largest market share in 2024, reflecting the growing preference for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective fuel tank solutions. The aluminum segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, supported by increased adoption in heavy commercial vehicles and specialized applications where higher strength and durability are required.
- By vehicle type, the passenger cars segment dominated the market in 2024 due to high production volumes and widespread ownership globally. The light commercial vehicles (LCVs) segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by the rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector, growth in last-mile delivery services, and increasing demand for urban logistics solutions.
- By sales channel, the OEM segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2024, as fuel tanks are critical components integrated during vehicle manufacturing. The aftermarket segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, driven primarily by aging vehicle fleets in mature automotive markets such as the U.S., Western Europe, and Japan, which increase the need for replacement fuel tanks and maintenance services.
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Market Size & Forecast:
- 2024 Market Size: USD 18.03 Billion
- 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 26.81 Billion
- CAGR (2025-2033): 4.8%
- Asia Pacific: Largest market in 2024
Key Companies & Market Share Insights:
Key companies operating in the automotive fuel tank industry include OPmobility SE, Kautex, Fuel Total Systems, SMA Serbatoi S.p.A., Prudential Financial, Inc., and other established players. These organizations are focused on expanding their customer base and strengthening their competitive positions through strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, capacity expansion, and partnerships with OEMs and material suppliers.
- Kautex specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced plastic fuel systems, battery enclosures, clear vision systems, and industrial packaging solutions. Operating more than 30 production plants across 13 countries, Kautex is a pioneer in polymer processing and blow-molding technologies. The company manufactures traditional and hybrid fuel tanks, selective catalytic reduction systems, engine camshafts, and sensor cleaning solutions that support assisted and autonomous driving technologies.
- OPmobility SE is a global automotive supplier focused on sustainable and connected mobility solutions, with operations spanning 150 production plants across 28 countries and 40 research and development centers. The company employs over 10,000 people and organizes its business into three primary segments: Exterior Systems, Modules, and Powertrain. OPmobility emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and diversification, expanding its footprint in North America and Asia while broadening its customer base to include new mobility ecosystem participants such as heavy mobility and rail sectors.
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Conclusion:
The automotive fuel tank market is expected to witness steady growth, supported by sustained demand for internal combustion engine vehicles, particularly in emerging economies. Technological advancements, including the shift toward lightweight plastic and multi-layer composite fuel tanks, are enhancing performance while ensuring compliance with stringent emission regulations. Strong vehicle production in Asia Pacific and expanding logistics and e-commerce activities are further contributing to market expansion. OEM dominance remains significant, while the growing aftermarket reflects aging vehicle fleets in mature markets. Overall, ongoing innovation, strategic investments, and regional manufacturing expansion are likely to support market growth through 2033.