North American Brake System Parts Aftermarket Rotors and Drums

SUMMARY

Growth in Unit Shipments of Imported Rotors Poses Strategic Challenges for the North American Suppliers

North American manufacturers of rotors and drums are facing stiff competition due to the low-cost imports from Asian and Latin American countries. Given the substantial cost advantages, prices for economy or entry-level rotors and drums from these regions are about half the price of those manufactured in North America. North American manufacturers would therefore, find it more advantageous to offer rotors and drums for the premium segment while importing low-cost components from overseas to supplement their product lines. In fact, in the long term, the focus is expected to shift from low-cost to higher-priced rotors and drums that offer longer product life.

This Frost & Sullivan research service examines the North American brake system parts aftermarket for rotors and drums. It also discusses the various market trends and opportunities while providing in-depth analysis of market share, revenue forecasts, market drivers, and restraints. Revenue projections and unit shipments help participants in targeting high growth areas for maximum return on investment.

Demand for Rotors and Drums to be Supported by Growth in Aging Vehicle Population and Increased Replacements

With the aging vehicle population in North America, demand for rotors and drums is expected to show steady and incremental growth over the long term. In addition as brake system parts have become increasingly lighter and thinner to support cost-saving efforts and reduce the overall weight of vehicles, rotors and drums are expected to wear more quickly and therefore increase replacement rates.

Another major trend that is likely to drive up replacements for rotors and drums is the shift toward ceramic friction materials for brake components. "Ceramic friction parts are shown to be slightly more abrasive on rotors and drums than the more traditionally used semi-metallic and non-asbestos organic friction parts," explains the analyst of this research service. "As ceramic friction continues to gain market share, the unit shipments of rotors and drums is expected to show a steady increase."

Opportunities Expected in Premium Rotors and Drums Segment

With installers and vehicle owners showing increasing willingness to pay higher prices for longer-lasting quality products, the premium rotor and drums segment is expected to emerge as the key revenue generator. "Despite the impact of economy-line imports from overseas on price and product life, quality is re-emerging as a competitive factor in the North American rotors and drums aftermarket," reiterates the analyst. "Manufacturers will have more opportunities to differentiate their products to attract new customers as in the case of drilled-and-slotted rotors that have won a loyal following among racing enthusiasts."

The renewed interest in rear drum brakes, which are less expensive and lighter than disc brakes and resolve automakers' cost and fuel efficiency issues, is also expected to drive growth in the future.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. Executive Summary
  • 1. Summary of Major Findings
    • 1. Introduction
• 2. North American Rotor and Drum Aftermarket
  • 1. Total North American Rotor and Drum Aftermarket
    • 1. Market Overview and Definitions
    • 2. Market Engineering Analysis
    • 3. Market Drivers and Restraints
    • 4. Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecasts
    • 5. Trends by Geographic Region
    • 6. Trends by Product Type
    • 7. Demand Analysis
    • 8. Market and Technology Trends
  • 2. Brake Rotor Aftermarket
    • 1. Market Overview and Definitions
    • 2. Market Engineering Analysis
    • 3. Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecasts
    • 4. Trends by Product Type
    • 5. Trends by Geographic Region
    • 6. Pricing Analysis and Trends
    • 7. Distribution Channel Analysis
    • 8. Competitive Structure
    • 9. Market Share Analysis
  • 3. Brake Drum Aftermarket
    • 1. Market Overview and Definitions
    • 2. Market Engineering Analysis
    • 3. Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecasts
    • 4. Trends by Geographic Region
    • 5. Pricing Analysis and Trends
    • 6. Distribution Channel Analysis
    • 7. Competitive Structure
    • 8. Market Share Analysis
  • 4. Frost & Sullivan Awards
    • 1. Frost & Sullivan Market Leadership Award
    • 2. Frost & Sullivan Product Quality Leadership Award
• 3. Appendix
  • 1. Acronyms
    • 1. Acronyms and Abbreviations
  • 2. Equations
    • 1. Conversion Equations
    • 2. Compound Annual Growth Rate
    • 3. Currency Exchange Rates
• 4. Decision Support Database
  • 1. Decision Support Database
    • 1. Automotive Retailers
    • 2. Repair Shops
    • 3. Automotive Dealers
    • 4. Automotive Technicians
    • 5. Motor Vehicle Wholesalers

List Of Figures

Chapter 2

• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Market Drivers Ranked in Order of Impact (North America), 2005-2011
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Market Restraints Ranked in Order of Impact (North America), 2005-2011
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecasts (North America), 2001-2011
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (North America), 2001-2011
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Percent of Revenues by Product Type (North America), 2001-2011
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Light Vehicles in Use by Geographic Region and Vehicle Type (North America), 2001-2011
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Light Vehicles Sales by Vehicle Type (North America), 2001-2011
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Average Annual Use per Light Vehicle (United States), 2001-2011
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Average Age of Light Vehicles in Use (North America), 2001-2011
• Brake Rotor Aftermarket: Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecasts (North America), 2001-2011
• Brake Rotor Aftermarket: Percent of Revenues by Product Type (North America), 2001-2011
• Brake Rotor Aftermarket: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (North America), 2001-2011
• Brake Rotor Aftermarket: Pricing Analysis (North America), 2001-2011
• Brake Rotor Aftermarket: Revenue Share by Distribution Channel (North America), 2004
• Brake Rotor Aftermarket: Revenue Market Shares of Major Market Participants (North America), 2004
• Brake Drums Aftermarket: Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecasts (North America), 2001-2011
• Brake Drums Aftermarket: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (North America), 2001-2011
• Brake Drums Aftermarket: Pricing Analysis (North America), 2001-2011
• Brake Drums Aftermarket: Revenue Share by Distribution Channel (North America), 2004
• Brake Drums Aftermarket: Revenue Market Shares of Major Market Participants (North America), 2003-2004

Chapter 3

• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Exchange Rate (Canada:U.S.), 2003-2005
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Exchange Rate (Europe:U.S.), 2003-2005
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Exchange Rate (Japan:U.S.), 2003-2005
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Exchange Rate (Mexico:U.S.), 2003-2005
• Total Rotors and Drums Aftermarket: Exchange Rate (UK:U.S.), 2003-2005