Power Tailgate System Market By Vehicle Type (SUVs, Sedans, Hatchbacks, Electric Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles); By Technology (Manual-Powered, Fully Automatic, Gesture-Activated); By Sales Channel (OEM-Fitted Systems, Aftermarket Solutions); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

1. Introduction and Strategic Context

The Global Power Tailgate System Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% between 2024 and 2030. It’s valued at approximately USD 3.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 5.1 billion by 2030 , driven by a surge in consumer demand for convenience features and increasing integration of electronics in vehicle body systems.

 

At its core, a power tailgate system automates the opening and closing of a vehicle's rear door, typically with a push-button or gesture-based control. What was once a luxury feature in high-end SUVs is quickly becoming mainstream — trickling down to mid-size sedans, crossovers, and even compact utility vehicles. Between 2024 and 2030, the strategic relevance of this system is escalating — not just as a comfort feature, but as a symbol of OEM differentiation, smart mobility integration, and safety compliance.

 

A few forces are converging here. First, the global pivot toward smart and connected vehicles is reshaping expectations around automated body control systems. Second, urban mobility trends — including e-commerce growth and the rise of shared vehicles — are redefining how rear cargo areas are accessed and used. The rise of hands-free, foot-activated tailgates isn’t just about convenience anymore. It's about hygiene, accessibility, and time-efficiency.

 

In parallel, regulatory and safety guidelines in regions like North America and Europe are mandating pinch protection, anti-entrapment sensors, and child-safe automation — pushing manufacturers to build smarter, safer tailgate mechanisms. The integration of LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors , and smart actuators is now becoming the norm, especially in premium and EV models.

 

From a supply-side view, Tier-1 suppliers and OEMs are co-developing modular tailgate solutions that reduce wiring, simplify installation, and allow custom calibration based on vehicle size and use case. At the same time, aftermarket manufacturers are expanding retrofit kits that appeal to fleet operators and commercial vehicle users.

The stakeholder map spans a wide net — automotive OEMs, component suppliers, smart actuator companies, electronics manufacturers, and aftermarket service providers . Also, the investor outlook remains bullish, with the market benefiting from the broader electrification and automation trends across the automotive sector.

 

2. Market Segmentation and Forecast Scope

The power tailgate system market breaks down across a few core dimensions — each reflecting a blend of vehicle class, technology integration, and end-user expectations. While the product seems simple, its segmentation reveals the depth of engineering and market strategy behind its adoption.

By Vehicle Type

• SUVs

• Sedans

• Hatchbacks

• Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)

SUVs remain the largest adopters — accounting for nearly 44% of installations in 2024. These vehicles typically offer larger tailgate surfaces, more frequent cargo use, and consumer expectations around comfort features. That said, EVs are the fastest-growing category , with OEMs bundling tailgate automation as part of broader smart feature packages. In fact, many EV startups are using advanced tailgate systems as a UX differentiator.

 

By Technology Type

• Manual-Powered (Electrically Assisted)

• Fully Automatic

• Gesture-Activated / Smart Tailgates

Traditional electrically assisted systems still dominate, especially in entry-level trims. But fully automatic systems — where both lifting and closing are motor-driven — are growing fast, especially in mid-size and premium vehicles. What's catching attention now is gesture-activated tech — foot sensors or keyless control modules, often linked to the vehicle's central ECU. These systems are gaining traction, especially among families, elderly drivers, and e-commerce fleet operators.

 

By Sales Channel

• OEM-Fitted Systems

• Aftermarket Solutions

Unsurprisingly, OEM-fitted systems account for over 80% of the market. Most major car brands now offer power tailgates as part of comfort or tech packages. But the aftermarket segment is gaining appeal, particularly in Asia and Latin America, where older vehicles or base trims are being retrofitted with powered tailgates by urban car owners and small fleet operators.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Asia Pacific leads in volume, thanks to sheer vehicle production in China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Meanwhile, Europe drives innovation — with stricter safety standards, higher EV penetration, and consumer readiness for premium tech add-ons. North America falls in the middle — particularly strong in SUV adoption and aftermarket upgrades.

 

3. Market Trends and Innovation Landscape

Power tailgate systems are evolving fast — not just in terms of mechanics, but also in how they’re being reimagined as part of a connected vehicle experience. Between 2024 and 2030, the innovation spotlight is shifting toward automation, personalization, and system integration. Here’s a closer look at what’s reshaping the landscape.

Smart Sensors Are Standardizing Across Price Points

What began as an add-on for luxury SUVs is now becoming table stakes. Advanced proximity sensors, capacitive touch switches, and anti-pinch detectors are being bundled into even mid-range vehicles. Suppliers are optimizing the cost structure by integrating multi-sensor modules that handle gesture control, load sensing, and obstacle detection in a single unit.

One engineer at a Tier-1 supplier mentioned: “It’s not just about automation anymore. It’s about intuitive automation that feels human.”

 

EV Integration is Changing System Architecture

In electric vehicles, where space and efficiency are critical, tailgate systems are being redesigned to be lighter, quieter, and smarter . Some EV manufacturers are moving away from heavy hydraulic systems toward compact electromechanical actuators . These not only consume less power but also integrate better with vehicle CAN networks and mobile apps . There’s also growing use of smart tailgate presets that adapt based on user profiles or loading habits.

 

Gesture and Voice Control Are Getting Smarter

Gesture-based control is no longer a novelty. Many 2024 models already support foot-kick sensors to open the tailgate, but newer iterations are adding voice command support through in-vehicle AI assistants. Some startups are even testing camera-based motion detection to reduce false triggers and work in tighter parking spaces. Expect this to expand quickly as vehicles become more ambient-aware.

 

Modular and Retrofit-Friendly Designs Are Rising

With the rise of shared vehicles, urban car subscriptions, and aging vehicle fleets , demand is growing for retrofit kits . These kits are getting smarter — offering plug-and-play actuator systems, wireless foot sensors, and mobile app pairing. Some regional players in Asia and Europe are carving out niches here, enabling base-trim owners to upgrade without full OEM support.

 

Safety Features Are a Regulatory and Marketing Priority

Anti-entrapment tech is now not only a safety feature but also a selling point. Vendors are embedding redundant safety loops — combining mechanical clutches, infrared sensors, and AI-based motion detection to prevent injury or damage. Some high-end systems now even detect approaching pedestrians or pets before opening.

Connected Platforms Are Driving System Intelligence

Next-gen tailgate systems are being plugged into broader vehicle ecosystems. OEMs are enabling features like:

• Remote tailgate operation via smartphone apps

• Automatic unlock upon driver proximity detection

• Integration with in-vehicle cameras for rear cargo monitoring

• Self-diagnostic alerts if components show signs of wear

One OEM exec summarized it well: “The tailgate is now a node in the car’s digital nervous system.”

 

4. Competitive Intelligence and Benchmarking

The power tailgate system market is shaped by a blend of Tier-1 automotive suppliers , global OEM collaborations, and a few rising regional specialists. While the core mechanics are well understood, what separates market leaders today is system intelligence, modularity, and integration flexibility . Here's how the key players are positioning themselves across product tiers and geographies.

Brose Fahrzeugteile Brose continues to be a dominant supplier of mechatronic tailgate systems. Known for its lightweight drive units and scalable integration , Brose caters to nearly every global OEM. The company leads in motion control algorithms and is pushing next-gen actuators with lower energy draw , especially relevant in EV applications. Their intelligent sensor suite provides edge-level decision-making without needing deep ECU customization — a strong advantage for platforms aiming for modular deployment.

 

Magna International Magna plays big across the power closure segment, offering complete power liftgate modules bundled with hinges, dampers, and smart sensors. Their edge lies in integration depth — working directly with OEM design teams to co-develop tailgate systems that match the vehicle body structure and aerodynamics. Magna is also one of the first to pilot camera-augmented tailgate monitoring , aimed at improving safety during automated opening in high-traffic environments.

 

HI-LEX Corporation HI-LEX specializes in cable-driven actuation systems and hybrid electric tailgates, providing an affordable and compact solution for mid-range vehicles. The company has a strong foothold in Asian markets , particularly Japan and South Korea, where vehicle designs often require compact actuator footprints. Their recent focus includes gesture-control upgrades and aftermarket-compatible kits for regional OEMs.

 

Stabilus (with SUSPA ) Stabilus offers gas spring and electromechanical hybrid systems , with high adoption in both SUVs and LCVs. Their acquisition of SUSPA strengthened their tailgate segment with smart damping technologies — reducing noise and improving actuation smoothness. They are increasingly focusing on tailgate systems for commercial EV vans , where durability and battery efficiency are key purchase factors.

 

Mitsuba Corporation Mitsuba supplies lightweight tailgate motors and smart ECUs for power systems across several Asian OEMs. While their market share is modest compared to Brose or Magna, they’re winning small- to mid-volume contracts due to their cost-efficiency and simplified electronics . Mitsuba is also investing in redundant sensor loops — responding to rising demand for child-safe tailgate systems, especially in compact family vehicles.

 

Continental AG (Emerging Player in Tailgate Control Modules ) While not a traditional actuator manufacturer, Continental is expanding into tailgate control software and sensor fusion modules . Their pitch is data-driven: enabling OEMs to monitor component wear, user behavior, and safety compliance through the cloud. Their control-as-a-service architecture may eventually disrupt how tailgate systems are managed across large fleets.

 

5. Regional Landscape and Adoption Outlook

Power tailgate adoption looks very different depending on where you're standing. What’s considered standard in Western Europe might still be optional in Southeast Asia — not because of demand, but due to vehicle class distribution, consumer priorities, and OEM pricing strategies. Let’s break it down.

North America

North America remains a key revenue contributor, thanks to its love for large vehicles , especially SUVs and pickup trucks. Power tailgates are now almost expected in mid- to high-end trims. In fact, over 60% of new SUVs sold in the U.S. in 2024 come with either a powered or gesture-controlled tailgate system.

The region also leads in aftermarket adoption , with many pickup truck owners opting for retrofitted soft-close systems and hydraulic dampers. Safety regulations are also tightening — leading OEMs to pre-install anti-pinch and auto-reverse features by default.

Fleet buyers (particularly in last-mile delivery and logistics) are starting to explore smart tailgates that sync with back-end vehicle tracking and cargo-loading systems. In rural areas, however, adoption slows down due to repair complexity concerns.

 

Europe

Europe drives tailgate innovation , especially in Germany, France, and the Nordic countries. With a strong focus on EV production, urban vehicle formats, and regulatory compliance , European OEMs are leading adopters of lightweight, power-efficient tailgate systems .

Regulations in the EU now mandate strict safety measures around automated tailgates — including sensor redundancy and protection against mechanical injury. As a result, multi-sensor fusion (e.g., LiDAR + IR + motion detection) is becoming common, especially in premium brands.

Interestingly, urban EVs and hatchbacks in cities like Oslo and Berlin are starting to adopt compact automated tailgates — not for luxury, but for ease of access in tight parking spots .

 

Asia Pacific

This region has the highest growth rate , driven largely by China, India, Japan, and South Korea. China alone accounts for a major chunk of the market’s unit volume, with new electric SUVs and MPVs rolling out with power tailgates as a differentiating tech perk .

South Korean automakers are bundling power tailgates into connectivity and safety packages across nearly all vehicle segments. Meanwhile, Japan's aging population has pushed the need for hands-free and voice-controlled tailgates , particularly in kei cars and small vans.

India’s market is still at an early stage. Tailgate automation is found mostly in premium trims, though there's growing interest among urban car buyers and taxi fleets. Localized retrofit kits are becoming popular among budget car owners — often installed through dealership tie-ups or third-party shops.

 

Latin America & Middle East/Africa (LAMEA)

Adoption is still limited here, but it’s gaining traction — especially in Brazil, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. In Latin America, SUV penetration is rising , and upper-middle-class consumers are opting for power tailgates as part of tech upgrade bundles.

In the Middle East, climate conditions — including dust and heat — make reliable tailgate actuation a challenge, leading to innovation in sealed actuator modules and corrosion-resistant builds .

Africa remains a fringe market. Most vehicles are still sold without power-assisted tailgates. However, imported second-hand SUVs often come with tailgate systems, which has spurred a niche market for repair parts and diagnostics services in urban centers.

6. End-User Dynamics and Use Case

When it comes to power tailgate systems, the user isn't always the one buying the car — but they're always the one who notices the difference. From OEM procurement teams and fleet managers to everyday drivers and logistics personnel, the end-user landscape is diverse. Each group values different things: ease of use, safety, speed, or smart integration.

Automotive OEMs

OEMs are still the primary channel driving demand for power tailgate systems. What matters to them? Reliability, modularity, and system cost . Most automakers now offer power tailgates in at least two trim levels — mid-range and premium — especially for SUVs and EVs.

They’re also looking for modular systems that can be reused across different platforms with minor tweaks. For example, a global OEM may use the same actuator in a compact SUV and a full-size crossover — only adjusting the tailgate control software and mounting brackets.

Beyond functionality, OEMs are increasingly focused on integration with infotainment systems and keyless entry modules , allowing users to control the tailgate via smartphone apps or in-cabin voice commands.

 

Fleet Operators and Logistics Companies

Fleet adoption is newer but growing. In industries like last-mile delivery, groceries, and mobile service vans, automated tailgates offer huge efficiency gains. The ability to open and close the rear hatch without exiting the vehicle — or while handling heavy packages — saves time and reduces injury risk.

Some e-commerce firms in Asia and Europe are now custom-ordering fleet vans with upgraded tailgate automation , specifically designed to sync with warehouse docking protocols. For refrigerated vans, smart tailgates can also reduce energy loss during loading and unloading.

 

Retail Consumers

Among everyday drivers, adoption patterns tend to follow vehicle class and lifestyle . For families, tailgate automation is about hands-free access while managing kids, strollers, and groceries. For older drivers, it reduces physical strain. For urban professionals, it's about convenience and speed.

That said, not all end-users trust the tech — especially in regions where early-generation tailgates were known for glitches or slow operation. Newer systems are faster, safer, and more intuitive, but consumer education still lags , particularly in emerging markets.

 

Aftermarket Enthusiasts and DIY Installers

This is a small but growing group, especially in countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa. Enthusiasts buy tailgate retrofit kits online and install them via local shops. This market is driven by aspirational car owners who want the look and feel of a premium vehicle without the OEM price tag.

Suppliers are now targeting these users with plug-and-play kits , complete with Bluetooth pairing, foot sensors, and auto-close settings.

 

Use Case Highlight

A mid-sized logistics company in the Netherlands outfitted its fleet of electric delivery vans with smart tailgate systems capable of opening via RFID badges. Drivers no longer needed to physically touch the vehicle to load or unload packages. Over the next 12 months, the company saw a 17% improvement in delivery efficiency per route. More importantly, back injuries among drivers dropped by 26%, leading to lower insurance claims and higher employee retention.

This kind of operational upgrade, once considered minor, is now a core part of fleet optimization strategy .

 

7. Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

Brose announced a next-generation smart tailgate drive unit in late 2023. The new actuator is designed to reduce energy consumption by 20%, and includes an embedded safety override system in case of ECU failure — a move targeting EV platforms where redundancy matters more.

Magna International secured a multi-year supply deal with a leading European EV maker in early 2024 to provide lightweight composite liftgate modules that integrate seamlessly with the vehicle’s battery management system. The solution reduces tailgate system weight by nearly 30%, improving range efficiency.

HI-LEX launched a new gesture-based tailgate sensor kit for aftermarket installations in Southeast Asia in mid-2023. This lower-cost solution includes basic anti-pinch functionality and can be installed in under 3 hours — aimed at compact SUV owners in urban markets.

Stabilus rolled out a closed-loop mechatronic lift system in early 2024, designed for light commercial vans and delivery vehicles. It integrates load detection , ensuring the tailgate won’t shut if weight thresholds are exceeded.

Continental entered pilot trials with select fleet operators in North America in 2024, offering a data analytics module that collects usage, wear, and failure data from power tailgate systems in real time. The goal is predictive maintenance and system optimization at the fleet level.

 

Opportunities

1. EV Platform Integration Tailgate systems that are optimized for low energy consumption, lightweight structure, and seamless CAN-bus integration are becoming essential in EVs. OEMs are bundling power tailgates with their UX and smart cabin offerings — and vendors who align early will benefit.

2. Fleet Electrification and Automation With last-mile delivery becoming increasingly automated, there’s a need for tailgate systems that support dockless delivery, contactless access, and remote control . Expect demand to rise from logistics players in Europe, North America, and urban Asia.

3. Retrofit Markets in Developing Regions Middle-class car owners in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America are driving aftermarket tailgate kit demand . Vendors that can provide plug-and-play, budget-friendly, and sensor-integrated solutions will unlock a large untapped segment.

 

Restraints

1. High OEM Integration Costs Power tailgate systems still add a notable cost to the BOM (bill of materials), making them tough to justify in compact or base-model vehicles — especially in cost-sensitive regions. OEMs hesitate unless bundled with other tech features.

2. Repair Complexity and Service Availability In rural or under-resourced areas, repairing malfunctioning tailgate motors or ECU failures remains a challenge. The lack of trained technicians or spare parts slows adoption outside urban centers.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 3.2 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 5.1 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 8.1% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Vehicle Type, By Technology, By Sales Channel, By Region
By Vehicle Type	SUVs, Sedans, Hatchbacks, EVs, LCVs
By Technology	Manual-Powered, Fully Automatic, Gesture-Activated
By Sales Channel	OEM-Fitted Systems, Aftermarket Solutions
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, South Korea, UAE, etc.
Market Drivers	- Growing SUV and EV demand - Rising adoption of comfort and safety features - Expansion of retrofit kits in developing markets
Customization Option	Available upon request