Global Spark Plug Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Spark Plug Market Outlook

The global spark plug market size reached approximately USD 3.36 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of around USD 5.16 billion by 2032.

Key Takeaways

• The development of smart spark plugs with embedded sensors and communication capabilities is an emerging trend.

• There is a demand for customised and specialised spark plugs, particularly in high-performance and industrial applications.

• Digital marketing and e-commerce platforms are becoming crucial in online sales of spark plugs.

A spark plug is a device that supplies the spark to ignite the mixture of fuel and air, creating an explosion that helps the engine produce power. This device fits in the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine and is made from extremely durable material.

The significant growth of the automotive sector is one of the major factors boosting the spark plug market growth. The spark plugs create an arc of electricity across two leads that do not touch one another but are close enough to allow the electricity to jump between them. Various boats are equipped with a natural gas-powered engine or a cylinder of gasoline, that requires a spark plug to initiate the ignition process, which propels the market demand. The rising demand for recreational boats including cabin cruisers, flatboats, and deck boats, among others, due to increasing tourism is also boosting the requirement for spark plugs.

Key Trends and Developments

Direct injection engines; customisation and performance upgrades; smart spark plugs; and technological innovations are the major trends impacting the spark plug market development

April, 2024

Brisk USA introduced a 12mm Performance Spark Plug specifically designed for the Ford F150 and these spark plugs are part of Brisk's racing and performance line.

November, 2023

The Eclipse Foundation recently announced that its Sparkplug specification for industrial IoT (IIoT) connectivity has been published as an ISO/IEC international standard (ISO/IEC 20237).

July, 2023

Niterra North America Inc., previously known as NGK Spark Plugs U.S.A. Inc., announced an expansion of its product lineup to include 15 new part numbers for spark plugs and ignition coils.

Direct injection engines

GDI engines require spark plugs that can withstand higher pressures and temperatures, leading to the development of specialised spark plugs.

Customisation and performance upgrades

In the performance and racing sectors, there is a demand for high-performance spark plugs that can deliver enhanced ignition and withstand extreme conditions.

Environmental initiatives

Spark plug manufacturers in the spark plug market are investing in research and development to produce eco-friendly spark plugs that reduce emissions.

Smart spark plugs

These advanced spark plugs can monitor various parameters, such as combustion quality and cylinder pressure, providing valuable data for optimising engine performance.

Technological innovations

The development of advanced corona ignition systems and product variants with plasma cores are some innovations that aid in reducing noise, vibrations, and smoke emissions.

Spark Plug Market Trends

Smart spark plugs represent an emerging trend in the automotive sector, where spark plugs are enhanced with embedded sensors and communication capabilities to provide real-time data on engine performance. By providing real-time data on combustion quality, smart spark plugs can help optimise the engine's air-fuel mixture and ignition timing, leading to improved fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Market players in the automotive spark plug market are developing innovative spark plugs that can improve vehicle performance in demanding conditions such as racing. For example, Brisk USA launched a 12mm Performance Spark Plug in April 2024 specifically designed for the Ford F150. This racing spark plug is known for its unique designs and advanced materials that aim to improve engine performance and fuel economy.

Market Segmentation

“Spark Plug Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Hot Spark Plug

• Cold Spark Plug

Market Breakup by Material

• Copper

• Platinum

• Iridium

• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Automotive

• Marine

• Others

Market Breakup by Sales Channel

• OEM

• Aftermarket

Market Breakup by Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East and Africa

Cold spark plugs account for a major spark plug market share as they possess excellent heat transfer property

Cold spark plugs are expected to account for a significant market share over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the ability of cold spark plugs to transfer heat at a faster rate as compared to hot spark plugs. Cold spark plugs have less insulation close to the tip, which results in the transfer of more heat, decreasing the temperature of the tip. Due to their ability to reduce the engine temperature, cold spark rings are most suitable when facing power loss, engine knocking, and pre-ignition.

Hot spark plugs are anticipated to witness significant growth, particularly in the consumer automotive sector. This is due to their widespread use in standard passenger vehicles, which constitute a large portion of the automotive market.

The automotive sector maintains its dominance in the market due to the rising usage of spark plugs for internal combustion engines (ICE)

The automotive sector holds the highest share of the spark plug market. This is due to the sheer volume of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles that require spark plugs for their internal combustion engines. The growth in vehicle production, especially in emerging economies, and the need for regular maintenance and replacement of spark plugs contribute to the dominant share of this segment.

As per spark plug market report, the marine sector is expected to grow at a sizeable rate in the in the coming years. Spark plugs are used in marine engines for boats, yachts, and other watercraft. Factors contributing to the demand in this segment include the growth in recreational boating activities, the expansion of marine transport, and the need for engine maintenance.

Competitive Landscape

The spark plug market players are introducing novel products to stay ahead in the competition, further increasing their collaboration efforts to meet the evolving regulatory landscape

DENSO Corporation, founded in 1947, is an automotive component manufacturer dedicated towards the development of new technologies to create influence and value in the field of mobility.

Robert Bosch GmbH, established in 1886 and headquartered in Gerlingen, Germany, specialises in industrial technology, energy and building technology, artificial intelligence, mobility solutions, and sustainable technologies, among others.

Niterra Co., Ltd is known for manufacturing and distributing auto parts including glow plugs, sensors, and spark plugs, among others, as well as providing piezoelectric ceramics and integrated circuit packages.

Ford Motor Company is a multinational automaker headquartered in Michigan, United States, which designs, manufactures, markets, and services a full line of vehicles.

Other market players include E3 Spark Plugs, Tenneco Inc., Valeo S.A., Weichai Power Co., Ltd., SELPLAN, and YAMAHA Motor Pvt. Ltd., among others.

Spark Plug Market Analysis by Region

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to account for a significant portion of the market owing to the rapid expansion of the automotive sector in countries such as India and China and the prominent presence of major car manufacturers. The growing purchasing power of the regional population coupled with the increased governmental efforts to control emissions are further aiding the spark plug demand in the Asia Pacific. Periodical diagnosing and replacing of spark plugs can reduce vehicle emissions as they can potentially eliminate misfires, which are directly correlated to increased emissions.

The growing demand for spark plugs in North America is influenced by several factors. For instance, there is a growing demand for high-performance spark plugs in the region, such as iridium and platinum spark plugs, which offer better durability and efficiency compared to traditional copper spark plugs.

Key Highlights of the Report