Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Market By Operation Type (Mechanical LSD, Electronics LSD); By System Type (Active LSD, Passive LSD); By Sales Channel (Aftermarket, Original Equipment Market); By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa) - Global Market Analysis, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, 2022-2032

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Market Overview

The global limited slip differential (LSD) market size was valued at around USD 3.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of growth (CAGR) of around 8.1% from 2022 to 2032.The market size is projected to succeed in USD 8.3 billion by 2032.

A limited slip differential is a mechanical device that allows two output shafts rotate at different rates but limits the maximum speed difference. It does so by transferring a part of the torque to the shaft with more traction while limiting the slip on the shaft with least traction. LSD consists of a multi disk clutch pack, pinion gear, sun gears, crown wheels and spring that is attached to the vehicle’s drive axle. At present, many automobile companies use limited slip differential in place of open differential as it offers greater off-road traction, better paved surfaces, and prevent excessive tire wear. It also allows easy turning or cornering without the loss of control and extra axle shaft wear. There are various types of limited slip differential available in the market such as clutch-limited slip differential, viscous coupling limited slip differential, electronic limited slip differential, gear and torsen differential.

The market for limited slip differential is expected to reach rise at a CAGR of 6.2 percent during the forecast period. Rising demand for better traction control vehicles for slippery roads is one of the major factors driving the growth of the Limited Slip Differential Market.

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Market Drivers

With the rapid growth of automobile sector, the limited slip differential sector is also growing significantly in global market. Growing demand of race cars and off-road vehicles drives the growth of limited slip differential as these vehicles need better slip control system. Also, factors such as increasing number of car accidents and rising awareness towards safety fuels the growth of the market. Moreover, insurance premium discount offers by several insurance companies and technological advancements in automotive sector propels the growth of the limited slip differential market. Furthermore, new technologies developed by automobile industries such as active limited slip differentials and electronic limited slip differentials, are expected to boost the growth of the market. However, more maintenance is required in limited slip differentials as compared to open differentials as there are clutch plates that can wear out and need to be changed, which in turn hinders the growth of the market.

At present, all major manufacturers of high-performance automobiles are adopting limited slip differential in their vehicles in order to increase the comfort for driver and passengers further boosting the growth of the market. Throughout the forecast period active limited slip differential is expected to witness higher growth rate. This is attributed to the rising preference of the products by the automobile manufacturer as it offers better speed as well as direction to control the vehicle. In addition, surging demand of four-wheeler vehicle in mountain places and desert where driving is very difficult, is likely to propel the market growth of active slip differentials. However, the electric slip differential is also expected to witness growth rate of 5.2% during the forecast period. This is due to factors such as increasing demand of luxurious vehicle, growing investment for the development of automobile infrastructure and rising adoption of advanced technology.

As per the operation type, the mechanical limited slip differential segment will continue to hold a dominant share of global limited slip differential market. However, electronic limited slip differential segment is expected to witness highest growth rate during the forecast period. This is due to emergence of innovative electronic limited slip differential to improved traction capability.  For instance, in August 2020, Eaton launched InfiniTrac, hydraulically actuated and an electronically controlled variable-bias limited-slip differential that offers optimized vehicle performance at any speed and traction condition.

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Market Segmentation

By Operation Type

• Mechanical LSD
• Electronics LSD

By System Type

• Active LSD
• Passive LSD

By Sales Channel

• Aftermarket
• Original Equipment Market

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Market Regional Insight

Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the limited slip differential market during the forecast period. This is attributed to the factors such as growing production of high performance vehicle, rising disposable income of middle class people coupled with increasing sale of vehicles boost the growth of the market in this region. Also, presence of major automobile manufacturer country such as Japan and China propel the growth of the market.

Europe also holds significant share of the limited slip differential market. This is attributed to the presence of large number of automobile manufacturing country in this region.

However, North America is expected to witness rapid growth in terms of market share owing to factors such as rising demand of sports car and luxurious vehicle along with rising awareness towards safety among citizens. In addition, the automotive industry players in this region are actively introducing innovative limited slip differential systems in their vehicles. This factor further fuels growth of the market in the region. For instance, the 2018 Ford Focus RS Limited Edition features a Quaife mechanical limited-slip differential for the front axle for more control in the corners.

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Market Key Players

• Yukon Gear & Axle
• KAAZ USA
• JTEKT Corporation
• GKN Driveline
• Eaton
• DANA Limited
• Carrosser Co. Ltd.
• BorgWarner Inc.
• AAM
• Quaife Engineering Ltd.