Automotive High-Performance Trucks Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Automotive High-Performance Trucks Market Report is Segmented by Truck Class (Light-Duty, Heavy-Duty, and More), Drive Type (Internal-Combustion Engine, Battery-Electric, and More), Power Output (Less Than 250 HP, 250 To 400 HP, and More), Application (Long-Haul Freight and More), Transmission (Manual and More), and Geography. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Units).

Automotive High Performance Trucks Market Size and Share

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Automotive High Performance Trucks Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The automotive high-performance trucks market is poised to reach USD 176.10 billion in 2025. It is projected to expand at a 7.10% CAGR to USD 248.15 billion by 2030, giving the automotive high-performance trucks market size strong momentum for the remainder of the decade. Growth rests on three pillars: accelerating electrification that promises diesel-parity total cost of ownership, tighter global CO₂ regulations that penalize high-emission fleets, and infrastructure spending that sustains vocational demand even when long-haul freight cycles soften. Battery-electric adoption is most visible in regional and urban routes, yet diesel platforms retain scale advantages for heavy payloads. Meanwhile, megawatt-class charging pilots and joint-venture battery plants highlight how traditional manufacturers pool capital to address a USD 30 billion charging-network gap. The market also benefits from synchronous rebounds in construction and e-commerce logistics, which lift build rates across Classes 5-8 while driving premium specifications such as AMTs, predictive maintenance software, and driver-assistance suites.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By truck class, heavy-duty platforms (more than 15 t GVW) led with 50.20% of the automotive high-performance trucks market share in 2024 and are forecast to grow at a 6.95% CAGR through 2030.  
  • By drive type, internal combustion systems will retain a 79.40% revenue share of the automotive high-performance trucks market in 2024, while battery-electric trucks will post the fastest expansion at an 8.60% CAGR.  
  • By power output, the 250-400 hp band commanded a 44.30% share of the automotive high-performance trucks market size in 2024 and is projected to advance at a 10.40% CAGR by 2030.  
  • By application, Long-haul freight applications command a 39.10% market share in 2024, and rise at an 8.75% CAGR through 2030.  
  • By transmission, manual transmissions account for a 33.80% share of the automotive high-performance trucks market size in 2024and are rising at a 9.10% CAGR through 2030 .
  • By region, Asia-Pacific captured a 43.50% share of the automotive high-performance trucks market in 2024 and remains the fastest-growing geography, with a 9.25% CAGR through 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Truck Class: Heavy-Duty Dominance Drives Market Scale

Heavy-duty trucks above 15 tons GVW command 50.20% market share in 2024 and maintain leadership with 6.95% CAGR through 2030, reflecting their critical role in long-haul freight and construction applications where payload capacity and durability requirements favor larger platforms. This segment's dominance stems from economic advantages in freight transportation, where larger trucks achieve better ton-mile efficiency and lower per-unit transport costs. Medium-duty trucks (3.5 to 15 tons GVW) serve regional distribution and urban delivery markets, experiencing growth driven by e-commerce logistics and last-mile delivery requirements. Light-duty trucks below 3.5 tons GVW address specialized applications including service vehicles and small-scale construction, though their market share remains limited by payload constraints.

The heavy-duty segment's evolution toward electrification faces unique challenges related to battery weight and charging infrastructure, with manufacturers developing specialized solutions including battery swapping and megawatt charging compatibility. Class 8 truck production reached approximately 330,168 units in 2024, driven by vocational demand linked to infrastructure investments, though inventory overhangs constrained growth. Regulatory pressures, including the EPA 2027 rules, create pre-buy opportunities for model years 2025 and 2026, with potential price increases of USD 20,000 to USD 30,000 driving fleet purchasing decisions. The segment's technological advancement focuses on integrated powertrain solutions that optimize performance across diverse operating conditions while meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards.

Automotive High-Performance Trucks Market: Market Share by Truck Class
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Drive Type: Electrification Momentum Accelerates Despite ICE Dominance

Internal combustion engines maintain 79.40% market share in 2024, reflecting established infrastructure and operational familiarity, while battery-electric systems lead growth projections at 8.60% CAGR through 2030 as cost parity approaches and charging infrastructure expands. The drive type transition reflects fundamental shifts in total cost of ownership calculations, where declining battery costs and rising fuel prices favor electric alternatives for specific applications. Hybrid systems (PHEV/HEV) serve as transitional technologies, offering reduced emissions without range limitations, which is particularly valuable for mixed-duty cycles. Fuel cell electric vehicles represent emerging alternatives for long-haul applications, with Hyundai's XCIENT fuel cell trucks achieving 10 million kilometers cumulative driving distance in Switzerland.

Battery-electric adoption accelerates in urban and regional applications where charging infrastructure availability and duty cycle predictability support operational requirements. The transition timeline varies by application, with urban delivery and drayage operations leading adoption while long-haul freight remains predominantly diesel-powered. Fuel cell technology gains traction for heavy-duty applications requiring long-range and fast refueling. PACCAR and Toyota expand their hydrogen fuel cell truck collaboration to include commercialization, with initial customer deliveries planned for 2024.

By Power Output: Mid-Range Segment Balances Performance and Efficiency

The 250-400 horsepower segment leads with 44.30% market share in 2024 and fastest growth at 10.40% CAGR through 2030, representing the optimal balance between performance capability and fuel efficiency for diverse commercial applications. This power range accommodates most regional hauling and construction requirements while maintaining reasonable fuel consumption and emissions profiles. Lower power outputs below 250 horsepower serve specialized applications including urban delivery and light construction, where maneuverability and operating cost efficiency outweigh maximum performance requirements. High-power segments above 400 horsepower address heavy-haul and severe-duty applications, though their market share remains constrained by fuel consumption and emissions considerations.

Power output optimization increasingly incorporates electrification technologies, where electric motors provide instant torque delivery and precise power control across operating ranges. Ford's Super Duty lineup exemplifies high-performance capabilities with diesel engines producing up to 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 40,000-pound towing capacity. The segment's evolution reflects broader powertrain integration trends, where engine, transmission, and vehicle systems coordinate to optimize performance and efficiency. Advanced engine technologies including turbocharging, direct injection, and hybrid assistance enable higher specific power outputs while meeting emissions standards. Electric powertrains challenge traditional power output classifications, as electric motors deliver different torque and power characteristics compared to internal combustion engines.

By Application: Long-Haul Freight Maintains Leadership Despite Diversification

Long-haul freight applications command a 39.10% market share in 2024, with 8.75% CAGR through 2030, driven by sustained demand for intercity goods and e-commerce logistics expansion. This segment's requirements emphasize fuel efficiency, reliability, and driver comfort for extended operating periods, influencing vehicle specifications and technology adoption patterns. Construction and mining applications demand rugged durability and specialized equipment integration, with growth tied to infrastructure investment cycles and commodity demand. Refrigerated and cold-chain transport requires specialized temperature control systems and represents approximately 15.2% of total trailer production in North America, with Utility holding a 55% market share in refrigerated trailers.

Emergency and specialty services applications encompass fire, rescue, and utility vehicles with unique performance and equipment requirements that often justify premium pricing and specialized configurations. The application diversity drives segmented technology adoption, where urban delivery favors electric powertrains while long-haul freight remains predominantly diesel-powered due to range and infrastructure constraints. Refrigerated transport increasingly adopts electric-powered trailer refrigeration units (eTRUs) to reduce diesel fuel consumption and maintenance costs, with potential annual savings of USD 5,500 per unit when connected to grid electricity[2]"Electric-Powered Trailer Refrigeration Unit Market Study and Technology Assessment", The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, nyserda.ny.gov. . Application-specific requirements create opportunities for specialized OEMs and technology suppliers to develop targeted solutions that command premium pricing while addressing unique operational needs.

Automotive High-Performance Trucks Market: Market Share by Application
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Transmission: AMT Revolution Displaces Manual Systems

Manual transmissions maintain a 33.80% market share in 2024 but face displacement by automated manual transmissions (AMTs) growing at 9.10% CAGR through 2030, reflecting industry-wide adoption of efficiency-enhancing technologies. Fully automatic transmissions gain market share in vocational applications where stop-and-go operation and precise control requirements favor torque converter systems over manual alternatives. The transmission evolution reflects broader vehicle electrification trends, where electric powertrains eliminate traditional transmission requirements while AMTs serve as transitional technologies for conventional powertrains.

Daimler Trucks North America reports a shift from over 85% manual transmission orders to less than 5% currently, while Mack Trucks sees 93% of Anthem models equipped with AMTs[3]"Automated Manual Transmissions Become Industry’s Popular Option", Transport Topics, ttnews.com.. The transition addresses driver shortage challenges, as younger drivers lack manual transmission experience and prefer automated systems for easy operation. AMT technology integration with engine management systems enables fuel economy improvements of 3% to 5% through optimized shift patterns and powertrain coordination. 

Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific accounted for 43.50% of 2024 revenue and is forecast to expand at 9.25% CAGR, keeping the automotive high-performance trucks market anchored in the region’s manufacturing and export heft. China’s heavy-truck exports jumped 58% year-on-year to 276,000 units in 2023, with state-owned and private OEMs leveraging low battery costs that already flirt with USD 100 /kWh. India, Indonesia, and Vietnam adopt similar platforms tailored to lower axle-load norms and mixed-fuel road maps. Japan and South Korea, meanwhile, specialize in premium low-emission technologies, supplying fuel-cell stacks and advanced ADAS software to regional assemblies.

North America maintains robust freight demand supported by a 330,168-unit Class 8 built in 2024, even amid inventory overhangs. EPA Phase 3 rules prompt pre-buy waves for 2025-26 models, while federal infrastructure grants underpin steady vocational-truck backlogs. Hydrogen pilots in Canada and cross-border logistics with Mexico ensure diverse technology trials, from battery-electric drayage tractors in California ports to fuel-cell long-haul lanes in British Columbia.

Europe’s landscape is defined by a 43% CO₂-reduction mandate for 2030 and a 90% cut by 2040. These targets accelerate fleet turnover and incentivize both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell solutions. Joint ventures among legacy OEMs streamline software platforms and networked safety systems, while governments pledge charging corridors to bridge interstate gaps. Economic headwinds and energy-price volatility remain challenges, but regulatory certainty anchors OEM investment decisions, keeping the automotive high-performance trucks market resilient across the continent.

Automotive High-Performance Trucks Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region, 2025-2030
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Competitive Landscape

The competition centers on electrification depth, software maturity, and customer service ecosystems. Market leaders like Daimler, Volvo, and PACCAR merge resources for unified operating systems that enable over-the-air feature deployment and predictive maintenance analytics. Joint ventures like Amplify Cell Technologies pool capital for a 21 GWh battery plant, locking supply and trimming cost curves. Mid-tier OEMs pursue alliances with fuel-cell innovators to hedge powertrain bets, while component suppliers race to secure SiC wafers and next-generation inverters.

Software-defined trucks shift revenue toward subscription models. Ford Pro, for example, scales connected-vehicle contracts that blend telematics, energy management, and fleet-financing packages into one invoice. Autonomous-driving startups secure minority stakes from incumbent OEMs, injecting AI expertise into product pipelines and shortening validation loops. Therefore, the automotive high-performance trucks market rewards firms integrating hardware, software, and infrastructure solutions into end-to-end value propositions.

New entrants exploit white spaces in last-mile, vocational electric, and hydrogen corridors. However, steep homologation costs and warranty-reserve requirements keep the field moderately consolidated. The top five manufacturers account for roughly 72% of global revenue, yet no firm exceeds a 25% slice, preserving competitive tension and innovation pace.

Automotive High Performance Trucks Industry Leaders

  1. PACCAR Inc

  2. Scania AB

  3. AB Volvo

  4. Tata Motors Ltd.

  5. Toyota Motor Corporation

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Automotive High Performance Trucks Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • February 2025: Volvo Autonomous Solutions announced a partnership with AI startup Waabi to integrate autonomous driving technology into VNL Autonomous trucks, with commercial operations planned for Texas starting in 2025, targeting the USD 1 trillion North American freight industry.
  • February 2025: Mack Trucks advanced connected vehicle capabilities with new automated software update features, including AutoSend for 30-minute software deployment and Self-Service Parameter Updates for fleet managers through the Mack Connect portal.
  • December 2024: Hyundai Motor Group deployed 21 XCIENT hydrogen fuel-cell electric trucks for clean logistics at Metaplant America in Georgia, representing over one-third of Glovis America's truck fleet with mobile hydrogen refueling station establishment.

Table of Contents for Automotive High Performance Trucks Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Rapid battery-price decline enabling more than 400 kWh packs
    • 4.2.2 Rise in long-haul e-commerce freight volumes
    • 4.2.3 Fleet-wide CO₂ caps in EU and China Phase-IV norms
    • 4.2.4 Infrastructure-stimulus boosting vocational truck demand
    • 4.2.5 Data-driven predictive maintenance lowering TCO
    • 4.2.6 OEM direct-to-fleet subscription models
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Megawatt-charging infrastructure gaps
    • 4.3.2 Supply-chain crunch for power-electronics grade SiC
    • 4.3.3 Class-8 driver shortage curbing utilisation
    • 4.3.4 High insurance premiums for more than 500 hp pickups
  • 4.4 Value / Supply-Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size and Growth Forecasts (Value (USD) and Volume (Units))

  • 5.1 By Truck Class
    • 5.1.1 Light-Duty (Less Than 3.5 t GVW)
    • 5.1.2 Medium-Duty (3.5 to 15 t GVW)
    • 5.1.3 Heavy-Duty (More Than 15 t GVW)
  • 5.2 By Drive Type
    • 5.2.1 Internal-Combustion Engine
    • 5.2.2 Battery-Electric
    • 5.2.3 Hybrid (PHEV / HEV)
    • 5.2.4 Fuel-Cell Electric
  • 5.3 By Power Output
    • 5.3.1 Less Than 250 HP
    • 5.3.2 250 to 400 HP
    • 5.3.3 More Than 400 HP
  • 5.4 By Application
    • 5.4.1 Long-Haul Freight
    • 5.4.2 Construction and Mining
    • 5.4.3 Refrigerated and Cold-chain
    • 5.4.4 Emergency and Specialty Services
  • 5.5 By Transmission
    • 5.5.1 Manual
    • 5.5.2 Automatic
    • 5.5.3 Automated-Manual (AMT)
  • 5.6 By Geography
    • 5.6.1 North America
    • 5.6.1.1 United States
    • 5.6.1.2 Canada
    • 5.6.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.6.2 South America
    • 5.6.2.1 Brazil
    • 5.6.2.2 Argentina
    • 5.6.2.3 Rest of South America
    • 5.6.3 Europe
    • 5.6.3.1 Germany
    • 5.6.3.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.6.3.3 France
    • 5.6.3.4 Italy
    • 5.6.3.5 Russia
    • 5.6.3.6 Rest of Europe
    • 5.6.4 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.6.4.1 China
    • 5.6.4.2 India
    • 5.6.4.3 Japan
    • 5.6.4.4 South Korea
    • 5.6.4.5 Australia
    • 5.6.4.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.6.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.6.5.1 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.6.5.2 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.6.5.3 Egypt
    • 5.6.5.4 South Africa
    • 5.6.5.5 Rest of Middle East and Africa

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Ford Motor Company
    • 6.4.2 General Motors Company
    • 6.4.3 Daimler Truck Holding AG
    • 6.4.4 Paccar Inc
    • 6.4.5 AB Volvo
    • 6.4.6 Toyota Motor Corporation
    • 6.4.7 Volkswagen AG (Traton and Scania)
    • 6.4.8 Tata Motors Ltd
    • 6.4.9 CNH Industrial NV
    • 6.4.10 Hyundai Motor Company
    • 6.4.11 BYD Auto Co.
    • 6.4.12 Isuzu Motors Ltd
    • 6.4.13 Navistar International
    • 6.4.14 Nikola Corporation
    • 6.4.15 Tesla Inc.
    • 6.4.16 Hino Motors Ltd
    • 6.4.17 FAW Jiefang Automotive
    • 6.4.18 Anhui JAC Auto
    • 6.4.19 Sinotruk Group
    • 6.4.20 Caterpillar Inc.

7. Market Opportunities and Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-space and Unmet-Need Assessment
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Global Automotive High Performance Trucks Market Report Scope

The high-performance trucks are equipped with advanced electric motors, telematic systems, and traction systems that will help to increase the performance of the trucks. High-performance trucks consist of cabin space and cargo space to carry goods. Trucks with a power output of 250 HP are considered high-performance trucks.

The automotive high-performance truck is segmented into truck type, drive type, and geography. Based on the truck type, the market is segmented into light-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks. Regarding propulsion, the market is categorized into internal combustion engines and electric or hybrid options. Geographically, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the rest of the world. 

For each segment, the market sizing and forecast have been done based on the value (USD).

By Truck Class Light-Duty (Less Than 3.5 t GVW)
Medium-Duty (3.5 to 15 t GVW)
Heavy-Duty (More Than 15 t GVW)
By Drive Type Internal-Combustion Engine
Battery-Electric
Hybrid (PHEV / HEV)
Fuel-Cell Electric
By Power Output Less Than 250 HP
250 to 400 HP
More Than 400 HP
By Application Long-Haul Freight
Construction and Mining
Refrigerated and Cold-chain
Emergency and Specialty Services
By Transmission Manual
Automatic
Automated-Manual (AMT)
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Egypt
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
By Truck Class
Light-Duty (Less Than 3.5 t GVW)
Medium-Duty (3.5 to 15 t GVW)
Heavy-Duty (More Than 15 t GVW)
By Drive Type
Internal-Combustion Engine
Battery-Electric
Hybrid (PHEV / HEV)
Fuel-Cell Electric
By Power Output
Less Than 250 HP
250 to 400 HP
More Than 400 HP
By Application
Long-Haul Freight
Construction and Mining
Refrigerated and Cold-chain
Emergency and Specialty Services
By Transmission
Manual
Automatic
Automated-Manual (AMT)
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Egypt
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current size of the automotive high-performance trucks market?

The automotive high-performance trucks market was USD 176.10 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 248.15 billion by 2030.

Which region leads the automotive high-performance trucks market?

Asia-Pacific holds the top position with 43.50% market share and is also the fastest-growing region at a 9.25% CAGR through 2030.

How quickly are battery-electric high-performance trucks growing?

Battery-electric drive types register an 8.60% CAGR, the highest among all propulsion systems, as battery costs head toward USD 88 /kWh by 2030.

Why are automated manual transmissions gaining popularity?

AMTs improve fuel economy, reduce maintenance, and ease driver recruitment, leading to more than 80% penetration in new Class 8 builds.

Page last updated on: July 4, 2025

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