Starter motors and starter-generators market in Germany, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the German market for starter motors and starter-generators reached a volume of 24 886 t, valued at 345.6 million US dollars. This high level was supported by the country's strong automotive industry, with manufacturers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz dominating the European belt starter generator segment. Key players such as Bosch led in integrated starter-generator technology for 48V mild hybrids, while MAHLE Aftermarket expanded its product range for heavy-duty vehicles. The spin-off of Bosch's starter division into SEG Automotive also introduced a new competitor focused on cost-effective hybridization solutions.

After 2018, the market contracted significantly, with volume falling to around 16 000–17 000 t and value dropping by more than half to approximately 170–220 million US dollars in the following years. Domestic production plummeted from 10 782 t in 2018 to under 1 000 t by 2024, indicating a structural shift in supply chains or potential relocation of manufacturing. Imports and exports also declined but remained substantial, reflecting ongoing reliance on international trade amid the broader market downturn.

By 2024, market volume stabilized at 17 616 t (184.8 million US dollars), influenced by technological advances and regulatory pressures. The adoption of 48V belt-driven starter-generators with start-stop and regenerative braking improved fuel efficiency, aligning with tightening EU7 emission standards. The integrated starter-generator segment gained traction in luxury and premium vehicle categories, driven by major suppliers like Bosch and Continental. Strategic moves, such as the Renault-Geely joint venture established in 2024 to develop hybrid powertrains, underscored the industry's pivot towards electrification and efficient combustion engine technologies.

Production starter motors and starter-generators in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Production of starter motors and starter-generators in Germany has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 172.9 million US dollars, which represents a 26.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 38.3%, with an average annual decline of 14.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Germany produced 10,782 tonnes of starter motors and starter-generators, marking a significant decline of 16.5% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports starter motors and starter-generators from Germany

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany exported 16,633 tonnes of starter motors and starter-generators, showing a sharp decline of 24.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 23.1%, which translates to an average annual rate of 8.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 22,018 tonnes, with the largest increase of 5.0% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

Analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across many markets. The United States accounted for 11.9% of exports, Italy for 8.6%, and the Netherlands for 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 27.9% of total flows, while the remaining 72.1% went to other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, exports of starter motors and starter-generators from Germany declined. In 2020, Germany exported 364.5 million US dollars worth of these products, a sharp decrease of 30.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 16.5%, with an average annual decline of 5.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 520.6 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 15.9% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and France played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of starter motors and starter-generators from Germany. The United States accounted for 20.8% of export value, China for 9.7%, and France for 6.2%. Their combined share reached only 36.7% of total exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports starter motors and starter-generators to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of starter motors and starter-generators have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany imported a total of 16,633 tonnes, down by 24.4% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.6%, with an average annual decline of 11.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, imports of starter motors and starter-generators into Germany were characterized by a broad spread across markets. Hungary accounted for 16.7% of import volume, India for 13.6%, and France for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 42.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's imports of starter motors and starter-generators declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 355.9 million US dollars, which is 22.7% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 27%, with an average annual decline of 9.9%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 530.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 8.8% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Data from 2017 to 2020 indicate that imports of starter motors and starter-generators into Germany were not concentrated on a few key sources. Hungary accounted for 16.3% of import value, India for 12.1%, and the United States for 11.3%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for only 39.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020