Top 10 Companies in the Global Passenger Cars Metal Cords Market (2026): Market Leaders Driving Innovation

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global Passanger Cars Metal Cords Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Global passenger cars metal cords market size was valued at USD 3.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 3.5 billion in 2026 to USD 4.9 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period.

Passenger car metal cords are high-tensile steel reinforcement materials primarily used in tire belts and carcasses to provide structural integrity, durability, and puncture resistance. These cords are critical components in radial tires, which constitute over 90% of the modern passenger vehicle tire market, enhancing performance characteristics such as rolling resistance, tread wear, and high-speed stability.

The market growth is largely driven by the steady recovery and expansion of global automotive production, particularly in the Asia‑Pacific region, alongside the increasing consumer demand for high-performance and fuel-efficient tires. The transition towards electric vehicles also presents a significant opportunity, as their unique weight and torque characteristics necessitate advanced tire reinforcement solutions. However, the market faces headwinds from volatile raw material prices and the increasing exploration of alternative materials. Key industry players, including Bekaert, Kiswire, and Sumitomo Electric Industries, are actively investing in research and development to produce lighter, stronger cords that meet evolving automotive industry standards.

🔟 1. Bekaert

Headquarters: Belgium
Key Offering: Lightweight high‑strength steel cords for radial tire manufacturing

Bekaert is a global leader in high‑tensile steel cord production, offering a range of cords engineered for passenger car tires. Their R&D focuses on reducing weight while maintaining tensile strength, enabling automotive OEMs to improve fuel efficiency without compromising safety. Bekaert’s partnership network spans major tire manufacturers across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in electric arc furnace technology to cut CO₂ emissions
• Developing recyclable and low‑impact cord coatings
• Expanding production capacity in emerging markets to meet rising demand

9️⃣ 2. Kiswire

Headquarters: South Korea
Key Offering: High‑strength, high‑fatigue‑resistance steel cords for premium passenger cars

Kiswire specializes in high‑tensile cords that deliver superior fatigue resistance, ideal for high‑performance radial tires. Their advanced micro‑alloyed cord technology supports lightweighting initiatives, helping OEMs meet stringent fuel‑efficiency standards.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Adopting green manufacturing processes to lower energy consumption
• Collaborating with tire OEMs on circular economy programs
• Expanding production facilities in China and India

8️⃣ 3. Sumitomo Electric Industries

Headquarters: Japan
Key Offering: Precision engineered steel cords with advanced coating options for high‑performance tires

Sumitomo Electric Industries brings precision engineering and high‑quality coatings to the market, enabling superior adhesion and heat dissipation in electric vehicle tires. Their focus on hybrid cord designs enhances durability and performance.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in research for high‑temperature resistant coatings
• Partnering with OEMs to reduce overall tire weight
• Implementing energy‑efficient production lines across Japan

7️⃣ 4. Jiangsu Xingda Steel Cord

Headquarters: China
Key Offering: Cost‑effective normal and high‑tensile cords for mass‑market passenger cars

Jiangsu Xingda Steel Cord supplies a broad range of steel cords tailored for the rapidly growing Chinese automotive market. Their focus on scalable production and quality control ensures reliable supply to local tire manufacturers.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Implementing waste‑reduction programs in the manufacturing process
• Investing in eco‑friendly coating technologies
• Expanding capacity to support emerging markets in Southeast Asia

6️⃣ 5. Shandong SNTON Steel Cord

Headquarters: China
Key Offering: High‑tensile, high‑fatigue‑resistant cords for premium and electric passenger cars

Shandong SNTON specializes in advanced steel cords that meet the demands of high‑performance and electric vehicle tires. Their product portfolio includes micro‑alloyed cords designed for weight reduction and improved heat dissipation.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Adopting renewable energy sources for production facilities
• Developing biodegradable coating options
• Collaborating with tire OEMs on sustainability standards

5️⃣ 6. Hyosung

Headquarters: South Korea
Key Offering: High‑strength steel cords with advanced micro‑alloying for lightweight tires

Hyosung’s cord technology focuses on reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity, supporting the global shift toward fuel‑efficient passenger vehicles and EVs.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in low‑carbon steel production
• Implementing closed‑loop water recycling in manufacturing
• Expanding R&D for next‑generation cord materials

4️⃣ 7. Tokusen

Headquarters: Japan
Key Offering: Precision engineered steel cords with superior adhesion for high‑performance tires

Tokusen delivers high‑quality cords that enhance tire performance, especially in premium passenger cars. Their coatings improve rubber adhesion and heat management.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Using recyclable materials in cord production
• Reducing CO₂ emissions through energy‑efficient processes
• Partnering with OEMs on lightweighting programs

3️⃣ 8. Tokyo Rope MFG

Headquarters: Japan
Key Offering: High‑tensile steel cords with specialized coatings for electric vehicle tires

Tokyo Rope MFG focuses on cords that meet the thermal and mechanical demands of EV tires, providing superior heat dissipation and durability.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in advanced coating technologies
• Reducing water usage in manufacturing
• Collaborating with OEMs on circular economy initiatives

2️⃣ 9. Sodetal

Headquarters: Belgium
Key Offering: High‑performance steel cords for passenger car and light commercial vehicles

Sodetal’s cords are known for their durability and high tensile strength, supporting both traditional and electric vehicle tire applications.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Adopting renewable energy sources in production
• Developing low‑VOC coating solutions
• Implementing waste‑reduction strategies

1️⃣ 10. Kordsa Global

Headquarters: Turkey
Key Offering: High‑strength steel cords with advanced coating options for global tire manufacturers

Kordsa Global provides a range of steel cords that deliver high tensile strength and excellent fatigue resistance, essential for passenger car tires worldwide.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in green manufacturing technologies
• Partnering with OEMs on sustainability targets
• Expanding production capacity in emerging markets

Global Passanger Cars Metal Cords Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Global Passanger Cars Metal Cords Market – View in Detailed Research Report

🌍 Outlook: The Future of Global Passenger Cars Metal Cords Market

The Global Passenger Cars Metal Cords Market is poised for steady growth, driven by increasing automotive production and the electrification trend. As vehicle manufacturers push for lighter, more efficient designs, the demand for high‑strength, lightweight steel cords will continue to rise. Market players are investing heavily in R&D to develop next‑generation cords that meet stringent safety and environmental regulations while delivering superior performance.

📈 Future Trends Shaping the Market

• Continued adoption of high‑strength steel cords in radial tires to enhance durability and reduce weight.
• Rapid development of micro‑alloyed and coated cords that improve heat dissipation for electric vehicle tires.
• Growing focus on circular economy practices, including recycling of end‑of‑life cords and the use of recyclable coatings.
• Expansion of manufacturing capacity in Asia‑Pacific to meet rising demand from emerging automotive markets.
• Increased regulatory pressure on emissions and material sustainability, driving innovation in green manufacturing processes.