Based on the core principle of solenoid valve-controlled damping, CDC shock absorbers achieve millisecond-level real-time adjustment, balancing response speed and cost advantages. They capture road conditions and vehicle dynamics through on-board sensors, steplessly adjusting hydraulic fluid flow resistance to strike a balance between comfort and handling, making them the mainstream choice for mid-to-high-end models. Data in 2025 shows that the global penetration rate of CDC shock absorbers in new vehicles has reached 25%, and particularly in the Chinese market, the matching rate in domestic brand models below 300,000 RMB has risen to 45%.
Magnetorheological shock absorbers, centered on the characteristic changes of magnetorheological fluids, break through the millisecond-level response speed limit with a wider adjustment range, becoming the technical benchmark for luxury and performance vehicles. The magnetorheological suspension co-developed by Xpeng Motors and Zhongding Group has controlled the delivery cost at 12,000 RMB per set, a 35% reduction compared with imported solutions, driving its penetration rate to 8%. The technology's adaptability to high-level intelligent driving enhances its competitiveness in models above L2 level.
Active suspension systems (represented by air suspension) achieve active vibration cancellation through motor or hydraulic active control, enabling height adjustability and ultimate comfort. Driven by policies and consumption upgrading, their penetration rate has reached 12% in 2025, with rapid popularization in models above 300,000 RMB. The Chinese market size is expected to approach 38 billion RMB, with a compound annual growth rate of 41.3%.


Core Driving Factors Behind Penetration Rates
Upgraded market demand is the key driver. In 2025, the global passenger car shock absorber market size will reach 28.5 billion US dollars, with the Chinese market dominating at 68 billion RMB. Consumers' willingness to pay for comfort configurations has jumped from 18% in 2022 to 43%. The weight advantages of new energy vehicles and the rigid requirements of intelligent driving for chassis stability have further accelerated the penetration of high-end shock absorption technologies.
Domestic substitution and cost reduction form a strong impetus. In 2025, the localization rate of active suspensions in China has risen from 30% to 50%. Local enterprises have broken the monopoly of international giants through independent technological research and supply chain integration. The vertical integration strategy of new power automakers has reshaped the supply chain structure—enterprises such as NIO and Li Auto have integrated suspension systems into the domain controller architecture, with the self-supply ratio increasing to 29%.
Policy guidance and standard upgrades provide a clear direction. The "Intelligent Connected Vehicle Standard System 3.0" requires active suspensions as standard equipment for L3-level and above intelligent vehicles in 2025, directly driving related technological demand. The 20% penetration rate of NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) functions further strengthens the necessity of equipping high-level shock absorption systems.


Penetration Trend Forecast After 2025
In the short term, CDC shock absorbers will remain the main growth driver, expanding to models above 200,000 RMB with cost advantages. In the medium term, magnetorheological technology will benefit from domestic cost reduction, and its penetration rate in the luxury vehicle market is expected to exceed 15%. In the long run, active suspension systems will accelerate popularization with the maturity of steer-by-wire chassis technology. By 2030, the global penetration rate is expected to reach 35%, and the market share of local enterprises in China may exceed 85%.
Technological integration and intelligent upgrading will become the new engine for penetration growth. Future shock absorption systems will be deeply integrated into the ADAS and OTA ecosystems, continuously optimizing control algorithms through data closed loops, bringing greater growth space to the industry.