If you have been paying attention to new cars lately, you have probably noticed that more and more vehicles come with an automatic tailgate. It used to be a luxury feature reserved for expensive cars, but that is changing fast. In China, the automatic tailgate market has been growing at a remarkable pace, and honestly, it is not hard to see why. People love convenience, and being able to open the back of your car with the push of a button just makes life easier.
Let me walk you through what is happening in this market right now. I will cover the numbers, the trends, what people are buying, and where things are headed.
How Big Is the Market Right Now?
The short answer is that the market is huge and getting bigger every year. In 2025, China's smart door market, which includes automatic tailgates, is expected to be worth about 60 billion yuan. That is a lot of money. And here is the exciting part: analysts project that number will surpass 100 billion yuan by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of around 10.9%. That kind of growth does not happen by accident.
Looking specifically at electric tailgates, the numbers are just as impressive. The installation rate for electric tailgates in new passenger cars reached 45% in 2025, and installations grew by 13.4% year over year. In other words, nearly half of all new cars rolling off the line now come with this feature. That is a huge jump from just a few years ago, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
When it comes to the automatic tailgate in China, one of the key drivers is the booming SUV and new energy vehicle market. SUVs alone account for about 70% of electric tailgate applications, and as more families choose SUVs for their space and practicality, the demand for automatic tailgates keeps climbing.
Why Are So Many People Choosing an Automatic Tailgate?
You might be wondering what is behind all this growth. The reasons are pretty straightforward.
First, convenience. Think about the last time you had your hands full with groceries, luggage, or sports gear. Having to put everything down just to open the trunk is annoying. An automatic tailgate lets you pop it open with a remote, a button on the dashboard, or even a foot kick sensor. Some newer models also offer smart features like height memory, which lets you set exactly how high the tailgate opens, a lifesaver in low ceiling parking garages.
Second, price has come down. It used to be that adding an automatic tailgate to a car cost a small fortune. These days, aftermarket kits are available for as low as 220 to 350 US dollars for a standard system. That includes the lift struts, control unit, wiring harness, and basic hardware. For car owners who want to upgrade their older vehicles, the cost is now within reach.
Third, China's domestic supply chain has matured. Local manufacturers have stepped up their game, producing high quality systems that rival international brands but at more affordable prices. Many of these companies produce over 150,000 electric tailgates annually for the China market alone, while also exporting to more than 20 other countries around the world.
Does It Cost a Lot to Install One?
This is a question a lot of people ask. The good news is that installation does not have to break the bank. For a standard automatic tailgate system, the kit itself typically runs between 220 and 350 dollars. Entry level kits on the lower end usually come with basic features, while premium systems on the higher end include extras like foot kick sensors and anti pinch protection.
If you are handy with tools, you might be able to install the system yourself. Many kits are designed for DIY installation, with plug and play wiring that does not require cutting or splicing. That saves you the cost of professional labor. But if you prefer to have a pro handle it, expect to pay a bit more.
The price does vary quite a bit depending on your vehicle brand, though. A universal kit is generally cheaper, but if you need a system specifically made for a luxury brand like BMW or Land Rover, you could be looking at 650 dollars or more.
What About Quality and Safety?
When you are buying an automatic tailgate, quality matters. Nobody wants a system that breaks after a few months or pinches someone's fingers. Good systems are built to last through tens of thousands of cycles, with some tested to operate reliably for over 100,000 openings and closings. They also include important safety features like obstacle detection and anti pinch functionality, so the tailgate stops automatically if it senses something in the way.
The better systems use metal components instead of cheap plastic parts, so they hold up better over time. They are also tested to work in extreme temperatures, from as low as 30 degrees below zero up to 80 degrees Celsius, which is important for a country as big and diverse as China.
Where Is the Market Headed?
Looking ahead, the future for the automatic tailgate in China looks bright. Several trends are pushing the market forward.
One big trend is lightweight materials. Electric plastic tailgates, which use materials like ABS and polycarbonate composites, are becoming more common. They reduce vehicle weight by 15% to 20%, which helps electric vehicles get better range, a key selling point for EV buyers. The global market for electric plastic tailgates is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% through 2032, with China leading the way.
Another trend is smart features. Foot activated sensors are already popular, but new technologies like gesture recognition, voice control, and even AR smart tailgates are starting to appear. These features make the automatic tailgate even more convenient and are becoming a selling point for higher end vehicles.
Finally, the aftermarket is growing rapidly. Not everyone buys a new car, but plenty of people want to upgrade their existing vehicle with an automatic tailgate. As prices continue to drop and awareness spreads, more and more car owners are choosing to add this feature to their ride.
Wrapping It Up
The automatic tailgate market in China is on a strong upward trajectory. With installation rates approaching 50% on new vehicles, affordable pricing, and steady improvements in quality and features, it is clear that this is no longer a luxury item. It is becoming a standard expectation for car buyers. And as the aftermarket continues to expand, even drivers of older vehicles can enjoy the convenience of opening their trunk with just the push of a button. For anyone in the automotive business, this is a market well worth keeping an eye on.
Hot News
EN
