With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and automatic transmissions (AT/CVT/DCT), the market share of manual transmissions (MT) has plummeted from 45% in 2015 to 12% in 2023. The clutch pressure plate industry faces the dual challenges of shrinking demand and technological upgrades.

Challenge 1: Shrinking Market Demand
Passenger Vehicle Sector: In 2023, the proportion of new domestic vehicles with manual transmissions will be less than 8%, and demand for clutch pressure plates will decline by 22% year-on-year.
Commercial Vehicle Sector: While manual transmission remains the dominant market, the rise of electric light trucks and hydrogen fuel cell heavy trucks is squeezing the traditional market.
Opportunity 1: Technological Upgrade
Lightweighting: Using an aluminum alloy pressure plate body reduces weight by 30%, meeting the weight reduction requirements of hybrid vehicles.
Integration: Developing an integrated "pressure plate + flywheel" module reduces assembly steps and reduces costs. Opportunity 2: Emerging Market Expansion
Aftermarket: With over 1.5 billion vehicles on the road globally, demand for repairs for manual transmission models remains stable, and the aftermarket pressure plate market is growing at an annual rate of 5%.
Specialty Vehicles: Manual transmissions still account for over 60% of the market share in sectors such as construction machinery and agricultural machinery, providing a buffer zone for pressure plate manufacturers.
Corporate Case Study: Germany's LUK successfully entered the hybrid market with the launch of an "electric clutch pressure plate" (with an integrated motor-driven release bearing). Its revenue from related products is expected to account for 18% of its total revenue in 2023.

Article 3: Maintenance Guide | Five Signs of Clutch Pressure Plate Failure: Discover Early and Save Money!
Title: Slipping, Noise, or Vibration? A Complete Analysis of Clutch Pressure Plate "SOS" Signals

Clutch pressure plate failure can cause shifting difficulties, power loss, and even vehicle breakdown. This article summarizes five common fault signals and solutions to help vehicle owners mitigate losses promptly.

Signal 1: Clutch Slippage
Symptom: Engine speed increases when starting or accelerating, but vehicle speed increases slowly.
Cause: Severe wear on the pressure plate friction surface, resulting in insufficient clamping force. Solution: Replace the pressure plate and clutch plate, costing approximately 800-2000 yuan (depending on the vehicle model).
Signal 2: Incomplete Disengagement
Symptoms: Difficulty shifting into gear, noticeable gear clashing noise.
Cause: Fatigue of the pressure plate diaphragm spring or improper adjustment of the release lever.
Solution: Adjust the release lever clearance or replace the diaphragm spring.
Signal 3: Abnormal Vibration
Symptoms: Violent vehicle body vibration when the clutch is engaged.
Cause: Uneven pressure plate friction surface or deformed clutch plate.
Solution: Replace the pressure plate and clutch plate, and inspect the flywheel surface.
Signal 4: Abnormal Noise
Symptoms: A "scratching" or "clicking" sound is heard when the clutch is engaged.
Cause: Damaged pressure plate bearing or foreign matter on the friction surface.
Solution: Replace the release bearing or clean the friction surface.
Signal 5: Pressure Plate Overheating
Symptoms: A burning odor is detected after clutch operation, and the pressure plate surface becomes discolored.
Cause: Prolonged half-clutching or a quality defect in the pressure plate. Solution: Stop the vehicle immediately, allow it to cool, and replace the pressure plate.
Preventative Recommendations:

Avoid driving with the clutch engaged for extended periods;

Check the clutch system every 50,000 kilometers;

Use genuine or branded pressure plates to avoid inferior parts.