The global metro vehicle market is set for steady growth through the end of the decade, according to a new study by SCI Verkehr.
In its latest analysis, “Metro Vehicles – Global Market Trends 2026,” the consultancy forecasts annual growth of 5.4% between 2025 and 2030. Market volume is expected to rise from €17.6 billion in 2025 to €22.9 billion in 2030.
SCI Verkehr identifies India, Europe and North America as the largest accessible growth markets. China remains the largest individual metro market, but is described as largely closed to international suppliers.
“The global metro market is becoming more selective,” said Maria Leenen, SCI Verkehr. “For each supplier, the decisive factors are its own market access, the market volume including long-term service potential, and financially backed project maturity. Automation remains a small market segment in its own right, but is set to develop dynamically.”
India is expected to become the most important accessible growth market for new metro vehicles. Demand is supported by expansion programmes in several cities and regions, although local manufacturing requirements continue to shape market access.
Europe and North America remain important value markets, but with a stronger role for after-sales than for new vehicle supply. According to SCI Verkehr, after-sales account for around 52% of metro market volume in Europe and 56% in North America over the 2026–2030 period.
The study’s regional comparison shows Asia as by far the largest market. For 2026–2030, SCI Verkehr estimates Asian OEM metro vehicle demand at €20.85 billion and after-sales at €30.2 billion. Europe follows with €11.35 billion in OEM demand and €12.3 billion in after-sales, while North America reaches €6.15 billion and €8.0 billion, respectively.
SCI Verkehr also points to automation as a smaller but increasingly complex part of the market. In the 2025–2030 delivery pipeline, around 850 vehicles are linked to explicitly automated projects, with another 550 vehicles connected to CBTC, signalling or integrated systems scope.
The study says greenfield automation is shaping new metro systems particularly in Asia and the Middle East, while Europe and North America are more focused on brownfield modernisation, CBTC-based signalling, train control and fleet renewal prepared for future automation.
