The Changing Face Of Mobility

A brief look at the salient points on how plastics is transforming automotive manufacturing

- Kruti Bharadva

The demands on the modern automotive industry are ever challenging – motorists want high performance cars but at the same time they are looking for improved reliability and safety, greater comfort, fuel efficiency, style, competitive pricing and, increasingly, reassurance about environmental impact. There is one family of materials that is rising to the challenge of these potentially conflicting demands: plastics. With their unique combination of properties, they are key to providing technological innovation with cost-efficiency and sustainability in mind

Many debates at a global level are influencing car design, from cleaner air to the management of cars at the end of their useful life. It is a challenge to all players – legislators, manufacturers and consumers – to ensure that all activities are undertaken in synergy in the overall drive for better safety and environmental protection.

Quick Facts

• In 1997, 1.7 million tonnes of plastics were used by the automotive industry, representing six per cent of total plastics consumption

• Compared to 20 years ago, the use of plastics in automotive manufacturing has grown by1,096,000 tonnes or 114 per cent –this represents an average increase of 30kg per car, from 70 to 100kg

Growing Demand