ABSTRACT
Automotive plastics consumption in 1993 is estimated at about 2.5 billion pounds which should increase to slightly over 2.8 billion pounds by 1998 which corresponds to an annual growth rate of 2.4%. Thermoplastic elastomers and thermoset polymers will experience the largest growth rates while engineering polymers and polyurethanes will increase at lowest rates. Automotive companies still face many problems in terms of financial pressures to cut costs and improve profits, and must respond to environmental concerns — mainly recycling of both plastics and metals. Consumers value dependability and will not forgive mechanical failures — he/she is buying services even though they are still looking for an image inseparable from comfort. The number of passenger car models is continually increasing and this trend will force automakers to develop shorter time cycles for model changeovers. Competition among suppliers of plastics to the auto industry is more intense than in any other plastics application.
