Growth Seen for Composites in Transportation Applications; New Survey by Greystone Technology Assessment Analyzes the Impact of Evolving Market Factors

AMHERST, N.H.--Oct. 6, 2005--Recent advances in automotive and aircraft design have resulted in a string of announcements describing the successful use of synthetic parts and novel designs in applications previously considered too demanding for non-traditional materials. The success stories continue to grow in both interior and exterior applications, particularly in under-the-hood and structural components.

These events, propelled by the need to make vehicles lighter and aircraft more energy efficient, are fueling the drive to replace metal parts in passenger and commercial vehicle and aircraft designs. Materials producers are looking beyond traditional supply chain relationships, collaborating to meet the evolving needs of the transportation industry. Plastic suppliers are joining forces with fiber producers to improve composite properties. Producers and fabricators are working with each other and with automotive and aircraft design teams to achieve milestones only recently thought to be unattainable.

To take advantage of the opportunities presented by these new design initiatives, materials suppliers must be fully aware of the numerous changes affecting transportation manufacturing, and be willing to act on this information by teaming with manufacturers to develop the assembly processes and pilot programs that will be required to bring these new component designs to market.

Transportation Markets for Composites: Emerging Opportunities has been researched and written to be of significant value to composite and transportation market participants. It consists of in-depth analyses, descriptions and evaluations of current and probable future market developments, technology issues and business factors - information necessary to compete effectively in the evolving transportation sector.

More information is available at www.tech-assessment.org.

About Greystone

Greystone Technology Assessment is a materials technology consulting firm providing services in strategic planning, venture development, product commercialization, and technology and market assessment.