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47% Increase In the Use of Auto Composites Through 2004 Projected

7 March 2000

Automotive Composites Alliance Projects 47 Percent Increase In the Use of Automotive Composites Through 2004 

    TROY, Mich., March 7 The use of reinforced thermoset
composites by automakers has nearly doubled in the last decade, and is
expected to increase 47 percent during the next five years, according to the
2000 Model Year Passenger Car and Truck Thermoset Composite Components List
released today by the Automotive Composites Alliance (ACA).  The plastics
industry trade association projects OEMs will use 318.4 million pounds of
reinforced thermoset composites in 2000 and 467 million pounds by 2004.
    "Consumer demand for more customized, durable and fuel-efficient vehicles
is driving the growth of composites," says Mike Dorney, ACA chairman and vice
president of sales for The Budd Company's Plastics Division in Troy.
    "More now than ever, automakers are looking for ways to beat competitors
by adding value enhancers for consumers.  This includes creating a car or
truck that is visually appealing, yet meets their needs for practicality.  The
composite pickup boxes debuting in the next few years are examples of this."

    Key new-for-2000 applications include:

    --  The structural reaction injection molding (SRIM) box inner panels and
tailgate inner portions and reinforced reaction injection molding (RRIM) box
outer panels and fenders on the 2001 Chevrolet 1500 Series 4WD Extended Cab
Silverado reduce repair costs and total vehicle weight by 50 pounds, increase
fuel economy and load-carrying capability, and provide improved impact and
corrosion resistance.
    --  The sheet molding composite (SMC) open cargo area on the 2001 Ford
Explorer Sport Trac reduces total vehicle mass by 20 to 30 percent, and
results in investment savings and enhanced styling flexibility.
    --  The SMC liftgate and cargo door assembly on the 2000 Ford Excursion
offers tooling cost investment savings versus sheet metal; significant total
weight savings of 15 percent that results in easier opening and closing of the
liftgate and cargo doors; improved fit and finish capability; and e-coat paint
oven compatibility.
    --  The semi-conductive SMC radiator support assembly on the 2000 Ford
Taurus and Mercury Sable requires no conductive primer and eliminates cost by
reducing steps in the painting process.
    --  The SMC step-assist with TPO cover on the 2000 GMC and Chevrolet
Suburban and GMC Yukon is difficult to duplicate in steel, and provides mass
savings and lowers program cost when compared to a steel step-assist.

    The Automotive Composites Alliance (ACA) is a Troy, Michigan-based trade
association of 25 plastics molders and material suppliers that provide the
automotive and heavy truck industries with composite products.  For more
information, please call the ACA at 248-649-4888 or visit its web site at
http://autocomposites.org .