Automotive Carbon Thermoplastics Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Resin Type (Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyamide (PA), Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)), By Application (Interior, Exterior, Powertrain And Under The Hood, Chassis), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The automotive carbon thermoplastic market is anticipated to expand at a high CAGR over the forecast period.

Automotive carbon thermoplastics are advanced composite materials used in the automotive industry, characterized by a combination of carbon fibers and thermoplastic resins. This unique blend of materials results in a high-strength, lightweight, and versatile substance that is increasingly utilized in the manufacturing of various automotive components.

Carbon fibers, known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, are integrated into the thermoplastic matrix to enhance the overall mechanical properties of the material. Thermoplastics, on the other hand, are polymers that can be repeatedly melted and solidified, allowing for flexibility in the manufacturing process.

The resulting automotive carbon thermoplastic offers several advantages, including reduced weight compared to traditional materials like metal, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced performance. These materials find application in a wide range of automotive components, such as body panels, interior parts, structural elements, and even in components related to electric and hybrid vehicles.

The lightweight nature of carbon thermoplastics contributes to achieving fuel efficiency goals and meeting stringent emissions standards. Additionally, their use aligns with the broader trend in the automotive industry towards sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The integration of automotive carbon thermoplastics represents a significant stride in the ongoing efforts to enhance vehicle efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and revolutionize the design and manufacturing processes in the automotive sector.

Market Drivers

• Increasing desire for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Countries like China, India, and Japan represent significant markets in the automotive sector, experiencing continuous growth in manufacturing. The utilization of carbon fiber in these countries is contributing to enhanced vehicle efficiency by reducing weight, minimizing vibrations, and lowering noise levels. Thermoplastic composite materials exhibit exceptional properties, positioning them as viable alternatives to metal in various industries. The overarching goal is to create lighter vehicles with reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. Consequently, there is an anticipated increase in the demand for carbon thermoplastics. The Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) supported efforts to enhance the efficiency of advanced internal combustion engines in automotive, light trucks, and heavy-truck applications by 25% to 50%. However, many of these combustion strategies required high operating temperatures and pressures that exceeded the capabilities of existing materials to reliably function over a typical vehicle's lifespan. The development of new or enhanced materials was deemed necessary to enable manufacturers to fully exploit the potential benefits of these new engines. The utilization of lightweight components and high-efficiency engines, facilitated by advanced materials, in one-quarter of the U.S. fleet could have saved more than 5 billion gallons of fuel annually by 2030.

• Strict environmental regulations imposed by governments.

The market for automotive carbon thermoplastics is propelled by the stringent environmental regulations set forth by governments. As governments worldwide increasingly prioritize environmental sustainability, particularly in the automotive sector, regulations have been implemented to address concerns related to carbon emissions and environmental impact. In response to these regulations, the automotive industry has witnessed a growing demand for innovative solutions, leading to the rise of automotive carbon thermoplastics. These advanced materials not only align with environmental standards but also offer the automotive sector a means to reduce its carbon footprint. As the automotive industry strives to meet and exceed these regulations, the adoption of carbon thermoplastics is expected to continue, driving further innovation and sustainability in automotive manufacturing.

Asia Pacific region is anticipated to hold a significant share of the Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic market

The Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic market is predominantly led by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, given its extensive road network and the prominence of the Asian Highway Network, exemplified by the AH1, the longest route that spans from Tokyo, Japan, traversing through Korea, China, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran before connecting with the European route E80 at the Turkey-Bulgaria border near Istanbul. The proliferation of roadway networks is historically linked to the increasing number of vehicles. As vehicle numbers rise, there is a concurrent expansion in the market for automotive carbon thermoplastic.

Market Developments

• On May, 2022, The Toray Group exhibited its extensive array of TORAYCA® carbon fiber, Cetex® thermoplastics composites, and other high-performance composite materials during its participation in SAMPE 2022, held on May 24-25 in Charlotte, North Carolina, at booth L9. Toray showcased its product portfolio, featuring TORAYCA® carbon fiber and demonstrating various applications of thermoset and thermoplastic composite materials across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, industrial, and sports and recreation.
• In September 2022, Xenia® Materials unveiled the launch of XECARB® ST, a novel line of carbon fiber composites specifically designed to address a performance disparity in the market and deliver exceptional impact strength performance.
• In May 2020, Toray Industries, Inc. declared the development of a high tensile modulus carbon fiber and thermoplastic pellets tailored for injection molding utilizing the said fiber. These pellets facilitate the effective manufacturing of intricate, sturdy components that are lightweight, consequently reducing environmental impact. Such advancements have the potential to significantly improve cost efficiency.

Market Segmentation

• By Resin Type
  • Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
  • Polyetherimide (PEI)
  • Polyamide (PA)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polycarbonate (PC)
  • Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)
• By Application
  • Interior
  • Exterior
  • Powertrain and Under the Hood
  • Chassis
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain  
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Others