The Outlook for Plastics Usage in the Automobile Body Over the Next Decade

The growth of plastics in the automobile body over the past decade has taken place largely in interior applications. Substantial growth will continue to take place in the next decade and will result partly from increased penetration of interior uses but mainly from increased usage in exterior applications. Total plastic consumption in the automobile is expected to reach 190 lb per automobile by 1978 if exterior body panel applications become more widespread in the latter part of the next decade. This growth will take place on the basis of already demonstrated applications, currently available materials and fabrication techniques, and the present commitment of the automobile industry to plastic materials.