The evolution of automobile vehicles over the past thirty years has been considerable, partly due to the major role played by plastics. This role is shown today by the variety of parts incorporated, 800 to 1000 per vehicle, and the weight of plastics represented. In the three trade marks of the Peugeot S. A. Group, namely, Peugeot, Citroen and Talbot, it is above 5% of the average total weight, i.e., 50 to 70 kgs, depending upon the model. This growth is constantly increasing in new model vehicles.
A brief account of recent applications and the approach taken on production run vehicles of the Peugeot S.A. Group preceeds an introduction of a lightened model developed specially in the framework of energy savings. This research vehicle (V.E.R.A.) shows the possible extension of plastics applications for the Group models in the 80's.