The paper outlines the evolution of the plastic component in Fiat passenger cars as far as the outerpart is concerned. A first section is devoted to bumpers and their evolution into front and rear ends where different materials (thermosetting and thermoplastic ones) and finishing procedures (grained in-mass pigmented or smooth and painted) were adopted.
Further the evolution of a rear door is quoted dealing with the design concept of two wall adhesivated structure and with the selection of the appropriate manufacturing technology.
In conclusion, taking also care of the service performances, trouble shooting and technology evolution during the last ten years, some considerations are quoted, demonstrating that the approach to fully plastic body panels will require in each case peculiar studies and development works.