Industry AnalysisThe Changing Structure of the Automotive Components IndustryPlastics and Reinforcements Used in Automobile ConstructionThermoplastics. Styrene-based thermoplastics.Polyurethanes (PUR). Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Styrene block copolymers (TPE-S). Thermoset Resins. (Thermoset) polyurethanes (PUR). Reinforcements. Natural fibres. Particulate reinforcementPlastics Processing MethodsThermoplastic Processes. GMT-sheet moulding. Powder slush moulding. Thermosetting Processes. Injection compression moulding. Reinforced reaction injection moulding (RRIM). Plastic Painting ProcessesCompetition Between Plastics and Other MaterialsSuperplastic forming. Prospects for aluminium. Cost Comparisons between Steel, Aluminium and Plastic Composite StructuresEnvironmental and Safety Requirements, Customer DemandCar exterior impacts. Fuel Consumption and Weight Reduction, Fuel Quality and Exhaust Gases. Fuel qualityRecycling and DisposalFour Stages in Recycling Policy. Issues in Plastics Recycling. Limited recycling of thermosetsExamples of the Use of Plastics for Specific Components and SystemsBody Panels. Electrical and Electronic Control Systems. Instrument Panels and Cockpit ComponentsMarketsGlobal Car Production to 2007. Plastics UsageProfiles of Major Car ProducersAutomotive industry trendsProfiles of the Major Suppliers of Plastic Components to the Car IndustryDirectory of Major Car MakersDirectory of Representative Plastic Components Suppliers
