The last couple of decades have witnessed exceptional advancements in
automotives; and the use of polymer composites (PCs) in making different automotive
parts has emerged as an integral part of the advancement. Fiber-reinforced PCs offer
weight benefits to automotives, thus enhancing fuel economy. Moreover, these
composites can be engineered for versatile applications, e.g., interior and exterior body
parts. Ease of manufacturing is another advantage of PCs, although several major
technical considerations still need to address before engineering these composites for
wide-scale acceptance in various automotive applications, especially for exterior body
parts. However, PCs are a new class of materials, and developing state-of-the-art
manufacturing technology may enhance the comfort and security of modern vehicles.
This chapter outlines the utility and recent advances in PCs for various automotive
applications. In addition, quality assurance and the advantages of PCs are also given.
The potential of PCs for future perspectives is also discussed.
Keywords: Automotive, Fuel economy, Polymer composites.
