Global Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In October 2023, Toray Industries, Inc., announced that it had decided to expand French subsidiary Toray Carbon Fibers Europe S.A.'s production facilities for regular tow medium- and high-modulus carbon fibers. This move will increase the annual capacity at the plant in Abidos (South-West France) from 5,000 metric tons annually to 6,000 metric tons. Also, this advancement will boost the production of automotive carbon fiber thermoplastic products. The production is expected to start in 2025.

• In June 2023, BAS and Avient collaborated to offer colored grades of Ultrason high-performance polymers to the global market. The collaboration will give customers in different industries a distinctive benefit by providing comprehensive technical support from the base polymer to the final-colored product.

• In May 2023, Celanese announced its intent to initiate a three-year plan to expand engineered materials compounding capacities at the company's facilities in Asia, including the locations of Nanjing, China; Suzhou, China; and Silvassa, India.

In this report, the Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market has been segmented by resin type, application and geography.

Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market, Segmentation by Resin Type

The Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market has been segmented by Resin Type into Polyamide, Polypropylene, Polyphenylene Sulfide, Polyetherimide, Polyetheretherketone, and Polycarbonate.

Polyamide

Polyamide holds the largest share of the market, accounting for nearly 35%. Known for its excellent mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and chemical stability, polyamide is widely used in under-the-hood components and structural parts in modern vehicles.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene contributes approximately 20% of the market due to its lightweight, cost-effectiveness, and chemical resistance. It is commonly used in interior trims, bumpers, and non-structural applications where weight savings are prioritized.

Polyphenylene Sulfide

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) accounts for about 15% of the market, favored for its flame resistance, thermal stability, and dimensional accuracy. PPS is ideal for use in electronic housings, connectors, and engine parts.

Polyetherimide

Polyetherimide (PEI) represents around 10% of the market, offering high impact strength and excellent thermal resistance. PEI is used in structural components and interior modules requiring high performance at elevated temperatures.

Polyetheretherketone

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) makes up approximately 10% of the market and is known for its exceptional mechanical properties, fatigue resistance, and chemical resilience. It is commonly used in high-performance engine parts and powertrain systems.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate accounts for nearly 10% of the market, valued for its impact resistance, optical clarity, and lightweight structure. It is widely utilized in lighting systems, instrument panels, and glazing components.

Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market, Segmentation by Application

The Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market has been segmented by Application into Exterior, Interior, Chassis, and Powertrain & Under The Hood (UTH).

Exterior

The exterior segment holds the largest share at approximately 40%, driven by the demand for lightweight body panels, bumpers, and door modules. Carbon thermoplastics enhance aerodynamics, improve fuel efficiency, and offer superior impact resistance in harsh environments.

Interior

The interior application segment contributes nearly 25% to the market, with usage in dashboard components, center consoles, and trim panels. Thermoplastics in this category provide design flexibility, weight reduction, and enhanced aesthetics for modern vehicle cabins.

Chassis

Chassis applications account for around 20% of the market. Carbon thermoplastics are increasingly adopted for cross members, control arms, and subframes due to their excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio and ability to withstand mechanical stress.

Powertrain & Under The Hood (UTH)

The powertrain and under-the-hood segment represents approximately 15% of the market. Thermoplastics are used in engine covers, air intake manifolds, and cooling systems, offering thermal stability, chemical resistance, and lightweight performance in high-temperature zones.

Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America holds approximately 22% of the global automotive carbon thermoplastic market. The region’s growth is driven by rising demand for lightweight materials, strong presence of automotive OEMs, and increased adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in the United States and Canada.

Europe

Europe contributes nearly 28% to the market, supported by strict emission regulations, focus on sustainable vehicle designs, and high use of advanced composite materials in automotive production, especially in countries like Germany, France, and Italy.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific dominates the market with a share of around 35%, led by large-scale automobile manufacturing in China, Japan, and India. Increasing vehicle production, growing urbanization, and adoption of fuel-efficient technologies are major drivers in the region.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa region holds close to 7% of the market, supported by growing automotive assembly plants and aftermarket demand. The region is gradually adopting lightweight thermoplastics to meet performance and durability standards.

Latin America

Latin America accounts for approximately 8% of the global market. With Brazil and Mexico leading regional production, growth is driven by increasing investment in vehicle light-weighting, economic recovery, and expansion of automotive component manufacturing.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Lightweighting
• Fuel efficiency
• Emission regulations

• Material innovation - Material innovation in the global automotive carbon thermoplastic market continues to drive significant advancements, revolutionizing the way vehicles are designed, manufactured, and operated. The ongoing pursuit of lighter, stronger, and more sustainable materials is crucial in meeting stringent regulatory requirements for fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. Innovations in carbon fiber composites and thermoplastic resins are at the forefront of this evolution, offering automakers unprecedented opportunities to enhance vehicle performance and durability while reducing environmental impact.

  One key area of material innovation lies in the development of advanced carbon fiber reinforcements. These fibers are known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for applications where lightweight construction is paramount without compromising structural integrity. Manufacturers are continuously refining carbon fiber production techniques to improve fiber alignment, reduce defects, and enhance mechanical properties. Additionally, advancements in resin technologies, such as the development of high-performance thermoplastic matrices, complement carbon fibers by providing superior adhesion, impact resistance, and thermal stability.

  Material innovation in automotive carbon thermoplastics is fostering new design possibilities and manufacturing efficiencies. Automakers can now leverage these materials to create complex shapes and integrated components that were previously challenging or impossible with traditional materials like metals. This flexibility not only supports innovative vehicle designs but also streamlines production processes through reduced assembly steps and part consolidation. As research and development efforts continue to push the boundaries of material science, the automotive industry is poised to benefit from enhanced performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness offered by these advanced carbon thermoplastic materials.

Restraints

• High manufacturing costs
• Limited scalability
• Recycling challenges

• Material processing complexity - Material processing complexity remains a significant challenge in the adoption of automotive carbon thermoplastics, impacting various stages from manufacturing to assembly. The unique properties of carbon thermoplastics, such as their high stiffness and sensitivity to processing conditions, introduce complexities that require specialized expertise and equipment.

  The production of carbon fiber composites involves intricate processes including fiber weaving, resin impregnation, and curing under controlled temperatures and pressures. Ensuring uniform fiber distribution and resin impregnation throughout the component is crucial to achieve desired mechanical properties and dimensional stability. Any deviation in these parameters can lead to defects like voids or fiber misalignment, compromising the structural integrity and performance of the part.

  The molding and shaping of carbon thermoplastics during component manufacturing require precision and consistency. Thermoplastic resins exhibit different melt and flow behaviors compared to thermoset counterparts, necessitating precise control over heating, cooling, and pressure cycles during injection molding or compression molding processes. Achieving optimal processing parameters is essential to minimize warpage, reduce cycle times, and ensure repeatability in part production.

Opportunities

• Lightweighting
• Electric vehicles (EVs)
• Advanced material technology

• Emerging markets - Emerging markets present significant opportunities for the global automotive carbon thermoplastic market, driven by expanding automotive production, rising consumer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, and increasing regulatory pressures on emissions reduction. These markets, primarily in regions such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa and the Middle East, are experiencing rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth, which are fueling the demand for lightweight materials like carbon thermoplastics in automotive manufacturing.

  In Asia Pacific, countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are becoming major players in the automotive sector. Rapid urbanization and a growing middle class are boosting vehicle ownership rates, prompting automakers to adopt advanced materials to meet both consumer preferences and stringent regulatory standards. The shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles in the region further emphasizes the need for lightweight materials to enhance range and performance, creating opportunities for carbon thermoplastics in battery housings, structural components, and interior applications.

  Latin America, including countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, is witnessing similar trends with a focus on improving vehicle efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Government initiatives supporting sustainable development and technological innovation are encouraging automakers to explore lightweight materials as a means to comply with emissions regulations and enhance vehicle performance. The region's automotive industry growth, coupled with investments in infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities, positions it as a promising market for carbon thermoplastics across various applications.

Key players in Global Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market include;

• BASF SE
• Celanese Corporation
• Toray Industries
• Cytec Industries, Inc.
• E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company (DuPont)
• Gurit Holding AG
• Quickstep Holdings Limited
• Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
• SGL Group - The Carbon Company
• Teijin Ltd.
• TenCate
• The Dow Chemical Company (now part of Dow Inc.)
• Toray Industries

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis