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

• In 2023, the global automotive composites market saw significant advancements in the use of sustainable materials. Many automakers began incorporating bio-based composites derived from renewable resources such as flax, hemp, and other natural fibers. These materials not only provided environmental benefits but also offered competitive performance characteristics, driving their adoption in both interior and exterior automotive applications. Additionally, collaborations between automotive manufacturers and composite material suppliers intensified, focusing on developing next-generation composites with enhanced recyclability and lower carbon footprints. Key players in the market also invested heavily in expanding their production capacities to meet the rising demand for lightweight and high-strength materials.

• In 2022, witnessed substantial progress in the integration of carbon fiber composites in mass-market vehicles. Advances in manufacturing technologies, such as high-volume production methods and cost-efficient processing techniques, made carbon fiber more accessible for a broader range of automotive applications. This year also saw the automotive industry embracing digitalization and smart manufacturing practices to optimize composite production.

• In 2021, the automotive composites market experienced a surge in research and development activities aimed at improving the properties and performance of composite materials. One of the notable trends was the focus on hybrid composites, which combine different types of fibers and matrices to achieve superior performance characteristics.This year also marked a growing emphasis on lifecycle analysis and sustainability, with companies increasingly investing in the development of recyclable and reusable composite materials.

In this report, the Automotive Composites Market has been segmented by fiber Type, resin type, manufacturing process, application, vehicle type and geography.

Automotive Composites Market, Segmentation by Fiber Type

The Automotive Composites Market has been segmented by Fiber Type into Carbon Fiber Automotive Composites, Glass Fiber Automotive Composites, and Others.

Carbon Fiber Automotive Composites

The carbon fiber segment holds a significant share in the Automotive Composites Market due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. These composites are widely used in high-performance and luxury vehicles to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. Carbon fiber composites account for approximately 25% of the total market share, with increasing adoption driven by stricter emission regulations.

Glass fiber composites dominate the Automotive Composites Market, contributing to over 55% of the overall market share. These materials are favored for their cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of processing. Their application spans across interior components, underbody shields, and engine covers, particularly in mass-market vehicles.

The 'Others' segment, comprising natural fibers, aramid fibers, and hybrid composites, represents a growing niche within the market, currently accounting for nearly 20% of the total share. These materials are gaining traction due to their sustainability, recyclability, and potential to reduce overall production costs. Demand for these composites is increasing in line with eco-friendly automotive initiatives.

Automotive Composites Market, Segmentation by Resin Type

The Automotive Composites Market has been segmented by Resin Type into Thermoset Automotive Composites and Thermoplastic Automotive Composites.

Thermoset Automotive Composites

Thermoset composites are widely used in the automotive industry due to their excellent thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. These resins, including epoxy and polyester, are primarily utilized in structural components and body panels. Thermoset composites account for around 60% of the total market share, owing to their superior durability and lightweight characteristics.

Thermoplastic Automotive Composites

Thermoplastic composites are gaining popularity in the market due to their recyclability, shorter processing time, and impact resistance. These resins are especially suitable for mass production applications like under-the-hood components and interior parts. Currently, thermoplastics hold nearly 40% of the market share and are expected to grow rapidly with rising demand for sustainable manufacturing.

Automotive Composites Market, Segmentation by Manufacturing Process

The Automotive Composites Market has been segmented by Manufacturing Process into Compression Molded Automotive Composites, Injection Molded Automotive Composites, Resin Transfer Molded Automotive Composites, and Others.

Compression Molded Automotive Composites

Compression molding is one of the most widely used processes, accounting for about 40% of the automotive composites market. It offers high production efficiency and is ideal for manufacturing large, complex parts like exterior panels and structural components. The process is favored for its ability to produce lightweight yet strong parts at scale.

Injection Molded Automotive Composites

Injection molding holds approximately 30% of the market share and is commonly used for producing small and intricate components such as interior trims and fasteners. The process supports high-volume manufacturing with excellent repeatability and design flexibility, making it suitable for mass-market vehicles.

Resin Transfer Molded Automotive Composites

Resin transfer molding (RTM) accounts for around 20% of the market and is preferred for its ability to deliver precise, high-strength components. RTM is often used in luxury and performance vehicles for parts such as underbody shields and engine covers. It also allows for the integration of complex geometries and reinforcements.

Others

The ‘Others’ category, comprising processes like filament winding, pultrusion, and hand lay-up, represents nearly 10% of the market. These methods are typically used for specialized or low-volume components where customization and flexibility are key. Growth in this segment is driven by demand for prototype development and niche applications.

Automotive Composites Market, Segmentation by Vehicle Type

The Automotive Composites Market has been segmented by Vehicle Type into Non-Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicles.

Non-Electric Vehicles

Non-electric vehicles, including internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, currently dominate the Automotive Composites Market, contributing to nearly 70% of the total share. Composites are used extensively in body panels, underbody shields, and structural reinforcements to reduce weight and enhance fuel efficiency. The segment benefits from long-established OEM partnerships and existing manufacturing infrastructure.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly emerging as a key driver of composite material demand, holding close to 30% of the market. Lightweight composites play a crucial role in extending driving range, battery protection, and vehicle performance. Growing environmental regulations and the push for sustainable mobility solutions are accelerating the adoption of composites in EV production.

Automotive Composites Market, Segmentation by Application

The Automotive Composites Market has been segmented by Application into Exterior, Interior, Powertrain and Chassis.

Exterior

The use of automotive composites in exterior applications is widespread due to their ability to provide weight reduction, corrosion resistance, and improved aesthetic appeal. Key components include bumpers, hoods, and door panels. This segment accounts for approximately 45% of the total market, making it the largest application area.

Interior

Interior applications benefit from composites for their lightweight, design flexibility, and acoustic insulation. Common uses include instrument panels, seat structures, and interior trims. The interior segment contributes to about 25% of the market, driven by the demand for enhanced passenger comfort and aesthetics.

Powertrain

Composites are increasingly used in powertrain components for their ability to withstand high temperatures and mechanical stress. Typical parts include engine covers, oil pans, and transmission components. This segment holds nearly 15% market share, reflecting the industry's shift toward engine efficiency and durability.

Chassis

The use of composites in chassis systems is growing, particularly for structural reinforcements and suspension parts. These materials contribute to vehicle light-weighting and improved handling. The chassis segment represents around 15% of the market, supported by innovation in high-strength composite materials.

Global Automotive Composites Market, Segmentation by Geography

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

Global Automotive Composites Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America holds a significant share of the automotive composites market, contributing nearly 25% to the global revenue. The region benefits from a strong presence of automotive OEMs, particularly in the U.S., and a rising demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles. Advanced composite manufacturing technologies and growing investments in electric vehicles further drive market growth.

Europe

Europe accounts for approximately 30% of the global market, supported by stringent emission regulations and a high focus on sustainability. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK lead in the adoption of automotive composites across both traditional and electric vehicles. The region is also a hub for R&D activities and material innovations.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific dominates the global automotive composites market with over 35% share, led by countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Rapid vehicle production, urbanization, and rising consumer preference for lightweight vehicles are key factors driving demand. The region is also witnessing substantial FDI in automotive manufacturing.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa hold a relatively smaller share, contributing around 5% of the global market. However, the demand is gradually increasing due to the expansion of the automotive aftermarket and a growing focus on fuel efficiency in passenger vehicles. Investment in local manufacturing capabilities is also creating new growth avenues.

Latin America

Latin America contributes nearly 5% to the global market, with countries like Brazil and Mexico leading regional growth. The demand for automotive composites is supported by increasing vehicle assembly activities and regional efforts to meet emission standards. Government initiatives and OEM collaborations are further boosting market penetration.