1. Automotive and composite materials markets

The automotive market is an important one for the materials industry. In Europe, around 17 million vehicles are produced every year – for a global production of 62 million vehicles in 2009. For Europe, this represents around 22 billion kg of materials, based on an average mass of 1,300 kg per vehicle.

The global composites market (2007 figures) represents 8.6 million tonnes of material (all products combined), distributed as follows: 36% North America, 26% Europe, 38% Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world.

The share consumed by transport is 33% in Europe and 28% worldwide.

Thermoplastic matrix composites account for 37% and thermoset matrix composites for 63% of the global market.

In France, thermoset matrix composites reinforced with carbon and glass fibers account for annual production...