Automotive Exterior Materials Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Type (Steel, Aluminum, Plastics, Glass Composites, Carbon Composites and Other Types), Application and By Geography

Automotive Exterior Materials Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Type (Steel, Aluminum, Plastics, Glass Composites, Carbon Composites and Other Types), Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Automotive Exterior Materials Market is accounted for $17.42 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $28.20 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. Automotive exterior materials refer to the various substances used in manufacturing the outer components of vehicles, such as body panels, bumpers, and trim. These materials are designed to enhance durability, aesthetics, and performance. Common automotive exterior materials include metals like steel and aluminum, polymers such as thermoplastics, and composites like carbon fiber. They are selected for their properties like impact resistance, corrosion resistance, lightweight characteristics, and design flexibility, contributing to both vehicle safety and fuel efficiency.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growth in electric vehicle (EV) adoption

The EV manufacturers prioritize reducing vehicle weight to extend battery range and enhance overall performance. This creates a strong market for materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, and advanced polymers, which offer the necessary strength while being lightweight. Additionally, the push for sleek, aerodynamic designs in EVs requires innovative exterior materials that provide both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, further fuelling the market's expansion alongside rising EV production.

Restraint:

High cost of advanced materials

The high cost of advanced materials, such as carbon fiber composites, aluminum alloys, and high-performance polymers offer significant benefits like lightweight properties and durability, but their production and processing costs are considerably higher than traditional materials like steel. This limits their adoption, especially in budget-conscious segments and developing markets. Automakers face a trade-off between performance gains and cost efficiency, which can slow the widespread integration of these materials into mass-produced vehicles, thereby constraining market expansion.

Opportunity:

Increasing demand for sustainable materials

The increasing demand for sustainable materials is leading automakers to shift towards recyclable, biodegradable, and renewable materials to reduce their carbon footprint and meet stringent environmental regulations. This trend is driving the adoption of lightweight materials like bio-based composites, recycled plastics, and low-emission coatings, which enhance vehicle efficiency and sustainability. As electric vehicle production rises, the need for materials that align with green initiatives accelerates, boosting innovation and market growth for sustainable automotive exterior materials.

Threat:

Economic downturns

During recessions, car sales typically decline as consumers prioritize essential spending, leading to reduced production from automakers. This drop in demand directly impacts the need for automotive exterior materials, affecting manufacturers' revenue and slowing market growth. Additionally, budget constraints force automakers to delay investments in advanced materials and innovations, further stalling industry progress. Economic uncertainty also disrupts supply chains, causing cost fluctuations in raw materials and hindering overall market stability.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the automotive exterior materials market by causing supply chain disruptions, factory shutdowns, and reduced vehicle production. Demand for new vehicles declined as consumers faced economic uncertainty, further slowing market growth. However, as economies recover, the push for electric vehicles (EVs) and lightweight materials has gained momentum, driving the market's resurgence. Additionally, manufacturers are adapting by incorporating sustainable and advanced materials, positioning the industry for recovery and growth in the post-pandemic era.

The steel segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The steel segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, due to its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Steel is widely used for body panels, frames, and other structural components, offering excellent crash resistance and protection. Advances in high-strength and lightweight steel grades have allowed automakers to reduce vehicle weight while maintaining safety and performance standards, meeting fuel efficiency and emission regulations. Steel's recyclability and availability also make it a sustainable choice, further driving its demand in the automotive industry.

The bumpers segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The bumpers segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period, by driving demand for advanced, durable, and lightweight materials. Bumpers play a critical role in vehicle safety and aesthetics, requiring materials that offer impact resistance, corrosion protection, and design flexibility. Manufacturers are increasingly using thermoplastics, aluminum, and composites in bumpers to enhance performance and meet stringent safety regulations. As consumer preferences shift towards lightweight vehicles for improved fuel efficiency and electric vehicle (EV) performance, the bumpers segment contributes significantly to the overall growth of the automotive exterior materials market.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period due to rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasing vehicle ownership. Countries like China, India, and Japan are key contributors, with a strong demand for both conventional and electric vehicles (EVs). The region’s expanding automotive industry, coupled with the shift towards lightweight materials for improved fuel efficiency and performance, further propels market growth. Additionally, advancements in material technologies and government initiatives supporting EV adoption make Asia Pacific a lucrative market for automotive exterior materials.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to technological advancements and the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). The region benefits from a robust automotive manufacturing base, with major players focusing on lightweight materials such as aluminum and advanced composites to enhance fuel efficiency and performance. Growing consumer preference for sustainable and recyclable materials further stimulates market growth. Additionally, stringent regulations on emissions and safety standards compel manufacturers to innovate in exterior materials, positioning North America as a key player in the global automotive exterior materials landscape.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Automotive Exterior Materials Market include BASF SE, Covestro AG, Dow Inc., LyondellBasell Industries Holdings BV, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, Solvay SA, Royal DSM N.V., SABIC, Teijin Limited, Toray Industries, Inc., Magna International Inc., Grupo Antolin, Toyota Boshoku Corporation, Gestamp Automoción, Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Plastic Omnium, Flex-N-Gate Corporation, DURA Automotive Systems, LLC, Kirchhoff Automotive GmbH and Americhem.

Key Developments:

In April 2024, BASF and Novozymes announced a partnership to develop enzyme-based solutions for sustainable agriculture. The collaboration focuses on improving crop yields while reducing environmental impact.

In February 2024, BASF launched a new line of biodegradable polyurethane coatings aimed at the automotive and furniture industries, promoting sustainability in coatings technology. This innovative product line addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly materials by offering coatings that can decompose naturally after their lifecycle, reducing environmental impact.

Types Covered:
• Steel
• Aluminum
• Plastics
• Glass Composites
• Carbon Composites
• Other Types

Applications Covered:
• Bumpers
• Fenders
• Doors
• Hoods
• Tailgates
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements