Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Research Report By Plastic Type (Thermoplastics, Thermosets, Bioplastics), By Application (Bumpers, Fascias, Spoilers, Body Panels, Exterior Trim), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Two Wheelers, Electric Vehicles), By Grade (Standard, Lightweight, High-Performance, Recyclable), By Property (Impact Resistance, Dimensional Stability, UV Resistance, Chemical Resistance, Glossiness) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast to

Global Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Overview

The Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Size was estimated at 46.87 (USD Billion) in 2022. The Exterior Automotive Plastics Industry is expected to grow from 50.18 (USD Billion) in 2023 to 92.62 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Exterior Automotive Plastics Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 7.05% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

Key Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Trends Highlighted

Growing environmental concerns and stringent government regulations for reducing carbon emissions are driving the demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles. Exterior automotive plastics play a vital role in achieving these goals by reducing vehicle weight and improving aerodynamics. Additionally, the increasing popularity of electric vehicles creates significant opportunities for exterior automotive plastics as they provide lightweight and corrosion-resistant solutions. Advancements in material science and manufacturing technologies are also driving innovation in the exterior automotive plastics market, leading to the development of new materials with enhanced properties such as durability, UV resistance, and color stability. The integration of smart technologies into exterior automotive plastics is another emerging trend, enabling features such as self-cleaning surfaces and adaptive lighting systems.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for Lightweight and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

The automotive industry is highly motivated to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, and the use of exterior automotive plastics is an essential element of achieving this goal. Exterior automotive plastics represent a substantial alternative to such types of materials as metal. In particular, the weight savings associated with the use of plastic materials contribute to the benefits of the automotive industry. First, plastic reduces the weight of a vehicle which consequently promotes the reduction in fuel consumption, simultaneously lowering the environmental damage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Second, exterior automotive plastics do not rust and can be durable even in severe weather conditions. For example, it is more likely for plastic bumpers to withstand weather conditions rather than metal bumpers, which, in turn, may rust or dent or have both qualities. Thus, the demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles is expected to be an incentive for the growth of the Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Industry in the upcoming years.

Rising Popularity of Electric Vehicles

Another driver that has been gaining momentum over the last decade and is expected to continue fostering the expansion of the Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Industry is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). While these vehicles still implement the same design and components with their traditional, internal combustion engine-powered, counterparts to a certain degree, many of the exterior parts must be specialized and adapted to the EV application.EV bumpers must take into consideration the added weight of the energy storage device as well as reduce the aerodynamic drag in every way possible. Exterior automotive plastics are a perfect fit for both of these aspects, as they retain sufficient strength and overall durability but are significantly lighter and more aerodynamic than metal.

Growing Adoption of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Vehicle Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems are getting more and more widespread nowadays. These systems use different types of sensors and cameras to provide the driver with necessary information about the environment and to help them avoid crashes. Most parts of ADAS use exterior automotive plastics to be produced, including sensor housings and camera bezels, among others. With the growing popularity of ADAS, they will require more and more of these materials.

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Segment Insights

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Plastic Type Insights 

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market is divided into three types of plastics such as thermoplastics, thermosets, and bioplastics. Thermoplastics are a type of plastic used most frequently in the automotive industry, as they constitute over 80% of market share. They are lightweight, strong, and simple to shape, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, such as body panels, bumpers, and interior components. Thermosets are a type of plastic that has been cured by a chemical reaction, allowing it to become rigid and solid. They are often employed in applications in which extreme construction is demanded, such as for structural components and engine parts.Bioplastics are a type of plastic derived from renewable resources like plants or vegetable oils. They are now a popular form of plastic. The exterior automotive plastics market is expected to grow significantly in the near future, which is related to the increasing demand for vehicles that are lighter and more fuel-efficient. The major drivers of this market’s growth involve the increasing popularity of electric vehicles since they need more plastics in terms of exterior than traditional vehicles using gasoline. Moreover, the need for lightweight is set to raise the consumption of vehicles that use plastics for their considerations.As far as the key players are concerned, the market for exterior automotive plastics is highly competitive. It is highly competitive with many large companies such as BASF, SABIC, and DuPont. These companies are investing heavily in research and development in order to establish the newest sorts of plastics that meet the automotive industry’s most stringent demands.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Application Insights 

The Application segment of the Exterior Automotive Plastics Market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for lightweight and durable materials in the automotive industry. Bumpers are projected to hold the largest market share, owing to their crucial role in protecting vehicles from collisions and enhancing their overall aesthetics. Fascias, which serve as the front-end styling components of vehicles, are also expected to experience strong demand due to their ability to enhance the vehicle's appearance and aerodynamics.Spoilers, known for improving vehicle stability and reducing drag, are anticipated to gain traction in the performance and sports car segments. Body Panels, including doors, hoods, and fenders, are essential for vehicle structure and protection, and their demand is expected to remain steady. Exterior Trim, such as moldings, grilles, and side skirts, plays a vital role in enhancing vehicle aesthetics and is projected to witness moderate growth. Overall, the Application segment of the Exterior Automotive Plastics Market is poised for substantial growth, driven by the increasing adoption of advanced materials and the evolving design trends in the automotive industry.

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Vehicle Type Insights 

The Exterior Automotive Plastics Market is segmented by vehicle type into passenger cars, commercial vehicles, two wheelers, and electric vehicles. Among these, passenger cars held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for over 60% of the Exterior Automotive Plastics Market revenue. The dominance of passenger cars can be attributed to the increasing production and sales of passenger cars globally. However, the electric vehicles segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, owing to the growing adoption of electric vehicles and government initiatives to promote sustainable transportation.The commercial vehicles segment is also expected to grow at a steady pace, driven by the increasing demand for commercial vehicles in emerging economies.

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Grade Insights 

The Exterior Automotive Plastics Market is segmented by Grade into Standard, Lightweight, High-Performance, and Recyclable. The Standard grade segment is expected to account for the largest market share in 2023, owing to its low cost and wide availability. The Lightweight grade segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. The High-Performance grade segment is expected to account for a significant market share due to its superior strength and durability. The Recyclable grade segment is expected to grow at a steady pace due to increasing environmental regulations.

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Property Insights 

The Exterior Automotive Plastics Market is segmented by property into impact resistance, dimensional stability, UV resistance, chemical resistance, and glossiness. The impact resistance segment is expected to account for the largest market share in 2024, owing to the increasing demand for lightweight and durable automotive parts. The dimensional stability segment is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period due to the rising demand for automotive parts that can withstand extreme temperatures and environmental conditions.The UV resistance segment is expected to witness substantial growth, driven by the need for automotive parts that can resist fading and degradation caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. The chemical resistance segment is expected to grow at a steady pace as automotive parts are increasingly exposed to harsh chemicals and cleaning agents. The glossiness segment is expected to grow moderately as consumers increasingly prefer vehicles with a high-gloss finish.

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Regional Insights 

The regional segmentation of the Exterior Automotive Plastics Market offers insights into the market's geographical distribution and growth potential. North America is projected to account for a significant share of the market revenue in 2024, driven by the presence of major automotive manufacturers and a high demand for lightweight and durable plastics in vehicle production. Europe is another key region, with a well-established automotive industry and stringent regulations promoting the use of eco-friendly materials. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period, owing to the rising production of automobiles and the increasing adoption of plastics in exterior components.South America and the Middle East Africa are emerging markets with untapped potential, presenting opportunities for market expansion.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Key Players And Competitive Insights

The Exterior Automotive Plastics Market is highly competitive, with a number of major players constantly innovating and developing new products to meet the changing needs of the industry. As a result, leading Exterior Automotive Plastics Market players are investing heavily in research and development to stay ahead and maintain their share in the market. The leading players in the Exterior Automotive Plastics Market include BASF, SABIC, LyondellBasell, and DuPont. All of these companies offer a wide range of Exterior Automotive Plastics products, including bumpers, fascias, grilles, and body panels. The Exterior Automotive Plastics Market is expected to continue growing in the years to come as demand from the industry keeps increasing.BASF is a leading supplier of Exterior Automotive Plastics on a scale. The company offers a wide range of Exterior Automotive Plastics products, including bumpers, fascias, grilles, and body panels. BASF is known for its innovation and sustainability. The company is constantly developing new products to meet the changing needs of the industry. BASF has a presence, with manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, and North America. The company is a major supplier to many of the leading automotive manufacturers, including such giants as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.Another leading company in the Exterior Automotive Plastics Market is SABIC. SABIC is a leader in the plastics industry. The company offers a wide range of Exterior Automotive Plastics products, including bumpers, fascias, grilles, and body panels. SABIC is known for its strong emphasis on research and development. The company is constantly working to develop new products and technologies. SABIC has a presence, with manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Some of the leading automotive manufacturers that SABIC supplies include Ford, General Motors, and Toyota.

Key Companies in the Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Include

• Covestro AG


• Asahi Kasei Corporation


• DSM


• Evonik Industries AG


• SABIC Innovative Plastics


• Borealis AG


• SABIC


• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation


• BASF SE


• LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.


• Celanese Corporation


• LG Chem Ltd.


• Teijin Limited


• Toray Industries, Inc.


• INEOS Styrolution Group GmbH

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Industry Developments

The exterior automotive plastics market is projected to reach USD 92.62 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.05% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Rising demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles, coupled with increasing disposable income and urbanization, is driving market growth.Recent developments include collaborations between automakers and plastics manufacturers to develop innovative materials and technologies. For instance, BASF and Audi recently partnered to create a new type of plastic that is 40% lighter than conventional materials, reducing vehicle weight and improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, the growing adoption of electric vehicles is expected to further boost demand for exterior automotive plastics, as these vehicles require lightweight and durable materials.

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Segmentation Insights 

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Plastic Type Outlook

• Thermoplastics


• Thermosets


• Bioplastics

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Application Outlook

• Bumpers


• Fascias


• Spoilers


• Body Panels


• Exterior Trim

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Vehicle Type Outlook

• Passenger Cars


• Commercial Vehicles


• Two Wheelers


• Electric Vehicles

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Grade Outlook

• Standard


• Lightweight


• High-Performance


• Recyclable

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Property Outlook

• Impact Resistance


• Dimensional Stability


• UV Resistance


• Chemical Resistance


• Glossiness

Exterior Automotive Plastics Market Regional Outlook

• North America


• Europe


• South America


• Asia Pacific


• Middle East and Africa