With vehicles being 92% dependent on oil, and global reserves reducing due to the increasing demand of developing countries and vehicles contributing to almost a third of global emissions, the urge to develop more sustainable cars has become a priority. To combat this, manufacturers are keen on switching from oil-powered vehicles to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To meet the growing demand for EVs and hydrogen-powered vehicles, composite technologies are also evolving to cater to the needs of the auto parts manufacturing industry. Auto parts manufacturers are making use of composite materials like carbon fiber, glass fiber, epoxy, or glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic for making diverse auto parts.
The use of composites has revolutionized the auto parts manufacturing industry, as composites offer significant benefits compared to metals. The use of composites not only helps to reduce weight and corrosion issues but also offers greater design flexibility, better space efficiency, quick assembly, and enhanced vehicle performance through innovative structural designs and superior mechanical properties. Composites are significant for automotive applications; particularly honeycomb structures have an impact on safety, performance, and sustainability.
Composites are materials that are made by combining two or more distinct materials and have enhanced properties compared to the individual materials. The composites are replacing the traditional materials like steel and aluminium in the auto parts industry due to their unique properties and distinct characteristics. Some of the major benefits due to which composites are preferred in the auto parts industry include:
Fuel Efficiency – The use of composites in manufacturing auto parts considerably reduces the weight of the vehicles. The light-weight vehicles are known for consuming less fuel, which is particularly beneficial for meeting the automotive industry’s pursuit of fuel efficiency and emission standards.
Light in Weight and High in Strength – Composite material’s high strength-to-weight ratio is the key benefit using which auto parts manufacturers create light-weight vehicle parts maintaining their structural integrity. Light-weight vehicle parts considerably reduce the vehicle weight, which requires less energy to operate. This further improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals.
Strength – Composite materials are known for excellent strength and stiffness. This allows auto parts manufacturers to design parts that are lightweight and can withstand high mechanical stress. This becomes significant in vehicles for ensuring safety and performance in critical areas of the vehicle.
Enhanced Safety Features – Composites having honeycomb configuration are known for better energy absorption properties. Thus auto parts made of such composites have improved impact resistance, thereby enhancing the safety standards of the vehicles.
Design Flexibility – Composites are highly flexible materials that can be easily moulded into complex shapes and can be tailored to specific requirements of the auto parts industry. This flexibility of composites allows auto parts manufacturers to optimize auto components for both function and aesthetics.
Composite materials are at the forefront of the automotive industry revolution by contributing towards lightweight and high-performance vehicles. Auto parts manufacturers are leveraging the distinct properties of composites and making use of advanced fabrication techniques to unlock new possibilities in vehicle design and performance. Due to their unique properties, composite materials are widely used in a range of auto structural parts like body panels, chassis, and suspension systems. Composites are also used in the making of lightweight and high-performance brake systems. Brake pads and rotors made of composites offer superior wear resistance, thermal stability, and noise reduction compared to traditional materials like steel and aluminium. The composite’s use enhances the vehicle’s braking performance as well as extends the service life of the components.
Composites are not only used for making the exterior of the vehicles but are also revolutionizing the interior design of the vehicles. This lightweight material is used in door panels, seat structures, and dashboard components that also lead to overall weight reduction of the vehicle while improving the vehicle’s aesthetics and functionality. Composites with moulding ability are used for creating complex shapes of the vehicle interior parts that can be integrated with features like acoustic insulation, built-in sensors, and heating elements. This lightweight and advanced material is also finding application in transmission systems, engine parts, and exhaust components. The use of ceramic matrix composites that are known for high thermal and chemical resistance makes them ideal for high-temperature applications like exhaust manifolds and turbocharger housings.
The composite use in the exterior and interior of the vehicles results in weight reduction, improves performance, and enhances the overall efficiency. The traditional metal parts are getting replaced with composite auto parts that reduce the vehicle’s weight without compromising strength or stiffness. This results in improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced vehicle dynamics.
Composites are increasingly becoming popular in the auto parts manufacturing industry, as this material is making a huge contribution in catering to the requirements of auto parts manufacturers. The automotive industry is focusing on producing light-weight and fuel-efficient vehicles to meet environmental and sustainability goals. Over the years, composites have emerged as a promising alternative to metal due to their light-weight, thermal resistance, and higher stiffness properties.
The auto parts manufacturing industry in India is expected to grow to $200 Billion by 2026 as per a report. The auto part industry is a leading driver of technological advancement and macroeconomic growth in the country. This auto parts industry is the backbone of the automotive sector and plays a significant role in the country’s economy. There is a growing demand for efficient and high-quality auto parts due to the increase in demand for technologically advanced and feature-rich vehicles. This industry is responsible for supplying all essential auto parts ranging from braking systems, engines, and transmission systems to lighting, electronics, and sensors that are driving advanced vehicles.
Industry Overview
The auto parts manufacturing industry is a huge market producing billions of auto components for a wide range of businesses, ranging from small-scale suppliers to big multinational companies. This industry manufactures components either for Original Equipment Manufacturers or for suppliers offering auto parts for repair and customization. Due to the increased production of vehicles, the growing trend of electric vehicles and advancement in automotive technology, the auto parts industry is experiencing significant growth. The auto parts market is expected to continue growing at a quick pace.
Key Trends Shaping the Industry
With vehicles becoming advanced and sophisticated, the auto parts manufacturing industry is playing a significant role in enhancing vehicle safety and functionality. The auto parts industry is being transformed due to the emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing techniques that are opening the door for innovation and improvement. Some of the key trends that are shaping the auto parts industry include:
Electrification and the Rise of EVs – Today auto industry is significantly investing in electric vehicles because of the consumer demand for greener solutions and the government implementing stricter emissions regulations. The shift toward sustainability has had a major impact on the auto parts industry. This change is also observed in auto parts manufacturing, as internal combustion engine components are replaced with specifically designed parts for EVs, such as electric drivetrains, battery packs, and regenerative braking systems that are presently at the manufacturing forefront. Manufacturers are in a race to produce durable, efficient, and advanced components that cater to electronic vehicle demands.
Digitalization and Industry 4.0 – The auto parts manufacturing industry is witnessing a great transformation with the advent of Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation. Today smart factories are equipped with IoT sensors, AI-powered robotics, and data analytics tools to allow manufacturers to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality. Besides, manufacturers by adopting technologies such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing are creating complex parts with reduced lead times and lower costs. This also allows them to quickly respond to the growing market demands and produce parts with higher precision.
Supply Chain Optimization – Today, auto parts manufacturers are optimising and re-evaluating their supply chains and are also adopting strategies to enhance resilience. They are getting ready to address supply-chain disruptions due to any reasons that can lead to factory shutdowns, material shortages, and shipping delays. Manufacturers are emphasising building highly flexible and agile supply chains to handle future disruptions. They are diversifying supplier networks and relying on digital supply chain management tools to facilitate real-time monitoring and forecasting.
Sustainability and Green Manufacturing – The auto parts industry is focusing on sustainability amidst climate change and environmental degradation. The auto parts manufacturers are switching to eco-friendly and green manufacturing processes by using renewable energy sources, reducing energy consumption, using recycled material in production, adopting water-saver technologies, and reducing wastage. Today, the auto parts industry is manufacturing auto parts that are durable, reusable, and recyclable minimizing the industry’s environmental footprint.
Future Outlook
The auto parts manufacturing industry’s future looks bright and prosperous due to continued innovation and technological advancements. The auto parts industry is going through a major transformation with the rise of electrical vehicles, automatic driving technologies, and the increased use of electronics in vehicles. The auto manufacturers are demanding more sophisticated auto components and hence the auto parts industry will need to invest in research and development to cater to their needs and stay at the cutting edge. Besides, both the government and customers are encouraging greener products and practices and currently, there is an increased focus on sustainability. Auto parts manufacturers are adopting sustainable materials to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions in their manufacturing processes.
Recap
The auto parts manufacturing industry is an evolving and essential sector that is catering to the demands of a rapidly changing automotive industry. By embracing new technologies, improving supply chain resilience, and prioritizing sustainability, the industry is well-positioned to thrive in the years to come. As the automotive world shifts toward electrification and autonomy, the importance of the auto parts manufacturing industry in driving innovation and economic growth cannot be overstated.
