Report Highlights
The market for lightweight materials in transportation was valued at $106 billion in 2011 and nearly $106.2 billion in 2012. Total market value is expected to reach nearly $153 billion in 2017 after increasing at a five-year compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.
Report Includes
- An overview of the global market for lightweight materials in transportation equipment, including motor vehicles, aircraft, trains, and ships
- Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2011, estimates for 2012, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2017
- Identification of lightweight materials that are in commercial use or under development for transportation applications
- Discussion of trends by type of material and application
- Factors that will influence the long-term development of the market
- Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.
Report Scope
The report is global in scope, focusing on the worldwide market for lightweight materials in transportation equipment, including motor vehicles, aircraft, trains and ships. Lightweight materials are defined broadly as materials that are used in the fabrication of equipment primarily in order to minimize weight.
As the term is used in this report, transportation equipment includes all motorized vehicles or craft used to convey people, animals or cargo between two points, except for vehicles/craft used exclusively for sports or recreation applications (e.g., glider aircraft and sailboats). Sports and recreation vehicles and craft are excluded in part because they are the subject of another BCC report, AVM053A Materials and Devices for High-Performance Sports Products. In this report, dual-purpose transportation equipment, such as small airplanes, is analyzed along with vehicles and craft whose purpose is primarily commercial.
The report also does not cover motor vehicles, ships and aircraft built for and used by the armed forces of the United States and other nations.
The report includes the following major elements:
- Executive summary.
- Definitions.
- Lightweight materials that are in commercial use or under development for transportation applications.
- Lightweight materials and applications with the greatest commercial potential through 2017.
- Global market trends by type of material and application, 2011 to 2017.
- Factors that will influence the long-term development of the market.
Analyst Credentials
Andrew McWilliams spent more than 25 years as a consultant with Ernst & Young, McKinsey & Company and A.T. Kearny focused on manufacturing before segueing into research analysis. He has been covering myriad technology categories for BCC Research for more than 15 years. McWilliams has a BA from Princeton University and an MA from Harvard University. He has worked in more than 40 countries and he resides in the greater Boston area.
Report Highlights
The total global consumption of lightweight materials used in transportation equipment was 46.7 million tons/$95.5 billion in 2010. This market is expected to reach 67.7 million tons/$125.3 billion by 2015, increasing at a compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 7.7% in tonnage terms and 5.6% in value terms between 2010 and 2015.
Report Highlights
-
The total global consumption of lightweight materials used in transportation equipment was 42.8 million tons/$80.5 billion in 2006 and will increase to 68.5 million tons/$106.4 billion by 2011, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% in tonnage terms and 5.7% in value terms between 2006 and 2011.
-
High strength steel accounts for the largest percentage of total tons of lightweight materials consumed, followed by aluminum and plastics. In value terms, plastics with their relatively high unit prices are the largest market segment. Aluminum and high strength steel are the second and third largest product segments.
-
Motor vehicles, particularly passenger cars and light trucks, are by far the largest end-user segment. Shipbuilding was the second largest consumer of lightweight materials, while the aircraft industry ranks second in the value of the lightweight materials consumed.
Related Reports
Global Markets for Nanocomposites, Nanoparticles, Nanoclays, and Nanotubes
Global consumption of nanocomposites was an estimated 118,768 metric tons with a value of over $800 million in 2010. In 2011, the market should reach 138,389 metric tons and $920 million. By 2016, the market should amount to 333,043 metric tons and $2.4 billion, a five year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% in unit terms and 20.9% in value terms.
Advanced Structural Carbon Products: Fibers, Foams & Composites
The U.S. market for structural carbon materials was worth nearly $2 billion in 2010. This figure is expected to increase to $2.1 billion in 2011 and $2.8 billion in 2016, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% over the next 5 years.
Smart Materials and Their Applications: Technologies and Global Markets
BCC estimates the global market for smart materials at about $19.6 billion in 2010. BCC expects the market to approach $22 billion in 2011 and pass $40 billion by 2016, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% between 2011 and 2016.
Composites: Resins, Fillers, Reinforcements, Natural Fibers & Nanocomposites
The North American fiber-reinforced plastic/composite market is estimated at 2.7 billion pounds in 2010 and is expected to increase to about 3.1 billion by 2015, reflecting a 2.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
Recent Reports
Global Markets for Advanced Aerospace Materials
The global market for advanced aerospace materials is estimated to increase from $29.2 billion in 2024 to reach $42.9 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2024 through 2029.
High-performance Ceramic Coatings: Global Markets and Technologies
The global market for high-performance ceramic coatings is expected to grow from $10.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $13.9 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029.
Activated Carbon: Types and Global Markets
The global market for activated carbon is expected to grow from $6.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $10.2 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029.
Global Markets and Technologies for Smart Glass
The global market for smart glass is expected to grow from $6.2 billion in 2024 to reach $10.8 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% from 2024 through 2029.
2023 Advanced Materials Research Review
Research Reviews from BCC Research provide market professionals with concise market coverage within a specific research category. These Research Reviews include portions of several market research reports that were published in 2023.
Top Trending Reports
Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage Technologies
The global market for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies is expected to grow from $3.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $9.6 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.1% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029.
Cell-Based Assays: Technologies and Global Markets
The global market for cell-based assays is estimated to increase from $35.3 billion in 2024 to reach $56.3 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2024 through 2029.
Generative AI: Global Markets
The global market for generative AI was valued at $15.4 billion in 2023. It is projected to grow from $20.8 billion in 2024 to $94.4 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.3% from 2024 through 2029.
Global Markets for Chemicals for Cosmetics & Toiletries
The global market for chemicals in cosmetics and toiletries is expected to grow from $27.7 billion in 2024 to $35.0 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2024 through 2029.
Medical Devices Industry: Competitive Landscape
The global market for medical devices is estimated to increase from $810.4 billion in 2024 to reach $1.3 trillion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2024 through 2029.
Become A Member
BCC Research offers a comprehensive library of reports, granting members unlimited access to data, insights, and market intelligence for informed business decisions, while actively supporting members in their evolving journeys and prioritizing high-quality, relevant topics based on continuous engagement with the research community.
Find Out MoreCustom Consulting
BCC Research emphasizes the importance of organizations leveraging highly customized market insights aligned with specific strategic business objectives through direct engagement with primary sources and proprietary forecasting models for profitable decision-making in maximizing growth opportunities and minimizing risks.
Customize NowScorecard
The Venture Scorecard provides commercialization offices and decision makers with expert analysis, offering strategic insights crucial for aligning objectives with market realities at various stages of commercializing new products or evaluating investment opportunities, from opportunity assessment to growth planning.
Find Out MoreInnovation Spotlight
Our industry experts offer strategic guidance to maximize the market potential of commercialized products, patents, and IP by providing insights into market trends, competitive dynamics, and effective positioning, using the Innovation Spotlight service for enhanced exposure to thought leaders and the wider community.
Find Out More