Plastindia Foundation, the industrial association plastic makers in the country, claims that the material is being increasingly in the used the manufacture of cars, and that cars in future might be as much as 50 per cent by weight in plastics.
A press release issues by the foundation says that the automotive industry continues to have a large impact on the economy and is a visible industry for plastics. It claims the importance of the automotive industry is evident as it is one of the largest industries in the world employing around 10 million people. India is today, the seventh largest producer of automobiles and with more and more overseas auto majors preferring to set up manufacturing in the country, India has emerged as hub for autos and ancillaries.
The foundation claims plastics have played a pivotal role in this growth and the trend world over is to go for smaller, lighter, safer and more fuel-efficient cars. It says that plastics help produce lightweight, resilient and recyclable car components and parts. Plastics have enabled auto manufacturers to produce lightweight vehicles at an economical cost, enhancing safety, strength, reliability and comfort, in addition to fuel economy.
While presenting the significance of growing use of plastics in automotive industry, Ajay Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Precision Pipes and Profiles Co Ltd, said that plastic is a third of the weight of aluminium by volume and one-seventh the weight of sheet metal. He sais bumper, dashboard, fenders and body trims are already well established with plastics. Intake manifolds, cylinder cover heads, air ducts, oil panes and reinforced tires are areas where plastic is also replacing traditional sheet metal and aluminium parts.
Jainn claimed that replacement of metal with plastics to make fuel tank and battery boxes reduces the weight of the components by 40% and 70%, respectively, making the vehicle more fuel-efficient.
To provide a boost to the use of plastics in auto and packaging industries, Plastindia Foundation is holding the ninth edition of Plastindia 2015 from February 5-10, 2015 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This event is expectd to have over 2,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and over 150,000 business visitors.
