Automotive Carbon Fiber Composites Market Share

Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Automotive Carbon Fiber Composites

The car market is in the midst of a transformation, induced by the rapid spread of new technology, the tightening of the regulations and the evolution of consumers' expectations in terms of performance and quality. The main actors, such as car manufacturers, suppliers and disruptive start-ups, are deploying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, automation, to increase production efficiency and the quality of the products. They are increasingly relying on the IT services of the IT service companies to optimize their supply chains and design processes. The suppliers are working on green manufacturing to meet the regulatory requirements. In the field of biomaterials and of recycling, the disruptive start-ups are redefining the competitive balance. In 2024, 2025, North America and Europe are particularly promising geographically, with significant opportunities in the production of electric vehicles and in the lightweight materials, which will require a strategic deployment of resources and the establishment of alliances to ensure their market share.

Competitive Positioning

Full-Suite Integrators

These vendors provide comprehensive solutions encompassing the entire value chain of carbon fiber composites.

Specialized Technology Vendors

These players focus on specific technologies or applications within the carbon fiber composites market.

Emerging Players & Regional Champions

• Hexcel (USA): Hexcel is a specialist in advanced composite materials, including carbon fibre pre-pregs and honeycomb structures. It recently signed a contract with a major car manufacturer to supply lightweight components for electric vehicles, challenging established suppliers with its fuel-saving innovations.
• SGL CABNIK (Germany): SGL CABNIK specializes in high-performance carbon fiber materials and has developed a special niche in the field of electric and hybrid vehicles. They have recently entered into a partnership with a leading automobile manufacturer to supply carbon fiber components, thereby complementing the use of conventional materials and driving the established players to innovate.
• Japan: Toray Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of carbon fibers and a wide variety of products suited to the automobile industry. Recently they have made a contract with a major automobile manufacturer, and are establishing themselves as a strong competitor to the old-line suppliers.
• TOKICO, a joint venture between Toray Industries and Mitsubishi Chemical, offers a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, or CFR, for automobile applications. This material is based on the idea of a sustainable and recyclability. A recent venture with an electric vehicle start-up company shows that the company is continuing to push the envelope in its use of materials.
• Zoltek, Inc., (United States): Known for its low-cost carbon fiber solutions, Zoltek has a great deal of influence in the automobile industry, where it has offered a low-cost alternative to traditional materials. The company’s recent entry into the European market has put price pressure on the established players.

Regional Trends: The exploitation of carbon fiber composites in the field of automobiles is being increased in several regions, notably in North America and Europe, owing to the growing demand for light-weight materials for the construction of electric and hybrid vehicles. The technological focus of the industry is shifting towards sustainable manufacturing and the re-use of materials, with companies now concentrating on reducing the negative impact on the environment of the manufacture of carbon fibers. Moreover, collaborations between car manufacturers and suppliers of carbon fiber composites are becoming more frequent, promoting the integration of these materials into the manufacture of conventional automobiles.

Collaborations & M&A Movements

• Toray Industries and BMW Group entered into a partnership to develop advanced carbon fiber materials aimed at reducing vehicle weight and enhancing fuel efficiency, thereby strengthening their competitive positioning in the electric vehicle segment.
• Teijin Limited acquired a majority stake in the carbon fiber manufacturer, SGL Carbon, to expand its production capabilities and market share in the automotive sector, responding to the increasing demand for lightweight materials.
• The two companies have joined forces to develop new composite materials to improve the performance and the environmentalism of automobiles.

Competitive Summary Table

Conclusion: Navigating Competitive Terrain in 2023

The market for carbon fibre composites in the vehicle by 2023 is characterized by a high degree of competition and significant market fragmentation, with both established and new players vying for dominance. The trend towards greater focus on innovation and sustainability is driving established manufacturers to enhance their capabilities, while new entrants are able to exploit advanced technologies. Strategically, suppliers are investing in artificial intelligence, automation and flexible manufacturing to meet changing customer requirements. As the market matures, the ability to integrate sustainability into product offerings will become increasingly important, and the leading suppliers will be those who can best balance performance, cost and the environment. These are the areas where strategic decisions must be focused to navigate the complexities of the rapidly evolving landscape.