The auto sector consumed 555,000 tonnes of plastics in 2003

The auto sector consumed 555,000 tonnes of plastics in 2003

The US automotive industry increased its plastics consumption by 20% during 2003. According to research carried out by consultancy BRG Townsend, the US car and truck industry consumed 555,000 tonnes of plastic last year, compared with 465,000 tonnes in 2002.

Nearly 60% of the material was used by light and heavy trucks, with the remainder going into cars. The percentage of plastics parts supplied locally was similar in each vehicle category – 74% for cars, 72% for light trucks and nearly 75% for heavy trucks. These figures are steady compared with 2002, but are likely to fall in 2004, BRG said, because more carmakers are likely to source parts from outside the US.