China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market has seen tremendous growth in recent years compared to traditional fuel vehicles. According to China Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), the global sales of NEVs amounted to 7.39 million units in the first half of 2024,. China’s market share of NEVs accounted for 64.5 percent of the global total, maintaining its position as the world’s leading NEV market for nine consecutive years. For the first half of the year, China’s sales of NEVs rose by 32% year-on-year to 4.944 million units with a market share of 35.2%, demonstrating strong growth momentum. CADA optimistically predicts that China’s total sales of NEVs in 2024 will exceed 11.5 million units, indicating the broad prospects of the NEV market.
In the midst of global auto industry paradigm shift, manufacturers of elastomers, the core materials for auto manufacturing, are facing new opportunities and severe challenges. With the continuous innovation of NEV technologies, the accelerated trend of automotive lightweighting, and the increasingly stringent requirements of consumers for performance, safety and environmental friendliness, optimizing the product performance of elastomers, controlling costs, and promoting their sustainable development have become issues that the auto industry urgently needs to address. As an indispensable engineering material in auto manufacturing, elastomers play a crucial role in various aspects such as battery pack sealing, lightweight vehicle structures, and noise reduction systems, with the optimization of their performance and costs directly related to the overall competitiveness and market reception of automotive products.
Table 1 Applications of Partial Elastomers in Automobiles
|
Elastomer |
Material Characteristics |
Main Applications in Autos |
|
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) |
Abrasion-resistant, oil-resistant, low-temperature resistant |
Car seat covers, steering wheel covers, car door parts, color-changing films, cable coverings, windshield adhesives, tire sidewalls, battery packaging, air springs, seat belts, etc. |
|
Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) |
Elastic, abrasion-resistant, easy-to-process |
Seat cushions, door seals, floor mats, and other interiors |
|
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) |
Strong weather resistance, lightweight, recyclable |
Cable coverings, seals, shock-absorbing components, etc. |
|
Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer (TPEE) |
High strength, high elasticity, oil and chemical resistant |
Transmission components, suspension parts, oil pipes, etc. |
|
Thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPAE) |
Excellent resistance to wear, oils, and temperature |
Bearing retainers, seals, oil pipes, etc. |
|
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) |
Low cost, good processability, strong weather resistance |
Car body parts, bumpers, mudguards, etc |
|
Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV) |
Elasticity similar to rubber, processability like plastic |
Sealing strips, dust covers, shock absorbers, etc. |
|
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
Low cost, good processability, weather-resistant |
Floor mats, interior panels, cable coverings, etc. |
|
... |
... |
... |
In this context, Elastomer Cost and Technology Innovation Forum 2024 will be held to explore the latest developments and practical applications of elastomers in cost control and technological innovation. It provides an important platform for experts, scholars, and businesses in the industry to share innovative ideas and exchange technical experiences.
Highlights
Opportunities in Automotive Lightweighting and Elastomers
A 10% reduction in automobile weight can result in a 6%-8% fuel economy improvement. Elastomers are crucial in automotive lightweighting due to their light weight and high strength. The forum will delve into how high-performance elastomers can assist in the lightweighting design of key components in NEVs such as interiors, chassis systems, seals, etc., and how material performance can be enhanced through technological innovation so as to meet the stringent requirements in the auto industry.
A Glance at Related Topics:
Technological Innovation Leads the Development of Automotive Elastomers
Technological innovation is the core driving force behind the development of automotive elastomers. This forum will showcase cutting-edge technologies such as supercritical foaming, bio-based elastomers, multifunctional elastomers, and smart materials. These technologies not only enhance the performance and functionality of elastomers but also provide strong support for achieving green manufacturing and a circular economy. In addition, the forum will share the latest solutions and successful cases on addressing the specific requirements in NEVs, such as battery pack sealing and thermal management systems.
A Glance at Related Topics:
Quality Cost Control and Supply Chain Management
Facing challenges such as fluctuations in raw material prices, increasing production efficiency, and rising energy costs, how to effectively control the cost of automotive elastomers while maintaining quality has become a focus for businesses. The forum will invite industry experts to offer deep insights on supply chain management, production process optimization, formulation improvement and other aspects, and share effective strategies and practices for cost control.
A Glance at Related Topics:
Elastomer Cost and Technology Innovation Forum 2024 cordially invites industry elites from automobile manufacturers, raw material suppliers, elastomer producers, additive suppliers, and equipment manufacturers, to gather together to share innovative ideas and exchange technical experiences. We look forward to building an open and mutually beneficial platform through this forum to promote the prosperity of the automotive elastomer industry and contribute to the sustainable development of the global auto industry.
In this promising and challenging era, let us join hands, adhering to innovation-oriented and cost-driven business concepts, to build a bright future for automotive elastomers!
