CPI (chemical processing industry) feeling impact of new-car sales slump

Journal Article · Wed May 21 00:00:00 EDT 1980 · Chem. Week; (United States)

OSTI ID:6472562

Slaten, A

The slump in U.S. automobile production has reduced the automobile industry's demand for plastics. Nearly 5% (1.9 billion lb) of the 39.4 billion lb of plastic produced in 1979 were used in transportation (largely automotive) applications. According to A. Slaten of Rexene, automotive consumption of polypropylene will be down by 10-20% in 1980 from 1979's 440 million lb. According to Du Pont, the average 3000 lb automobile manufactured in 1980 contains about 200 lb of plastic, but by 1990, the average 2500 lb car will use 300-400 lb of plastic. According to Predicasts Inc., plastics use in automobiles will increase by 8.4%/yr to a 6.15 billion lb market in 1995. The predicted annual growth rates for some plastics include: PVC, 4.4%; polyester (largely in sheet-molding compounds), 12.6%; polyethylene, 10.2%; nylon, 9.7%; acetals, 9.5%; polycarbonate, 7.2%; and polyurethane, 6.8%. Automobile production trends, the effect of the 1974-75 production downturn on plastics use in automobiles, and proposed government policies for aiding U.S. automobile manufacturers are discussed.

• Research Organization: Rexene
• OSTI ID: 6472562
• Journal Information: Chem. Week; (United States), Vol. 126:21
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
ECONOMIC GROWTH
FORECASTING
PLASTICS
USES
PLASTICS INDUSTRY
AUTOMOBILES
ECONOMIC POLICY
MARKETING
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
MATERIALS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
VEHICLES
290200* - Energy Planning & Policy- Economics & Sociology