Composites in European Automotive and Transportation Industry Insights

Introduction

The use of composite materials in Europe’s automotive and transportation industries has become a cornerstone of modern engineering and design. In response to the region's push for decarbonization and energy efficiency, manufacturers have been adopting carbon fiber, glass fiber, and natural fiber composites to make lightweight yet sturdy vehicle parts. These developments are changing the standards of production, enabling the achievement of electric goals, and lowering environmental footprints.

European car manufacturers are under pressure to meet the strict emissions standards set by the European Union, which forces them to cut vehicle weight and increase fuel efficiency. Because of their superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility, composites come with a great benefit. The reduction of traditional steel and aluminum components by their use results in decreased fuel consumption and increased electric vehicle range.

The European transportation sector is also utilizing composite solutions in a variety of areas besides passenger cars. train systems, buses, trucks and even marine vessels are incorporated into these materials for structural components, body panels, and interior elements. The transition matches Europe's wider sustainability agenda, where mobility innovation is directly tied to environmental responsibility and technological advancement.

Some Tier-1 suppliers and OEMs are pouring resources into composite technology centers and automated production lines to satisfy demand that is booming. The adoption of thermoplastic composites has made production more efficient as it has allowed for quicker cycle times and better recyclability, which are important for sustainable mass manufacturing.

Check the detailed Europe Composites Report for full insights and forecasts.

Major Drivers and Trends

Light weighting is still the main reason why composites are chosen all over the European automotive industry. As electric vehicle production increases, composites are given the role of balancing additional battery weight, making it possible to get the most out of efficiency and performance. The manufacturers are also using bio-composites to be compatible with environmental regulations and circular economy objectives, which leads to the reduction of dependency on fossil-based materials.

The Fit 55 packages of the European Commission have significantly increased the requirement for materials that facilitate low-carbon manufacturing. This has led to a move by car manufacturers to work with material suppliers to invent the next generation of composites specially designed for battery enclosures, body-in-white components, and underbody structures. These new materials not only improve crash resistance and energy absorption but also make vehicle design more flexible.

In February 2025, SGL Carbon declared a partnership with a major German automaker to create continuous carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics for high-volume electric vehicle platforms. Additionally, in May 2025, Flyber started a U.K. composites factory for UAVs, eVTOLs, and advanced mobility platforms. The facility utilizes automated design and out-of-autoclave layup technologies to minimize the time of production, optimize weight, and enhance performance, representing the impact of advanced manufacturing in European mobility markets.

Another factor that plays a key role in this is the automation of composite production. Technologies such as robotic fiber placement, resin transfer molding, and 3D printing have lessened the production costs greatly and have made it possible for more vehicles to use composites, especially those of the middle segment. The trend of focusing on premium sports models is being reversed as most mainstream applications are now looking for ways to use composites in a cost-effective manner.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Composite Applications in Mobility
2. Regulatory Landscape Supporting Lightweighting
3. Role of Composites in Vehicle Electrification
4. Key Materials and Structural Innovations
5. Partnerships and Collaborations among OEMs and Suppliers
6. Advances in Composite Manufacturing Technologies
7. Sustainability and Recycling Initiatives
8. Market Dynamics and Industry Drivers
9. Challenges and Cost Constraints
10. Future Outlook for Automotive Composites in Europe

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