While cars have evolved a lot since the Model T days, today there is still wide use of several prime materials which make up the bulk of today’s cars. Our brief overview below will examine these commonly mass produced materials and their respective uses.


  • Steel
    • According to one New York Times article, steel remains the "mainstay of mass-produced automobiles." Modern autos, which are made up of 60% steel in body weight, still make steel big business for automotive makers. However, unlike the Ford Model T, steel used today is more advanced and stronger as opposed to older model autos. Typically, today’s autos have up to 12 different strengths and grades, making them more secure and safe.

  • Aluminum
    •  In their never ending search to find ways to lighten autos, automakers still adhere to the use of aluminum. In fact, this is the prime material of choice when desiring to replace steel. Leading the pack of aluminum users are Honda and BMW. One Motor Authority article stated that Honda and BMW autos carry approximately 340 pounds of aluminum. This material, mostly commonly used in hoods, engine block and wheels, is predicted to reach 9.4% of the auto’s weight by the year 2020.
     
  • Plastic
    •  Today, autos are fully loaded with plastic car seats, dashboards, side paneling and/or bumpers. Representing more than 7.6% of an auto’s prime bulk material used, the typical automobile today contains about 260 pounds of plastic. Plastic is said to reduce an auto’s weight and aid in fuel economy.

  • Glass
    •  Used primarily in windshields and windows, this sturdy, yet fragile material is among the most expensive to replace. Acting as a shield, it offers protection against the elements, as well as against flying projectiles and bugs on open highways. Generally, auto body and glass repair shops use polyurethane as prime bonding agent.

  • Rubber
    •  Today, this bulk material is found mostly on tires and hoses of autos. While rubber for tires was originally grown on huge plantations in places such as Brazil and Southeastern Asia, their market has been considerably reduced. Today, with the introduction of a variety of natural/synthetic compounds, the natural rubber tire demand has been diminished. 

    Today, with the exception of plastic/vinyl, autos are made up of basically the same materials as those of yesteryear. However, many times the grading and strength of the materials have been the determining factor for the costs in auto production.


    6 comments