Automotive adhesives and sealants are the products, which help the automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) bond different substrate of metal, hence eliminating the need for welding and mechanical rivets. Adhesives and sealants are new in the automotive industry, with welding and mechanical riveting being the major technologies utilized currently. However, adhesives and sealants are making strong inroads in the industry, as the OEMs identify the benefits of materials and related cost savings, which can be achieved by using the same. The current levels of usage of these materials range from 30 pounds to 40 pounds per vehicle (13.6 kg to 18.0 kg).
The vehicles safety standards and regulations are becoming stringent across the globe. The increasing awareness of consumers regarding safety aspects of vehicles are resulting in increasing usage of various types of safety equipment. EURO NCAP is one of the organizations composed of seven governments, which provides an independent assessment of the car safety level for the cars sold in Europe. The increasing vigilance by such organization is another factor, which is forcing the automotive manufacturers to focus on car safety. The use of adhesive and sealants in a vehicle provides integrity to the bonnet and boot. Moreover, adhesives are capable of absorbing impact of any head-on collision. Mastics are rubber compounds that are used in non-structural application areas during the body in white stage and help to fill up empty zone in a vehicle, which aids in shock absorption leading to increase in passenger’s safety. These factors are anticipated to increase the demand of adhesive and sealants in the coming years.
Geographically, North America was the third largest market in the global automotive adhesive and sealant market after Asia-Pacific and Europe, in 2014. The consumption of adhesives and sealants volume per vehicle is the second largest globally behind Europe. All major OEMs in the region, such as Ford Motor Company and General Motor Company are incorporating more untraditional substrates into their vehicles, hence, requiring more adhesives and sealants volume. For instance, F150, a recent offering from Ford, utilizes aluminum for its BIW, hence needing adhesives for bonding needs.
The key companies operating in the global automotive adhesive & sealants market include Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Dow Chemical Co., Kommerling, PPG Industries, Inc., 3M Company, Sika AG and Permatex, Krayden Inc.