The number of vehicles sold annually essentially determines the size of the modified plastics market. The 2025 report card is even thicker than last year’s.

New cars lined up, ready for delivery

Production and sales have exceeded 30 million vehicles for three consecutive years

According to statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, in 2025, cumulative automobile production and sales reached 34.531 million units and 34.40 million units, respectively, up 10.4% and 9.4% year on year, surpassing 30 million units for the third consecutive year. New energy vehicle sales have surpassed 16 million units, ranking first globally for the 11th consecutive year, accounting for 47.9% of total new car sales.

New energy vehicles are the real heavy users of materials

The lightweighting pressure on new energy vehicles is greater than that on gasoline-powered cars; the battery pack housing, cell brackets, wire harness sheathing, and interior trim all require the use of modified plastics. Industry estimates indicate that new-energy vehicles use approximately 165 kilograms of modified plastics per vehicle, which is 35% to 40% more than conventional gasoline-powered cars. The more cars are sold, the more substantial this incremental gain becomes.

Automotive Plastics on the Rise

Data from research institutions also confirm this trend: the global automotive plastics market is projected to exceed RMB 380 billion by 2025, with China accounting for approximately 42%. Plastic usage per bicycle will increase from 150kg in 2020 to 210kg in 2025, with domestic new-energy vehicles exhibiting a plastic penetration rate as high as 65%. Lightweighting has evolved from a nice-to-have feature into a must-have requirement.

A Signal to Materials Companies

Volumes are rising, and so are the standards. Weather resistance, low odor, flame retardancy, and high strength—these performance requirements are becoming increasingly stringent. Material suppliers that can keep pace with automakers will have a relatively comfortable few years ahead.