Since the first mass-produced V-8 engine hit the roads in 1932 the basics of the internal combustion engine have not really changed all that much. This clearly points to both the staying power of what is a classic piece of engineering design, and how in some fundamental areas an otherwise fast-moving industry is slow to advance. But new materials are constantly evolving―and one area that has attracted increasing interest over the last few years is plastic. From electrical components to body panels and interior features, its use is growing. The percentage of plastics by weight in cars, for example, has doubled from the early 70s to about 15 per cent today.
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