Increasing awareness of the potential of advanced composites for primary load bearing components and chassis parts in vehicle construction has led engineers worldwide to various projects, such as the Ford carbon car, the Auto 2000 programmes (Volkswagen), the Polimotor composite engine, etc., some of which are highlighted in this overview, including design and prototype manufacturing methods and test results. The obstacles to more widespread use of advanced composites in the automotive industry are discussed and the potential for exploiting their unique properties and possible directions for future research are indicated.
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