National Press Release

DALLAS, June 20 /PRNewswire/ -- In a race to reduce fuel consumption and improve financial returns, the automotive industry is rediscovering glass mat thermoplastic (GMT) materials. A novel option in the 1970s and '80s to improve mechanical properties, GMT materials lost favor to advancements in steel during the '90s. Since 2000, GMTs have mounted a comeback, reaffirming their greater design flexibility, impact and corrosion resistance, and higher strength-to-weight ratios compared to metals.

The automotive industry, the core market for glass mat thermoplastic (GMT) composite, provides significant market pressure for innovation and evolution. The need to reduce fuel consumption and to improve profits -- particularly in slow North American and European markets -- has made cost and weight reduction high priorities.

The global GMT market is expected to grow at an estimated 7.0% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the next five years (2008-2013). In 2013, total global GMT material market is estimated to reach over one half billion dollars according to Lucintel. The highest growth will be in the lightweight/low-density reinforced thermoplastic (advanced GMT) material segment. Traditional GMT materials, typically constructed of glass fiber and polypropylene, are expected to grow moderately during the same period. A variety of non-automotive applications as well as new Advanced GMTs are poised for significant growth.

Lucintel's new groundbreaking market study, "Global GMT Market 2008-2013: Trend, Forecast, and Opportunity Analysis," identifies more than a dozen applications and provides in-depth information on the above-mentioned markets where there will be significant annual growth for glass mat thermoplastic composites in the next five years.

This 260-page research report also contains regional market and competitive analyses, trends, forecasts, and profiles of molders and material suppliers to help your company capture the opportunities in this dynamic market.

For a detailed table of contents and pricing information on this timely and insightful report, please contact Sean Lofgren, director of business development, at 972-620-8888 or via email at sean.lofgren@lucintel.com.

About Lucintel

Lucintel is a global market research and management consulting firm providing market assessments, opportunity analysis, new technology/product evaluations, and due diligence services to corporate executives and key decision-makers in a variety of industries, such as composites, plastics, fiber, automotive, aerospace, marine, energy, sporting goods, chemical, pipe, tank, and construction. Over the last 10 years, Lucintel has served over 600 corporations in 70 countries. For further information, visit www.lucintel.com .

SOURCE Lucintel