SWOT Analysis Concerning the Use of Nanomaterials in the Automotive Sector

Objectives of the SWOT analysis
This study has the objective to give an overview on the use of nanomaterials in the automotive sector and has not the goal to be exhaustive. It will give to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) the possibility to have a concise description of the development in this sector. For this reason no scientific detail and technological explanation are presented. Four main aspects of the industrial branch will be described in the SWOT analysis. The “Strengths” and “Weaknesses” will give information on the actual State of the Art concerning the use of nanomaterials and the “Opportunities” and “Threats” will describe future Trends and Vision in the industrial sector.

In order to give precision about the definition of the terms “Strengths”, “Weaknesses” “Opportunities” and “Threats” in relation to the project NanoRoadSME, specific questions were defined for each of the four aspects.

Actual industrial state of the art
Strengths – Which nanomaterials are presently industrially used in the corresponding sector? What are their technological and socio-economic advantages?
Weaknesses – What are the actual technological and socio-economic barriers to be overcome concerning products and applications in the corresponding sector?

Trends and vision in the sector
Opportunities – How can R&D opportunities in nanomaterials (new development of nanomaterials, scientific breakthroughs) solve the existing problems and improve the existing weaknesses of products?
Threats – What are the threats/risks linked with the new opportunities; technological, market and socio-economic risks?

Overview on the automotive sector
The automotive industry is torn between trying to reduce costs on the one hand and, on the other, dealing with the high price of performance-enhancing technology and environmental compliance. Key drivers in the automotive industry are:

• Reduced air pollution
• Reduction of weight
• Recyclability
• Safety
• Better performance and engine efficiency (fuel saving)
• Aesthetics
• Longer service life

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