Demand for Automotive Fasteners increases as it evolves from a mere commodity to a highly engineered, multi-purpose component

Research and Markets are delighted to announce the addition of Automotive Fasteners: Trends and Market Forecasts to 2007 to their offering

(PRWEB) February 1, 2004 --Despite their apparent design simplicity, fasteners are one of the most misunderstood parts of the vehicle. Selecting the wrong fastener for the job can lead to escalating vehicle warranty costs and potentially disastrous recalls. Indeed fastener failure is ultimately one of the main causes of vehicle recall campaigns in North America and Europe.

The humble fastener has evolved from a mere commodity to a highly engineered, multi-purpose component. While the most common techniques include mechanical fastening such as riveting, threading and welding, chemical fastening methods are increasing in importance.

Growth in the adhesives market is being driven by strong end-user demand and new product developments that enable adhesive compounds to increasingly serve as direct replacements for mechanical fasteners. Increased demand for high performance products that can replace mechanical fasteners and attach plastics, rubber and aluminium components are becoming more prevalent in new cars. The potential use of self-securing or 'snap-fit solutions and the problematic field of bonding painted plastic parts together are also topical. Overall, vehicle makers are looking for more user-friendly fastening systems, which are economical to use.

Vehicle recycling is also a major challenge for the adhesives industry with respect to disassembly. Vehicle makers are looking for adhesives that will cure in seconds, hold that bond for the life of the car and then fall apart on command; a tall order. For all these reasons, the fastener manufacturers relationship with its material suppliers is critical.

This report reviews the key market drivers for vehicle fastener systems. It provides analysis on a number of key areas, including:
-The market for automotive fasteners, determining the trends and topical issues;
-The main manufacturers serving the sector;
-Trends in key product and process technologies, both current and future;
-Market forecasts for mechanical and adhesive fastener volume demand through 2007; and
-OEM trends and rationale in adopting different types of fastening techniques.

Profiles of manufacturers/suppliers:
Emhart
Finnveden
ITW
LISI
Nedschroef
Nifco
Raymond
SPS Technologies
Textron Fastening Systems
TRW Engineered Fasteners
3M

For a complete index of this report click on
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/42955

About Research and Markets Ltd.
Research and Markets Ltd. are Europe's largest resource for market research. R&M distribute thousands of major research publications from the world's leading publishers, consultants and market analysts. R&M provide you with the latest forecasts on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies,
new products and the latest market trends.

For additional information on ResearchandMarkets.com, their range of reports or their value-added services, visit their web site at http://www.researchandmarkets.com or
mailto:press@researchandmarkets.com

###