Market Overview Elastomers are materials which are made of polymers that are joined by chemical bonds, acquiring a final slightly cross-linked structure. Elastomers are any rubbery material composed of long chainlike molecules, or polymers, that are capable of recovering their original shape after being stretched to great extents—hence the name elastomer has been derived from "elastic polymer." Automotive elastomers are the elastomers used for manufacturing different automotive parts. The global automotive elastomers market is expected to witness considerable growth due to the increasing demand for high efficiency vehicles and growing automotive industry. Automotive Elastomers Market Analysis Under normal conditions, the long molecules making up an elastomeric material are irregularly coiled; however, with the application of force, the molecules straighten out in the direction in which they are being pulled. Upon release, the molecules spontaneously return to their normal compact and random arrangement. Elastomer rubber compounds are made from five to ten ingredients, each ingredient playing a specific role. Polymer is the main component and determines heat and chemical resistance as well as low-temperature performance. Elastomers are integrated with reinforcing filler (carbon black) for strength properties and plasticizer for improving low-temperature properties. Other ingredients include anti-oxidants, release package, scorch retarder, curative and an accelerator. In terms of value, thermoplastic automotive elastomers, which include styrene block co-polymer (SBC), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), co-polyester ether (COPE), and polyether block amide (PEBA), held larger share than synthetic automotive elastomers in the global automotive elastomers market in 2015. In terms of volume, synthetic automotive elastomers, which include styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), silicone rubber, chloroprene rubber (CR) and fluoroelastomers held larger share than thermoplastic automotive elastomers in the global automotive elastomers market in 2015. Synthetic elastomers are artificially-manufactured polymers that are synthesized from petroleum by-products. Synthetic automotive elastomers are capable of handling high and low temperatures, bearing contact with fluids of various types (including at high pressures), and aggressive or corrosive environments. Market Dynamics The global automotive elastomers market was valued at $10,015.2 million in 2015, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period (2016 – 2022). High emphasis on lightweight materials, stringent emission regulations, increasing demand for high-efficiency vehicles, and growth in automotive industry are the major factors driving the growth of the global automotive elastomers market. The global automotive elastomers market faces challenges such as price volatility and lack of balance between automotive elastomers performance and cost.