In a new report, the ACC found that the use of plastics and polymer composites has grown from an average of 20 pounds per car in 1960 to 329 pounds in today's cars, minivans, pickups and SUVs.
Additionally, the ACC said that US companies producing plastic automotive parts directly employ 55,000 people, which then creates an additional 50,000 jobs elsewhere in the economy.
Automotive plastic parts were produced at nearly 16,000 plants located in 45 states last year, the ACC said.
The ACC estimates that plastic materials form approximately 50% of a lightweight vehicle's volume, but only about 8% of the vehicle's weight.
