CRU, the global commodities experts, today launches the Automotive Materials Service, a multi-commodity, quarterly service analysing material demand, intensities and the trends that are reshaping the automotive industry.
The new offer responds directly to client demand for deeper, data-driven insight into how regulatory, technological and material innovations will transform material use and substitution across the value chain.
The service provides metals producers and fabricators, automotive suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) the insight needed for more informed production planning, purchasing strategies and long-term investment decisions. Crucially, it creates a clearer connection between raw materials and automotive manufacturing.
Matthew Perlman, Senior Innovation Manager at CRU, comments:
“There is a missing link between the raw materials industry and the automotive sector. As electrification and innovation accelerate, understanding how material demand is shifting is no longer optional – planning for the future requires constant focus. This new service bridges that gap, enabling our clients to anticipate trends like megacasting, lightweighting, and emissions-driven design changes so they can make better strategic decisions.”
The pace of change in automotive manufacturing is unmatched, reshaping material demand in entirely new ways. EVs are heavier, prompting carmakers to pursue lightweighting strategies through new alloys, formats and manufacturing processes. Meanwhile, regulatory changes, such as emissions targets and tariffs, are reshaping OEM decisions on materials sourcing.
David Leah, Senior Automotive Analyst, comments:
“Ever-changing regulations and rapid innovation in technology and materials are reshaping OEM strategies. As a result, metals producers are seeking greater certainty and visibility. At the same time, OEMs are increasingly focused on benchmarking materials and understanding regulatory impacts to remain competitive and compliant. The Automotive Materials Service provides a bridge between material-specific insights and broader market evolution, helping both better plan for future demand, opportunities, and threats.”
The data and analysis behind this service are built on CRU’s longstanding expertise in metals and the service integrates with existing commodity outlooks. The result is an interlinked, future-facing view of the entire automotive materials ecosystem.
For more information, download a brochure here.
