Amid the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry toward lightweighting, energy efficiency, and sustainability, materials innovation has emerged as a core driver of progress. Thermoplastic polymer materials—prized for their light weight, ease of processing, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness—are progressively replacing traditional metals. They are now extensively deployed across automotive bodies, interior and exterior trims, and functional components, serving as a critical enabler of industry upgrading.

Drawing on current industry research hotspots, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of thermoplastic polymer materials in automotive applications. It examines the current state of research, highlights core advantages, reviews mainstream material categories, and outlines future development trends—offering practical insights for industry professionals and researchers alike.