Composites play a critical role in the automotive industry, enabling the all important weight reduction while retaining mechanical strength. Composites are also starting to play functional roles in automobiles, while providing advantages in manufacturing efficiency and environmental friendliness. The requirement for lower weight, fuel efficiency and reduced emissions are driving the growing trend towards polymer composites in the automotive industry. This newsletter focuses on new developments in composite materials for the automotive industry as well as advances in processing and manufacturing of these composite materials.