It seems like the the experts don't really know how good or bad auto sales are going to go this year, however, most agree that they will be 2-4% lower than last year overall.  This affects the plastics machinery market considerably as car manufacturers continue to find innovate ways to use plastic in their vehicles.  Large injection molding machines are used to make entire car panels and vertical/insert molders are used to make electrical components and parts.  Liquid Silicone Rubber Thermoset machines are great for high heat parts and electric resistant parts. There are thousands of variations of parts in cars that are made from plastic and that's good for our industry, as long as the automotive market does well.   

Bill Wood from Plastics News gave his opinion about the market recently and it can be found HERE