Auto Makers to Expand Use of Carbon Fiber

PARIS – Move over aluminum, carbon fiber cars finally could be coming of age.

Zoltek Corp. this month announces an impressive expansion of its carbon fiber factory in Hungary, from 800 tons (726 t) annually to 8,000 tons (7,257 t) in 2009. It is the fourth producer in the last six months to announce capacity expansions.

Industry leaders Toray Industries Ltd. and the Mitsubishi Rayon Group of Japan and Hexcel Corp. of the U.S. all are in the process of adding capacity for ...