Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) materials provide combinations of properties which are of interest in several applications within the transportation industries. Their use in this industrial sector is, however, highly dependent on the simultaneous satisfaction of stringent performance and cost requirements. This is why solidification processing, which provides one of the most versatile and economical production routes for these materials, is the dominant process class used today for the production of MMC materials in this industrial sector. This article provides an overview of applications of MMCs produced by solidification processing in the transportation industries. The two main classes of solidification processes used to produce MMC materials, namely infiltration and stir casting, are briefly described and compared. Next is a review of past and current automotive MMC applications. Specific applications of MMCs are then described and used as "case studies" for a discussion of fundamental and technical issues in MMC solidification processing as it concerns these industries.