Automotive modular developments

Engineers from Plastic Omnium Auto Exterieur and Inoplastic Omnium discuss design considerations for front-end module and plastic tailgate concepts.

Automaker and supplier goals to reduce development and production cost, assembly time, reparability and maintenance cost, and weight while increasing production-line flexibility are evidenced by the increasing use of a modular front-end architecture as well as the growing interest in plastic tailgates. A front-end module (FEM) can encompass many functions, be assembled in a single step on the car, and provide cost savings. FEM designs depend greatly on the particular automakers' specifications, assembly plants, and technological culture.

Engineers have been developing FEM concepts on various vehicles since the mid-eighties. These concepts have the potential to be generalized on many platforms. The new standards for impact performance, the increase in variety for the final customer, and the development of multi-vehicle platforms have all contributed to the popularization of FEMs.