An Overview of Automotive Plastic Bumpers

Because of federal regulations defining vehicle protection and damage resistance, major changes in design, appearance and materials selection have taken place since 1973 for passenger car bumpers. These bumper protection standards have changed continually over the past 17 years, leading to a wide range of different bumper system designs, utilizing a variety of different plastic and elastomeric materials. This change in bumper system design likely will continue over the next 10 years because of increased emphasis on weight reduction, styling, aerodynamics and cost effectiveness. Truck bumpers (including vans and utility vehicles) have not been regulated for vehicle damage protection and in most cases have not changed significantly in design over the past 20 years. Over the next 10 years it is expected that most segments of the light truck market (particularly vans) will begin to experience bumper performance specifications. This will lead to dramatic changes in truck bumper design, appearance and selection of plastic materials.