Overview of the North American Car Market for Bumper Applications

This paper highlights industry trends in automotive bumpers and offers forcasts for the 1993 time frame. Included are general discussions of the elements of a bumper system (fascia, beam, and energy absorber) and the basic design approaches which can be taken. Also discussed are the materials options available to the bumper engineer. Finally, comments are offered on influences affecting the usage of various bumper designs and materials and the anticipated result of those influences on 1993 model year bumper programs.