Front-end modules: the end of integration, but not growth

Front-end modules are continuing to win followers in North America and Asia, where penetration has been weak, but the days of ever increasing integration in Europe seem to be over.

Contrary forces are pushing automakers and engineers.• Regulations require pedestrian safety and high speed collision safety.• The insurance industry rewards cars undamaged in parking lot bumps.• Regulations for fuel economy favour smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic cars. • Regulations require cars to be recyclable.• Finance departments demand reduced costs, which is a de facto pressure for more standardisation.• Consumers demand more choices, which is a de facto pressure for fragmentation of the market.