BUMPER CROSS MEMBER ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

A bumper cross-member assembly (1) for a motor vehicle comprises a profiled bumper cross-member (2) and energy absorption components (3) each connected thereto pointing toward the chassis of the vehicle. Each energy absorption component (3) is manufactured from a front section (4) made of steel pointing toward the bumper cross-member (2) and a rear section (5) made of an aluminum material pointing away from the bumper cross-member (2). The front section (4) is connected to the rear section (5) by a joining connection with welding or brazing filler material, forming a weld bead (11). The rear section (5) comprises a fold formation initialization section (6) extending circumferentially. This is mechanically more compliant than the sections adjacent to it. The fold formation initialization section (6) is arranged between the section of the weld bead (11) on one side and the adjacent sections of the rear section (5) on the other side, wherein the heat input during joining is simultaneously utilized to form the fold formation initialization section (6). Also described is a method for manufacturing such a bumper cross-member assembly.