Caroseria

Caroseria is the term used to describe the body of an automobile—the external shell that defines its shape and provides an enclosure for occupants and components. It includes exterior panels such as the roof, doors, fenders, and trunk or tailgate, as well as the structure to which these parts are attached. In modern automotive terminology, caroseria often refers to the structural system of the vehicle, with unibody construction in most contemporary cars contrasting with traditional body-on-frame designs where the body sits on a separate chassis.

The caroseria serves several functions: it determines the vehicle’s aesthetics and aerodynamics, provides mounting points for doors, windows, and closures, and forms the passenger cell that must absorb energy in a collision. In many vehicles, the caroseria also contributes to stiffness and handling. The distinction between the body and the chassis has evolved, with unibody structures integrating the body and frame into a single load-bearing unit.

Materials and manufacturing have evolved from wooden or steel coachwork on frames to highly engineered press-formed panels joined by welding, adhesives, and bonding. Steel remains dominant for strength and cost, while aluminum, magnesium, and composite materials are increasingly used for weight reduction and performance. The production process typically involves stamping large panels, joining them into a shell, adding redundancies and reinforcements, painting, and final assembly on the production line.

Historically, caroseria evolved from separate carriages built on chassis to the modern unibody approach that underpins most mass-produced vehicles today. This shift improved rigidity, safety, and efficiency, while design flexibility allows a wide range of body styles, from sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs and convertibles.