Carrosserie

Carrosserie is the term used in automotive contexts to describe the body of a vehicle—the external skin and structural framework that defines its shape, houses occupants, and influences safety and performance. It encompasses the panels, doors, roof, fenders, and the bodyshell, whether built as a separate component or integrated with the chassis. In modern practice, cars predominantly use a unibody (or monocoque) design in which the body and frame form a single load-bearing structure; some trucks and specialized vehicles use a body-on-frame arrangement, with the body mounted on a separate chassis.

Materials and construction vary by purpose and era. Common materials include steel, aluminum, and increasingly composite materials such as carbon fiber for high-end or performance applications. High-strength steels and lightweight alloys are used to improve safety and efficiency. The carrosserie is protected by coatings, primers, and paint to resist corrosion and wear. Design also considers aesthetics, aerodynamics, and manufacturability, balancing visual appeal with functional goals.

Manufacturing involves stamping large sheets into panels, joining them through welding, riveting, or adhesive bonding, and assembling doors, hoods, and other components to form the bodyshell. The process then moves to the body-in-white stage, followed by surface finishing, painting, and the integration of interior trim, electronics, and driveline components.

Key design considerations include crash safety (crumple zones and energy absorption), pedestrian protection, aerodynamic efficiency, weight management, and compliance with regional safety and emissions regulations. The carrosserie thus plays a central role in a vehicle’s safety, performance, and identity.