Karoseri

Karoseri, also spelled caroserie, is the term used for a company or workshop that designs and constructs the body of a motor vehicle on a supplied chassis. The karoseristi are responsible for the exterior shell, passenger or cargo compartment, doors, windows, interior fittings, and often the electrical and climate control installations tailored to the vehicle’s purpose. The chassis and powertrain are provided by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or another supplier, and the karoseri ensures compatibility, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Typical products include bus and coach bodies, truck and van bodies, ambulances, and other specialized vehicles. A karoseri may undertake complete customization, from industrial design and engineering to final assembly, testing, painting, and finishing. Materials commonly used include aluminum for lightness, steel for strength, and composite panels for façades, with traditional riveted or welded constructions and modern bonded assemblies.

The work involves design optimization for aerodynamics, weight, strength, and passenger comfort; installation of seating, flooring, climate control, illumination, and accessibility features. The relationship between karoseris and chassis manufacturers varies by market; some are independent contractors serving multiple clients, while others are part of a larger OEM network.

Historically, body-building emerged as an early specialization in the automotive industry, evolving from wooden bodies to steel and aluminum constructions, contributing to standardized bus and truck bodies that could be mounted on various chassis.