Style vs. strength

Software helps designers and body engineers get the most in looks and safety.

Body design/styling remains the critical driver for sales, particularly in an era when differentiation is one of the hottest marketing buzzwords. But the drive to improve safety without adding weight is also critical in an era when “safety sells” is another marketing slogan.

The result of these two trends is that designers and engineers need to work closely together to come up with vehicles that meet both objectives. Achieving these goals was never easy but it has become even more difficult since adding mass to improve safety is no longer an option.