The objective of the P2000 body structure design was to provide a body structure with 50% of the mass of current mid-size production vehicles while maintaining all the safety, durability, NVH and other functional attributes. In addition, the design was to be consistent with the PNGV affordability objectives and high volume production by 2005.
This paper describes the P2000 body structure including the structural philosophy, project constraints on the design, manufacturing processes, supporting analyses, assembly processes and unique material and design concepts which resulted in the 50% weight reduction from comparable production vehicles.