Model Flexibility and Part Integration Concept for Next Generation PickUp and SUV Frames

Pickup truck frame designs can be customized to meet customers' desired model variations, including wheelbase, engine and transmission type, cab and box configuration, without sacrificing either performance or ease of manufacture. The pickup truck frame described is an innovative design that combines state of the art technologies to provide a high-end solution for Original Equipment Manufacturers who seek flexible, optimized and differentiated products. The solution combines adhesive bonding, cast iron and tubular components. This integrated solution is the result of a design iteration derived from internally-developed methodology, this new structure concept is named X-Structure, where “X” means Any Function (Body and Load Carrier, Crash Absorber, etc.) and “Structure” any structural solution (Frame, Engine Cradle, Control Arm, etc.). A patent as been applied for based on the novelty of the concept.