Dezvoltarea caroseriilor de automobil se manivesta pe doua directii interconectate: arhitectura-structura si materiale. Sunt urmarite cateva obiective: reducerea consumului de combustibil prin reducerea greutatii, reducerea costurilor automobilului si asigurarea securitatii in exploatare. In toate cazurile rolul principal il joaca materialele utilizate si, in special, materialele caroseriei. Pot fi mentionate dezvoltari impresionante a otelurilor, aliajelor de aluminiu, aliajelor de magneziu, materialelor compozite. Optimizarile structurale si de utilizare a materialelor se fac in cadrul multiplelor programe internationale sustinute in masura egala de producatorii de automobile si de producatorii de materiale.
The development of automobile bodies manifests itself in two interconnected directions: architecture-structure and materials. Several objectives are pursued: reducing fuel consumption by reducing weight, reducing car costs and ensuring operational safety. In all cases, the main role is played by the materials used and, in particular, the body materials. Impressive developments of steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, composite materials are mentioned. The structural optimizations and the use of materials are done within the framework of multiple international programs supported equally by car manufacturers and material manufacturers.