What does the term "unibody" refer to in auto body construction?

The term "unibody" refers to a construction style in which the body and frame of a vehicle are integrated into a single continuous structure. This design enhances strength and provides weight efficiency, as the absence of a separate frame reduces the overall weight of the vehicle while maintaining structural integrity. In a unibody construction, the different components of the vehicle's body are interconnected, which helps distribute stresses and improves safety during collisions.

This approach differs significantly from traditional frame-and-body constructions, where the body is mounted onto a separate frame. Unibody design is prevalent in modern automobile manufacturing, particularly in cars and crossovers, as it allows for more innovative designs and better fuel efficiency. The integration also simplifies manufacturing processes and enhances crashworthiness, benefiting safety in case of impacts.