Which of the following is not an advantage of unitized vehicle design?

Unitized vehicle design is characterized by a construction method where the body and frame are integrated into a single structural unit. This design offers several advantages that enhance the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.

Improved rigidity is one advantage because the integrated structure provides greater strength, minimizing flexing during use and improving handling and stability. Reduced weight is another benefit, as unitized designs typically use materials and configurations that are lighter than traditional body-on-frame designs, contributing to better performance and efficiency. Enhanced fuel efficiency results from the combination of reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, enabling the vehicle to utilize fuel more effectively.

Localized collision damage to components is not an advantage, but rather a characteristic drawback of unitized designs. In the event of a collision, the integrated structure may lead to more extensive repairs, affecting multiple areas of the vehicle as opposed to a body-on-frame design, where damage can often be isolated to the affected parts. Therefore, while unitized vehicle designs bring several benefits pertaining to rigidity, weight, and fuel efficiency, they can complicate repairs by spreading damage across the integrated structure.