Importance

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Abstract

Improved structural and operational components for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light truck vehicles. A hybrid vehicle structure utilizing structural subframes in the front and rear of the vehicle and a monocoque body structure in the center. A common subframe system is used for the front ends of both the sport utility vehicles and light truck vehicles. In addition, substantially the same subframe system is used for the rear end of the sports utility vehicle. A common suspension system is also used for the front ends of the SUVs and light truck vehicles. The same suspension system is also used for the rear end of the SUV. Use of common components and subsystems create significant savings in tooling and assembly costs. At the same time, the present invention maintains performance characteristics of the SUVs and light truck vehicles comparable to or exceeding the characteristics of SUVs and light truck vehicles in the same class. Triangular support framing structures are also used in the SUVs to provide optimum loading through the roof rail members. A common body structure, preferably a monocoque structure, is used for all of the vehicles from the 'B' pillar forward. With the present invention, existing production plants and tooling can be utilized and the SUVs and light truck structures can be assembled on the same production line.

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First Claim