Vehicle Types and Body Style

This chapter provides descriptions of vehicle types and their body styles. The road vehicles can be classified by a number of characteristics (e.g., construction type, size, weight, exterior appearance, number of passengers, seating rows) and use (passenger cars, trucks, vans, buses). The trucks are further classified into light, medium, and heavy trucks. Some vehicles can be also classified into special purpose vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, tankers, car haulers, and so forth. Most of the truck products and truck-based special purpose vehicles are not completely produced by the auto manufacturers. For example, most multi-passenger vans and buses and heavy trucks are produced first as incomplete vehicles rolling chassis and special body-builders custom make bodies to meet special needs of these special purpose vehicles. Most passenger vehicles are constructed as unibody vehicles consisting of their frames and bodies integrated as one single unit onto which body panels are attached. The body-on-frame typically is used for medium and heavy trucks, and it consists of dual side beams and crossbars that connect them, roughly resembling a ladder. The engine, transmission, driveline, and suspensions are mounted directly on the frame.