A lower vehicle body structure for a vehicle body defining an interior space
includes
structural elements that extend higher than the lower extent of the interior space.
The structural elements protect the spatial integrity of the interior space by
being sufficiently configured and positioned to receive a load at a point higher
than the lower extent of the interior space from an impact to the vehicle body.
The vehicle body is configured to be matable with a chassis having systems that
are responsive to nonmechanical control signals. A method for advantageously using
pre-engineered lower body structures as a common base for bodies of varying styles,
types, and configurations is also provided.
