ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the general principles involved in how cars and light commercial vehicles are made. Front end construction—the main purpose of the front end is to locate the engine, the gearbox and the front suspension. The type of construction depends on the drive layout of the vehicle. Location—the vehicle information code plate is usually riveted on the scuttle inside the engine compartment. The development of the motor vehicle fits into a timeline stretching over 300 years. The vehicle developed alongside other products and technology. Just as you might go to a trade show and buy a new tool, then discover that it'll work for another purpose, car designers do the same. The First World War led to car chassis being adapted to carry big machine guns and the design of battle tanks and other armoured vehicles.
