Abstract: A cross member for vehicles is constructed as an extruded hollow profile. In order to create a cross member which, in the event of a deformation, has a controlled deformation behavior while simultaneously the energy absorption is good, at least two impact surfaces are provided on the cross member and the impact surfaces are supported by way of webs arranged in pairs with respect to the remaining cross-section of the cross member. The webs assigned to one impact surface are in each case set in the same direction diagonally with respect to the impact direction. In contrast, the setting directions for different impact surfaces are selected in the opposite direction.