Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel support structure is provided having fixing and mounting surfaces linked together by ribs in an open space frame structure. The ribs are sized, shaped and positioned to create critical load paths and eliminate the outer skin of the instrument panel support structure. Magnesium alloy material is only placed where it is needed for structure and function. The functionality of the vehicle instrument panel support structure is maintained as are the stiffness and crashworthiness when compared to the traditional design, but the weight of the instrument panel structure and the projected area are reduced. A method of designing an instrument panel support structure using a computer aided engineering platform is also provided.