Abstract: A panel member is disclosed for an automotive vehicle. The panel member is disposed on the underside of the vehicle in a spaced relation to the roadway and includes a first constricted portion in front of the front wheel, and a second constricted portion behind the rear wheel. The constricted portions provide first and second constricted spaces between the panel member and the roadway. The panel member also includes boundary element portions which are disposed along the longitudinal sides of the panel member, generally between the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. The boundary element portions cooperate with the panel member to form an air duct. The panel member is formed to provide an essentially smooth surface and to cover parts of the chassis such as axles, control arms, or the like.

Abstract: A support system for the body of a motor vehicle, especially a passenger car, is constructed as at least part of a fender, extending between one of the walls of the passenger compartment and one end part of the vehicle. The support system comprises an inner wall component and an outer wall component which are relatively equally subdivided into forward and rear sections along their length. The forward section and rear section of the support system meet in an area at which chassis-connection elements are located and together the wall components define strengthening and force-absorbing structures which extend in a vehicle longitudinal direction, the structures being constructed so as to be less resistant to deformation in the forward section than in the rear section. In accordance with a preferred embodiment the structures comprise at least two superposed, substantially parallel frame-like members.