Volkswagen Passat '97, User Manual

Page: 13 / 122

13
The Rear Bumpers
Repairing damage to the rear bumpers
previously involved expensive repair and
welding work, even after minor accidents.
The bumpers on the Passat ‘97 have the
capacity to absorb so much energy during a
low-speed rear collision that only plastic parts
have to be replaced.
Time-consuming welding work is no longer
necessary.
High-strength Panels
High-strength panels are used to produce a
body with greater stability and strength and
therefore to provide more safety for the
vehicle occupants.
They also substantially reduce the weight of
the body-in-white.
As you can see, the high-strength steel com-
ponents in the front section of the vehicle
create a cage-type structure to protect the
vehicle occupants.
The wings are also manufactured from high-
strength steel.
Advantages:
- Less weight
- Greater resistance to buckling
- Higher strength
191/61
High-strength panels
Adhesive joints
Laser-welded
Mash seam welded
191/46
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