The Light Truck Structure (LTS) study was commissioned by the Automotive Applications Committee (AAC) of American Iron and Steel Institute. The study was undertaken to demonstrate ways to optimize steel in automotive manufacturing, while cutting costs, reducing weight, creating manufacturing efficiencies and improving performance and safety. The design, engineering and analysis of LTS were conducted by Porsche Engineering Services, Inc. (PES) in Troy, Michigan. The program called for PES to:

• design a structurally efficient sport utility vehicle (SUV) base that could also be used in the production of standard and extended cab compact truck variants;

• achieve maximum cost savings for weight reduction;

• enable truck and project planners to build in options and variants.
  

The program uses current steel manufacturing processes and satisfies today’s car crash test standards. It features a modular design approach and uses suspension concepts that complement the structure. It also offers a significant weight reduction that is achieved through intelligent design.