In order to protect pedestrians in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle, a bodyshell element forming a hood or trunk lid has at least one edge area with an outer part isolated from a support structure, in such a way that the outer part creates an energy-absorbing zone in front of the support structure part as a means of protection in a collision.
A grille and bonnet assembly is mounted at the forward end of an automotive vehicle. The bonnet is formed with a leading edge and a trailing edge with the leading edge positioned above or at an upper edge of the grille during normal operation of the automotive vehicle when the bonnet is closed. The grille and bonnet are designed with corresponding inclined surfaces that are located relative to each other such that a force greater than a predetermined value transmitted from the bonnet to the grille forces at least the upper part of the grille to move forwardly so as to allow the bonnet to move downwardly. Such yielding movement of the grille and bonnet can reduce injuries in the event of an impact between a pedestrian and the bonnet of the automotive vehicle.
