In the last few years, computer simulation has been increasingly utilized as a method for seeking optimal body structure and improved occupant protection. Simulations of this type are particularly attractive since they can be used in the early stages of design and substituted for much more costly and time consuming actual vehicle barrier tests. Recently, there has been significant progress in increasing the reliability and accuracy of computer simulation of crashworthiness in various crash modes. These are due to improvement in both computer hardware (more efficient and lower costs) and computational software (computer codes and calculation models). This paper presents results of a computer simulation using finite element analysis for predicting various aspects of crashworthiness. The results of these calculations are in good agreement with experimental observations. Continuing efforts to improve both the computer hardware and computational software should further extend the application of these techniques and result in optimal structural design for specific vehicles.