Vehicle body structure with a curved side pillar

A side or B-pillar 14 for an automobile 12 includes lower, middle and upper portions 16, 40 and 20. The middle portion 40 is disposed generally inwardly to create a void 42 between the upper portion 20 and an upper part 36 of an adjacent door 32 thereby increasing visibility. The B-pillar 14 is connected to an upper portion of a seat 26 by a support arm 52 to assist in the absorption of energy in the event of an impact.