A method of assembling a motor-vehicle bodywork element such as a door, a hatch, or a bonnet

In order to assemble a motor-vehicle bodywork element such as a door, a hatch or a bonnet, the peripheral margins (3a-3d) of an outer metal covering panel (1) are juxtaposed against the peripheral margins (4a-4d) of an inner metal framework panel (2), after which the peripheral margins (3a-3d, 4a-4d) of the two panels (1, 2) are joined together by laser welding (A).