Process for the production of a composite article, especially a bodywork component

A composite part is manufactured by positioning a decoration negative (18) on an inner wall (16) of a tool; pressing a foil (10) against the inner wall and the decoration negative to plastically deform the foil and applying a backing layer to the foil. The decoration negative leaves an embossed portion in the foil due to the pressing step. Independent claims are also included for: (A) a composite part for a vehicle body comprising a foil formed from thermoplastic or metal, wherein the foil has an embossed portion where the foil was plastically deformed by a decoration negative; and a backing layer disposed on the foil formed from foamed plastic and/or an injection molded plastic; and (B) a foil for a composite part of a vehicle body comprising a main portion generally extending in a first plane; and an embossed portion.