ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR JOINING VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURES

A vehicle structure assembly, including: a first component including a hem structure defining an internal space disposed along an outer edge thereof; and a second component including one of an outer edge and a corresponding hem structure defining a corresponding internal space, wherein the one of the outer edge and the corresponding hem structure defining the corresponding internal space of the second component is adapted to securely engage the hem structure defining the internal space of the first component, thereby joining the second component to the first component. The first component includes a planar body portion and the hem structure includes a retaining arm or flap structure disposed substantially parallel to the planar body portion, wherein the retaining arm or flap structure and the planar body portion are integrally formed and collectively define the internal space.