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In the analysis of automotive structures using finite element models, areas of stress concentration are often uncovered. The calculated linear stress at these locations may exceed the yield strength of the material. In these situations, the analyst is confronted with the choice of making a nonlinear analysis of the structure or using an approximate technique to predict nonlinear strains. The former can be excessively expensive while the latter can lead to results of questionable accuracy. This paper will discuss a technique which substantially reduces the cost of the nonlinear analysis of complex structures with areas of localized plasticity. The basis of the technique is the substructuring of the localized plasticity areas. They are identified and disconnected from the linear elastic part of the model by boundary points.