Structural member for automobile, and method for manufacturing same

A structural member (2) for an automobile is composed of a first configuration member (12) and a second configuration member (13) and has a closed cross-sectional shape. The first configuration member (12) has vertical wall sections (12c), bend sections (12b), and inward facing flanges (12a). The first configuration member (12) also has load transmission sections (20) which are formed between the second configuration member (13) and the bend sections (12b), in at least portions of regions formed by extending the vertical wall sections (12c) toward the second configuration member (13), and which join the bend sections (12b) and the second configuration member (13). Consequently, bending and crushing strength is improved.