Method for producing structural components from heat treatable aluminum alloys based on extruded material, in particular AA 6xxx series alloys, the components having improved crush properties and being particular applicable in crash zones of vehicles, such as longitudinals and crash boxes, the method including the following steps: a. casting a billet from said alloy by DC casting, b. homogenizing the cast billet, c. forming a profile from the billet by extrusion, preferably a hollow section d. optionally, separate solution heat treatment, e. quenching the profile down to room temperature after the forming step and the possible separate solutionising step, f. stretching the extruded or the separate solutionised profile to obtain at least 1.5% plastic deformation, g. artificially ageing the profile.