One objective of the project "Austrian Light Weight Structures (ALWS)" is a basic study of production, modelling and validation of roll bonded composites of AA6xxx-automotive alloy and IF-steel. In this context, the influence of surface preparation, pre-heating temperature of aluminium and steel sheet, and post-heat treatment on the bond strength of the composites is analysed by shear tests and reverse bend tests. Furthermore, the interface region is investigated by micro-hardness tests and metallographic observations.