Continuous wave C $O_{2}$ laser beam welding and formability of zinc coated steel plates were investigated. First, the optimal welding condition could be obtained in lap configuration by using the data for heat input, gap size and fracture behaviour. The gap size for fully-penetrated bead could be predicted by the gap model by Akhter et al. AIso, it was found that the joining efficiency was constant. Secondly, the butt welding of dissimilar materials (zinc coated steel plate and cold rolled steel plate) with different thicknesses was investigated. In the thickness range of 0.8-2.0 mm, the maximum welding speed of 10m/min was obtained. In the butt welding of two plates with thickness 2.0 mm and l.6mm, the maximum, welding speed of 6m/min was obtained, Finally. the forming results of butt-welded plates showed that the joining design was important to apply the laser welded blank in the automotive production.