Aluminum body panels were once reserved for high-dollar sports cars, but the next-generation of Ford ?s F-Series trucks will reportedly use the lightweight material in order to comply with stricter fuel economy regulations.
According to sources familiar with the project, Ford ?s next-generation of F-Series pickup trucks will utilize aluminum for most its body panels, including doors and fenders. The next-generation F-Series ? dubbed P552 ? is scheduled to launch in 2014.
Ford isn?t commenting on the rumors, but the move would keep in line with the company?s overall strategy of reducing vehicle weight by up to 700 pounds by 2019.
?We know our customers, and it?s all about the truck being a tool and they want it to be more productive and more efficient,? says Doug Scott, Ford?s truck marketing manager. ?So we have to keep moving the needle if we want to be king of hill. We?re always looking at all the ways of doing that going forward and we have a great strategy.?
Although aluminum is typically thought of as a more delicate metal than steel, Alcoa spokesman Kevin Lowery notes that the military uses aluminum for a number of its vehicles. Lowery is also quick to point out that aluminum can save costs in other areas of vehicle components.
?When vehicles weigh less you may need a smaller engine, or the brakes you need are going to be different, and that goes throughout the entire vehicle,? he said.
Other truck manufacturers will likely follow in Ford?s footsteps as aluminum use within the auto industry is expected to double by 2025.
References
1.?Ford Puts Pedals?? view
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