Ford starts production of new aluminum F-150 - USA TODAY
(AP) — It's Ford Motor Co. 's biggest bet in decades: an aluminum-sided F-150 that could set a new industry standard — or cost the company its pickup truck crown. Ford was scheduled to start production of the 2015 F-150 Tuesday at its Dearborn Truck Plant, four miles from the company's headquarters. Ford thinks a truck that is lighter and more fuel efficient, but even more capable, will win buyers while its competitors struggle to catch up. Aluminum — which is lighter than steel but just as strong — isn't new to the auto industry, but this is... Ford made 647,697 F-150 pickups at its two U. S. plants last year. Any quality problems, production hiccups or customer doubts about aluminum could slow sales and hurt Ford's bottom line. Morgan Stanley estimates F-Series trucks account for 90% of Ford's global automotive profit. TEST DRIVE: Wringing out Ford's newest truck. The new truck has been through 10 million miles of testing, which is more than any other vehicle in Ford's history, he says. If Ford's bet pays off, it could gain an even more commanding lead in the lucrative truck market. More importantly, aluminum "future proofs" the truck — and the company — in an era of rising fuel economy standards, says Karl Brauer, a senior analyst. Source: www.usatoday.com
