Ford's Epic Gamble

I'm all for innovation. But, as usual, I'll wait a couple of model years before I jump in.

I'm selfish. I'll let others do the real life on the road testing for me.
(let us not forget the early 6.0)

There was an article that almost all trucks will be aluminum by 2025. So its just a beginning trend. BUT, some of the larger OTR road trucks have been aluminum made for some years. My BIL, a logger had bought 1 from a outfit in Ore or north ca, said it was ok, but the issue of weight on the roadway is why they were made. I dont remember what he did with it, but I think it did not last in the woods for very long.

Both points are valid; aluminum cars are not new, but have never been produced on the scale of the f-150.


The article deals with the many obstacles Ford had to consider, like public perception; will it be perceived as weaker than the old F-150? Will they even be able to get enough aluminum? Will the manufacturing process work? The stakes are extremely high on this move and that's really the point of the article. It's a long read but very interesting IMO.

Weight translates to less MPG, thus Ford is trying to cut some weight in there trucks to attain this goal. But aluminum car bodies have been used for years is the auto industry, notably in Europe.
But when they are involved in accidents, that is where the problem might be. US auto repair shops are not accustomed to working on aluminum body parts.

An all aluminum vehicle is nothing new really just new for the F-150. My understanding is this is not your ordinary aluminum also so I think it will do fine. The Superduty will follow not to long after.