According to news reports Thursday, Ford Motor Co. is planning to replace many of the steel components in its F-150 pickup truck with aluminum components in an effort to improve fuel efficiency.
The F-150, which is the company’s best-selling and most profitable vehicle, will lose 400 lbs. in the switch, according to automotive trade press and a CNN report (Ford has not officially announced its plans).
Along with other streamlining efforts, the new version of the truck will increase its fuel efficiency to 30 miles per gallon, compared to the 17-19 mpg of current models. However, the aluminum parts will add about $800 to the cost of production. Reportedly, the truck’s frame and cargo bed will remain steel.