Ford first switched to an aluminum body for its current F-Series models and is doubling down on that bet with the debut of the 2017 F-Series Super Duty pickup.
This Super Duty model will forego a steel body for one made of a lighter aluminum alloy, though the frame will still use the higher-strength steel.
“While Super Duty is America’s best-selling heavy-duty truck, we never take our leadership for granted,” said Raj Nair, chief technical officer for Ford. “Our team is using relentless innovation in materials, technology and Built Ford Tough engineering.”
The switchover to an aluminum body for the current models required additional downtime at two factories, but Ford (F) officials say that won’t be necessary for the Super Duty model. The Kentucky factory where the Super Duty trucks are produced has a new body shop that can output the new models while phasing out production of the 2016 models at the same time, reported USA Today.