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Chrysler’s Pickups Stick with Steel
Chrysler Group LLC won't consider a shift from steel to aluminum body panels for its Ram 1500 large pickup until the truck receives a major overhaul early in the next decade, sources tell Reuters.
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Chrysler Group LLC won't consider a shift from steel to aluminum body panels for its Ram 1500 large pickup until the truck receives a major overhaul early in the next decade, sources tell Reuters.
The 1500 will receive a facelift in 2017. But the company is in no rush to join rivals Ford and General Motors in switching to lighter-weight body panels anytime soon. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne told analysts in May that aluminum is better suited for vehicles other than trucks.
Ford began retooling this week to produce its aluminum-intensive 2015 model F-150 pickup. General Motors reportedly will move to aluminum body panels for its trucks in about four years.
Reuters points out that Chrysler's steel-centric plan caters to truck buyers who remain wary of aluminum. The decision also avoids expense and disruption of switching to the lighter metal, at least as long as Chrysler can meet fuel economy standards without it.
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