Mexican Media Brands
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.
#aluminum
Share
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.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Karma from California
Chances are, you (like me) missed the 2017 U.S. Open Polo Championship broadcast.
-
Jaguar Land Rover & the Globalization of Auto
If you want a sense of the nature of the global nature of this business, consider last week’s announcement from Jaguar Land Rover.
-
Jeep Goes Gladiator
According to Tim Kuniskis, Head of Jeep Brand-North America, Jeep is the most-recognized vehicle on the planet, and while he is probably more than somewhat biased in this assessment, he is also probably right.