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
-
Aluminum Sheet for EV Battery Enclosure
As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) is about to increase almost exponentially, aluminum supplier Novelis is preparing to provide customers with protective solutions
-
Jaguar XE Uses Recycled Aluminum
The 2017 Jaguar XE is the first model that’s based on the new JLR modular vehicle architecture, which will serve as the underpinning for several future models.
-
On Propulsion, Security, Sustainability and more
MAHLE sees hybrids continuing, Dodge has software to protect SRT models, Jenson Button is developing vehicles at a race track in Arizona, Audi is using green aluminum, BMW is investing in green steel, Mercedes is reducing its production emissions footprint, Bentley builds its 200,000th, and Sonata N Line impressions