Steel Markets
January 16, 2018
New Multi-Material Pickups Star at Auto Show
Written by Tim Triplett
When Ford surprised the market by introducing an aluminum-bodied F-150 in 2014, cutting the pickup’s weight by a dramatic 700 pounds, many assumed its rivals would have to follow suit to keep pace with the fuel economy savings. Instead, they decided to wait and see if the truck would perform as promised and if it would be accepted by the many picky pickup-loving consumers. Chevrolet and Fiat Chrysler apparently have made up their minds. Their new models, revealed at the North American International Auto Show this week in Detroit, are garnering a lot of attention, but not particularly for their use of aluminum.
Chevy’s much-hyped 2019 Silverado pickup reportedly weighs 450 pounds less than past models, thanks in large part to its use of high-strength steels. The new model has a roll-formed high-strength steel bed that is seven inches wider and one inch longer than the current truck.
