Ford has unveiled its Lightweight Concept vehicle, one that explores weight-reduction solutions using advanced materials which can improve performance and fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
The company has been researching affordable sustainable technology solutions that can be mass-produced across the product line-up. It has led to weight reductions of up to 700 pounds in the new F-150.
'Light-weighting' is a major part of Ford's Blueprint for Sustainability. It is fundamental to Ford's efforts to stabilise carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere at 450 parts per million – the level believed by scientists, businesses and governmental agencies to avoid the most serious effects of climate change.
The Lightweight Concept vehicle applies aluminium, ultra-high-strength steels, magnesium and carbon fibre.
“Our goal was to investigate how to design and build a mixed-materials, lightweight vehicle that could potentially be produced in high volume, while providing the same level of safety, durability and toughness as our vehicles on the road today,” said Matt Zaluzec, Ford technical leader, Global Materials and Manufacturing Research.
“There's not a one-size-fits-all approach to light-weighting. The Lightweight Concept gives us the platform to continue to explore the right mix of materials and applications for future vehicles.”