You can’t stop the aluminum momentum, you can only hope to contain it. At least, that’s probably what various materials manufacturers are thinking when it comes to the latest news out of Ford. The F-150’s aluminum body has been in the works for several years now, and it’s logical to think that Ford has explored other avenues for integrating this MPG-friendly metal. However, Edmunds has grabbed word that Ford’s 2015 lineup is going to be a little more aluminum friendly. From the Dallas Morning News:
According to Edmunds.com, Ford is considering converting the next-generation Expedition to aluminum body, as well as the strong-selling mid-size Explorer crossover.
If the Expedition gets an all-aluminum body, the Lincoln Navigator likely would, too, since both are built on the F-150 pickup platform.
Both vehicles weigh about 5,500 pounds. Ford unveiled the 2015 Expedition at the Dallas Auto Show in March, which will be equipped for the first time with the company’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6.
While Ford did not release any fuel-economy numbers for the new Expedition, they should be better than the current 5.4-liter V-8.
Of the major American auto manufacturers, Ford has been the most public about going to aluminum. However, with Ford expanding its aluminum-based fleet, it seems sensible to think that we’ll be hearing more about this soon from other companies.