The Detroit Bureau - April 19, 2011
Situation
In bid to dramatically improve fleet fuel economy, Ford Motor Co. trimming 100s of pounds off weight of its vehicles in next 5 years
Won’t be easy, Ford warns
Cuts coming up even as consumers demand more content and features, and regulators require more safety devices
Lighter substitutes for conventional materials like steel could add to vehicle cost
From now to 2017 or 2018, Ford will remove anywhere from 250 to 700 pounds depending on vehicle, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s global product chief
Typical automobile is today hundreds of pounds heavier than a similar model from decade ago
Significant Points
Reflects addition of such creature comforts as onboard navigation systems, 15-speak audio packages, heated leather seats, and safety features
Every 100 lbs. removed from vehicle could reduce mile per gallon, so Ford’s target could translate into significant savings in fuel
Possible to find ways to slice out weight in existing product, like switching from steel body panel to one made of aluminum or plastic, Kuzak said
But to make truly major gains, weight reduction starts w/ new platforms – overall redesign of vehicle, he said
Industry taking close look at what could be ultimate alternative to steel: carbon fiber
Extraordinarily strong and ultra-light material commonly used in Formula One race cars and select group of road-going supercars from brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini
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