Ford Motor Company, a US-based automotive company, has introduced its Lightweight Concept vehicle, built using advanced materials including new metals, alloys and composites as a part of its research for future weight-reduction solutions.
The vehicle is based on Ford's latest phase of research into developing sustainable technology solutions that can be manufactured in large volumes across the product lineup at affordable prices.
This carmaker's research has also helped in reducing the weight of its new F-150 by up to 700 pounds, employing high-strength steel and aluminum, enabling it to tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter with improved gas mileage.
Ford group Global Product Development vice president Raj Nair said the consumers seek better fuel efficiency, along with more technology and features in the car, which usually adds weight to the vehicle.
"A focus on light-weighting will be fundamental to our industry for years to come, and we are investigating many advanced materials applications as possible solutions for weight reduction in our vehicles," added Nair.
Along with other fuel-efficiency technologies, light-weighting is fundamental to Ford's efforts to stabilize carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere at 450 parts per million, said the company.
Ford's Lightweight Concept is said to be the most comprehensive alloy advanced materials in one vehicle including strategic application of aluminum, ultra-high-strength steels, magnesium and carbon fiber vehicle represents its.
Engineers at the company adopted a holistic approach to weight reduction by incorporating advanced materials into the entire design of the vehicle, including powertrain, chassis, body, battery and interior features such as seats.
Ford technical leader Global Materials and Manufacturing Research Matt Zaluzec said: "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."
