A growing trend in second-stage manufacturing is light-weighting, which involves specifying lighter-weight materials to achieve an overall weight reduction to an upfitted vehicle. Specifying lighter-weight upfit materials decreases the vehicle’s curb weight, which, in turn, lowers operating costs by reducing fuel consumption and decreases emissions.
In addition to selecting fuel-efficient assets, another way to control fuel spend is to modify driving behavior, a key variability in fuel economy. The difference between the most and least efficient drivers is a 30% difference in fuel consumption.
There’s a direct correlation between vehicle weight and fuel economy. Vehicles get better fuel mileage when not loaded with unnecessary weight. An extra 100 lbs. in a vehicle could reduce mpg up to 2 %. One of the chief culprits responsible for accumulating unnecessary weight onboard a vehicle is drivers.
General Motors is considering carbon fiber for the beds of its next-generation Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks to better compete with Ford's F-Series pickups and meet future fuel-economy standards.
Lighter-weight truck and van equipment, more standardization, and ergonomic planning should improve the process and delivery timing of the upfitting of commercial vehicles in 2017, according to fleet management experts.
The change to high-volume F-150 cabins cuts costs and weight, and adds interior room for SuperCab and SuperCrew buyers.
Ford Motor’s 2017 F-Series Super Duty pickups with aluminum bodies have higher engine output ratings and more towing and hauling capability than ever, while “smart” technologies make backing and monitoring trailers easier.
Novelis has expanded its Oswego, N.Y., operations to add a $120-million finishing line to supply high-strength aluminum alloy for the 2017 F-Series Super Duty lineup, the supplier announced.
The process of lightweighting a fleet of vehicles involves more than simply moving down a vehicle class or removing weight from an overloaded vehicle.
Ford has beefed up the axles, brakes, hitch, and suspension of its 2017 Super Duty pickups, after removing 350 pounds in weight-saving aluminum body panels, the automaker has announced.