Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Mich., has developed a Lightweight Concept vehicle in which advanced materials are applied to explore weight-reduction solutions that could improve performance and fuel efficiency while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This Lightweight Concept vehicle represents a comprehensive blend of advanced materials, including strategic application of aluminum, ultra-high-strength steels, magnesium, and carbon fiber.
Ford engineers took 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. The research vehicle was developed with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program, together with Cosma International – a subsidiary of Magna International – to illustrate long-term potential light-weighting solutions. Magna’s design and development of the multi-material body-in-white, closures, and chassis components are a significant contribution in light-weighting the concept vehicle.
“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.”
