Ford Motor reports record sales of its aluminum F-series trucks

Ford Motor Company has reported record sales for its F-series trucks, a strong indication that Ford’s last year gamble is reaping benefits for the US auto-maker. The automaker introduced a massive implementation program in August last year, converting the steel-body-made popular F-150's to aluminum-coated body. However, the company faced hefty costs, in the process of shifting to aluminum-made trucks.

Ford initially had to close the truck assembly plant at Dearborn, resulting in a fall in production. Ford had earlier on derived about 40% of the revenue from its Ford trucks according to marketwatch. Moving away from steel lead to high disruption costs and a fall in sales, as demand outstripped constrained production. The company estimates that due to production issues, it will not be able to entirely fulfill demand for the new truck. The company estimates a shortfall of about 90,000 units per year.

However, the Michigan based automaker is confident that it will eventually regain sales momentum, as output of its new F-150 aluminum-made truck slowly catches up with demand.

Taking the aluminum gamble for the first time ever in a mass market vehicle, Ford has been able to improve the fuel efficiency and performance of the new truck, resulting in a superior driving experience and fuel cost savings for customers when oil prices inevitably rebound. Improved fuel efficiency on one of the company’s best-selling vehicles will also enable it to meet the government’s tightened fuel economy standards.

The new vehicle is also rated better in terms of safety than its predecessor. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the new model provides more safety to its customers in an event of a crash, as compared to the older F-150 model. The new model is popular amongst customers due to its safety, its improved shape and design. The company hopes its new products will help propel sales momentum in the future.