Report shows Ford's Aluminum F-150 is cheaper to repair than its steel predecessor

According to a recent report published on Monday by Automotive News, Ford's Aluminum F-150 isn't that expensive to repair, contrary to the claim that Ford did the mistake of using a fragile and expensive-to-fix material on its truck.

When it was launched in 2014, dealers were indecisive about investing in the training and equipment to repair the bodies of the Aluminium F-150.  Requirement equipment was costing dealers between US$30,000 and US$50,000. However, the way, the aluminium truck bodies were designed once the technicians are trained and shops are ready the repair process took less time than the steel body panel.

The repairs for the F-150 were not only time saving but parts prices are lower too in many cases. Prices for hoods and front bumpers are lower while some parts, like bedsides, are more expensive than steel models. But they are not frequently replaced. Ford also worked with parts suppliers to keep repair costs in check.

"We've said all along that high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy continues to be the best performing material to meet our Built Ford Tough expectations and customer needs, and we're glad the Highway Loss Data Institute report confirms Aluminum F-150 is less costly to repair than steel-bodied competitors," said Dawn McKenzie, Ford's truck communications manager.

"The team set a goal at the very beginning to make the F-150 to be as easy and affordable to repair as possible, and they considered every aspect of what needed to be done, from vehicle design, dealer training, working with the insurance companies, and the price of replacement parts to make it happen. In the end, it's our customers that win."

According to a spokesperson for State Farm, even the insurance costs for the Aluminum F-150 is not more than the previous steel-bodied model as Ford educated insurance companies on the vehicle's modular architecture and subsequent lower repair costs.

Ford’s decision to shift to aluminium for its most popular pickup truck model was a big leap and risk which paid off. The use of aluminium cut 700 pounds of weight along with improvement in performance and fuel economy.