Ford plans to expand its uses of aluminum in its truck to include its Super Duty line-up.
Ford Motor Co. is preparing to spend $1.3 billion to prepare the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, for the next generation heavy-duty pickup truck, which will have an all-aluminum body just like the popular F-150.
The move will also create 2,000 new jobs to support the launch of the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty truck, which Ford is already describing as the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty truck line-up ever despite some tough competition from General Motors and FCA U.S.
Ford is investing $1.3 billion for an all-new body shop, facility upgrades and retooling to build the new truck in Kentucky. The investment in the new body shop comes on top of the $80 million Ford invested in 2014 to meet growing customer demand for Super Duty trucks.
The automaker is also spending $129 million to support production of Lincoln MKC at Louisville Assembly Plant, and Ford has invested more than $1.5 billion in the commonwealth of Kentucky and the city of Louisville in the past two years.
“With the introduction of the all-new Ford Super Duty, America’s best-selling heavy-duty pickup, we expect to continue growing our truck leadership,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas.
(Ford pays $600 million for UAW worker signing bonuses. For more, Click Here.)
“Adding new jobs and more investment at Kentucky Truck Plant not only secures a solid foundation for our UAW members, but also strengthens the communities in which they live, work and play,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department.
Ford began manufacturing vehicles in Kentucky in 1913 with 11 employees. Kentucky Truck Plant, which opened in 1969, covers 6 million square feet and employs close to 4,400 people.
The all-new Super Duty, which is due out towards the end of 2016, will be built around a high-strength steel frame; segment-first, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and stronger axles, springs and suspension create the only Built Ford Tough heavy-duty truck line-up that works as hard as Super Duty customers, Ford said.
(Click Here for details about the F-150’s victory as Green Truck of the Year.)
It will also come with 16 class-exclusive new features and up to seven cameras make Super Duty the ultimate tow vehicle; adaptive steering technology makes maneuvering easier. The powertrains for the new truck will include Ford-built gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions power the all-new Super Duty lineup that tows and hauls more than ever
Super Duty underpins Ford’s commitment to continuously provide advanced powertrains and innovative technologies that answer customer demands. Ford Trucks offer power, toughness and durability, making Ford the top-selling truck brand.
(To see more about the approval of the new contract by the UAW, Click Here.)
There are five models in the Super Duty lineup: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum.