ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

obviously they will be lighter and more efficient but how much will costs increase?


http://wot.motortrend.com/1406_repor...s_by_2025.html

It'llrun

If they all go to aluminum, which is to be expected, costs will drop unless there's a big run on aluminum which is out or short of supply. They all know it's a big initial hit, but their forming and other processing equipment should last longer, need fewer repairs and use less energy to do it's job for every body panel. Over time, this saves them money and hopefully will save the consumer money as well.

SSCamaro99_3

iTrader: (1)

I was reading and article recently about the glut of stock and capacity in the aluminum market. The hit may be less than we would traditionally think.

It'llrun

The price of aluminum is up lately, but at around 55 cents per pound to the average seller, Ford probably placed an order large enough to get it for about 5 cents per... and GM will surely follow in around 2017. As for RAM, it's hard to say. They're making headway in sales and it seems their diesel has shown the signs of a hit, so they may wait much longer. I still expect Ford to add the 3.2L(f150) soon, once it proves itself in the smaller line and they've worked out any remaining bugs. That could take economy over 30mpg and for a pickup... full size... BIG deal.

SSCamaro99_3

iTrader: (1)

Hadn't really looked at the price. Just read that China's stockpile is shocking. They will not idle production though. Can't make the party look like they can't hit promised growth, even if it does get warehoused.

It'llrun

No, they won't shut down... They have no stinking emissions lies... er... laws...

Anyway, America has a massive amount of aluminum too, so I don't see any near term concerns.

ruthlessrufus

Russia too has an impressive stockpile.