Chief is introducing new training later this year covering aluminum repair methods for the F-150.
Ford Motor has named Chief Automotive Technologies and Elektron as collision-repair equipment suppliers for the 2015 F-150 pickup truck that was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. As AutoInformed has noted, Ford is taking a risk by redesigning the F-150 to replace the vehicle’s traditional steel body panels and bed with aluminum. Ford has also increased the amount of expensive high-strength steel in the new F-150’s frame from 23% to 77%.
Restoring an aluminum collision-damaged vehicle to pre-accident shape requires new repair methods and equipment. Thus far unknown are the insurance rates for 2015 model F-150 owners since aluminum requires more costly repair methods. This will present a challenge to the collision repair industry because there will be more than one million of the aluminum trucks on the road by 2016 after a late 2014 introduction.
Ford has added a number of Chief and Elektron products to its Rotunda Dealer Equipment program and is encouraging its dealers to invest in the proper equipment and training before the 2015 F-150 debuts.
“Chief has the largest installed base of structural repair equipment in North America and is a long-time Ford-approved supplier,” says Mike Cranfill, vice president of collision for Vehicle Service Group (VSG), parent company of the Chief and Elektron brands. “We have worked closely with Ford to develop a dedicated new structural holding package and target attachments for the 2015 F-150 that will function seamlessly with dealers’ existing Chief frame racks and measuring systems. We are also providing a full range of Elektron welders designed specifically for aluminum repair.”
Chief will also introduce new training through Chief University later this year that will cover proper aluminum repair methods to help technicians prepare to work on the new F-150.
