WARREN, MI, October 20, 1999 -- Ford Motor Company will work with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop lightweight, fuel-efficient technologies for potential use in tactical trucks for tomorrow's army. Representatives from the Department of Defense and Ford signed the two-year $11.2 million non-procurement contract today at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) National Automotive Center.

The Improved Materials and Powertrain Architectures for 21st Century Trucks (IMPACT) program is aimed at developing lightweight, corrosion-resistant trucks for commercial and military use. Program participants hope the lightweight trucks will yield significant fuel economy and cost benefits compared to current military tactical trucks.

The IMPACT program will focus on the use of high-strength steel, laser-welded blanks and improved bonding to significantly reduce the weight of a Ford F-150 pickup truck for potential military application. These technologies could be used to improve fuel economy of trucks in high-volume manufacturing programs. "Lightweight vehicles have significant consumer advantages in terms of fuel economy and dynamic performance," said Neil Ressler, vice president, Research Vehicle Technology. "These same advantages can make lightweight trucks appealing to the military." ....

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