Ford, suppliers work together to develop industry-first technologies for Mustang, F-150

Ford Motor Co. has announced details on new development techniques used to create its 2015 Mustang® and F-150®. As the company embarks on its most aggressive product launch year to date, it’s looking to its suppliers to help differentiate its products.

Among the supplier technologies being introduced on the 2015 products are:

• Quarter windows for 2015 Mustang 50 Years Limited Edition: Rather than a traditional plastic or metal louver that sits on top of the glass, Ford worked with Magna Intl. to create quarter windows consisting of a louvered glass. The result is a modern homage to a classic design cue that is unique to the Mustang 50 Years Limited Edition.
• Hydroformed A-pillar and roof rails, 2015 Mustang: Ford worked with Schuler and Midway to engineer the heaviest-gauge steel hydroformed A-pillar and roof rails to create an efficient headroom package and weight. Through the collaboration, torsional stiffness increases 28 percent for the new car, while the body-in-white is lighter than the previous model.
• Stronger, lighter high-strength steel frame, 2015 F-150: As part of Ford’s collaboration with Metalsa, the company used tailor-rolled blanks with variable material thickness, patented structures that reduce material usage without decreasing performance, increased high-strength steel from 22 percent to 77 percent, and improved joining to take more than 60 lbs. out of the frame while improving rigidity and enabling higher towing and hauling ratings.
• Segment-first LED headlamps, 2015 F-150: Ford collaborated with OSRAM and Flex-n-Gate to design a full-solid-state headlamp that saves energy, is designed for longevity, and casts a brighter and clearer light down the road than halogen or incandescent lamps. A jewel-like optical cube channels light energy from a single LED chip to provide optimal lighting and visibility.