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GM Will Use Carbon Fiber for Truck Beds
Everyone naturally assumed GM would follow Ford’s lead and start using lots of aluminum to make its next-generation full-size pickups. Each time the GM commercials pointing out the weaknesses of aluminum beds ran on TV, people cringed, saying GM would eat crow. Well, that’s not happening, according to an Automotive News report.
Instead, GM will use carbon fiber to cut weight. That’s right, everyone’s favorite composite material isn’t just for Porsches and Bimmers anymore. Back in 2011, GM teamed up with Teijin in Japan to help develop a new carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic. It doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together.
Of course, GM isn’t going to just use carbon fiber to make the pickup beds, because that would be super expensive. It’s mixing in some aluminum, plus a few other materials.
The Wall Street Journal says these carbon fiber beds will roll out within two years, but will be reserved for premium pickup models. It could be that GM is testing out the waters before rolling out the new design for its entire truck lineup.
Steven has been writing about cars and other transportation issues worldwide for over ten years. His love for cars started long before he can remember, with Corvettes and 911s being his first car-crushes. Since then, he has owned many types of vehicles and has come to appreciate a wide variety of models, the diverse car culture groups, and the automotive industry in general.
