Ford Launches New Paint Technology

Ford Motor Company has recently collaborated with U-Haul, one of the leading equipment rental companies here in the U.S. and made history by painting vehicles with Ford's new environmental-friendly technology. This new technology from the Dearborn-based automaker reduces harmful emissions by about 15%. In addition, Ford said this technology also reduces the company's production costs. About 200 models of Ford E-Series trucks have been painted with this new technology from Ford and delivered to U-Haul centers all over the U.S.

During the annual Center for Automotive Research Management Conference, Joe Hinrichs, Vice President of North America Manufacturing, Ford Motor Company said:
"Ford will monitor the U-Haul fleet over the next year to gather important durability data that will help the company develop long-term rollout plans for its industry-first technology."

“This marks a big win for our customers, the environment and the business. We have high hopes for this technology based on our laboratory testing. Once we understand how it performs in the real world, we’ll determine how best to apply it to other manufacturing facilities." he added.

So how does this new painting technology from Ford help the environment? Well, according to Ford, the technology uses an advanced chemical formulation of high-solids, solvent borne paint, and the so called 3-wet application process. Although personally I cant understand these technical terms, Ford said this technology requires a smaller and a less expensive paint shop. In addition, this paint technology is cleaner that other painting process found in conventional and traditional automotive paint shops.

Mary Ellen Rosenberger, paint manager of Ohio Assembly Plant commented:
“Painting vehicles has traditionally been one of the auto industry’s biggest environmental challenges. Ford has found the solution. It’s environmentally sound. It’s cost-efficient. And it produces beautifully painted vehicles with long-term durability.”

Meanwhile, Dean Cerimeli, U-Haul’s director of Truck and Trailer Product also commented: “When it comes to the environment and sustainability, we are happy to partner with Ford in this important field test. We believe this is the most environmentally responsible way to paint vehicles. And we applaud Ford for leading the industry.”

Well, I really hope that Ford will continue this new painting technology. Maybe they should also share this stuff to other automakers with no charge! LOL!