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We record Autoblog Podcast #310 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #310
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2015 Ford F-150's aluminum body not expected to hurt resale value

A cloud of skepticism has hung over the 2015 Ford F-150 since even before it went on sale. The issue had nothing to do with the truck's capabilities but instead over reservations about the switch to aluminum body panels. The change helped shed about 700 pounds off the scales, but the lighter metal also came with the potential for higher repair costs. Edmunds even recently whacked its pickup with a hammer just to find out how much it would cost. However, this might not be a problem, because the latest calculations indicate resale value for the new F-150 is on the rise. The residual experts at ALG estimate that the 2015 F-150 is going to hold 58 percent of its value over the next three years, versus 52 percent for the 2014 model, according to Bloomberg. That figure also gives the Ford the highest forecasted resale value among American fullsize pickups. The 2015 Toyota Tundra leads the segment by holding 63 percent. Meanwhile, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra both come in with 51 percent, and the Ram 1500 holds 46 percent. Finally, the 2015 Nissan Titan comes in at 42 percent. The researchers believe that the improvement in fuel economy for the 2015 F-150 at up to 26 miles per gallon highway offsets higher body repair costs. "We are giving credit for the aluminum construction in the fuel efficiency we're seeing," Eric Lyman, ALG vice president of industry insights, said to Bloomberg. "We are not putting in a negative adjustment for concerns around repair costs or durability associated with aluminum." Ford has long-been preparing for the switch to aluminum. The company purposefully designed the body sections to make repairs easier, and it also partially subsidized dealers' investments for new equipment to do the work. Related Video:

2014 Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrids get deep, deep discount

Math-phobes may not appreciate all the price discounts available for potential buyers of the Ford C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid. For everyone else, though, break out the calculators and celebrate. Because the plug-ins, or at least the 2014 model-year versions, can be had for as much as a third off. How? Start with $4,000 bonus cash from Ford (double what it used to be) and add another $1,750 in dealer discounts, according to Cars Direct. Additionally, the feds will provide a $4,000 tax incentive, while shoppers in the great state of California might get another $1,500 in clean-vehicle rebates. Add them all up – oh, and another $1,000 thrown in by some dealers – and the MSRP of just under $34,000 gets brought down to less than $22,000 out of pocket. It makes that recent $900 price cut for the model seem pretty minor by comparison, doesn't it. Ford is looking to unload a bunch of 2014 model-year C-Max Energi models after sales, which started strong last year, tapered off in recent months. While Americans boosted C-Max Energi purchases by 18 percent last year to 8,433 units, that year-over-year sales gain had been 58 percent through last June. Meanwhile, January sales were down 16 percent to just 395 units. Related Videos: Featured Gallery 2013 Ford C-Max Energi: First Drive View 20 Photos News Source: Cars Direct via Green Car ReportsImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Drew Phillips/AOL Green Ford Hybrid PHEV discounts