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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:

Autoblog Minute: Krafcik CEO of Google autonomous vehicle division

We look at how Google's hiring of automotive executing John Krafcik could affect the future of autonomous vehicles. Autoblog's Mylencia Gillenwaters reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] We look at how Google's hiring of automotive executing John Krafcik could affect the future of autonomous vehicles. I'm Mylencia Gillenwaters and this is your Autoblog Minute. Krafcik, a veteran of the auto industry, arrives at Google after serving as CEO of Hyundai and TrueCar. For more on what the Krafcik hire could mean to the industry, we go to Autoblog's Pete Bigelow: [00:00:30] [Pete Bigelow Interview] Google has [00:01:00] an outspoken champion for autonomous driving, in Krafcik who isn't shy about taking to social media to share his thoughts. Krafcik and Google seem poised to move self-driving cars into the next phase of development and it will be interesting to follow along as the tech giant [00:01:30] attempts to change the way we get around. For Autoblog, I'm Mylencia Gillenwaters. Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals. Ford Hyundai Autonomous Vehicles Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video john krafcik google autonomous vehicles

'Blood Muscle' auction to sell impressive collection of ill-begotten classic cars

The old saying goes that if you can't do the time, don't do the crime. But being a criminal can involve more than just taking a trip to the big house; it can also mean losing possessions purchased from any ill-gotten gains. Still, one man's loss is another's gain, and if you're in Lodi, NJ, on September 12, you stand the chance to buy some of the ultimate muscle cars from the US Marshals in what is being gruesomely nicknamed the Blood Muscle auction.
The grisly moniker was earned because all of the vehicles belonged to the president of a blood testing company who is facing prison time for alleged bribery, according to Hemmings. After all, they are muscle cars bought with actual blood money. The seven-vehicle collection includes some of the ultimate muscle cars ever made, and the original buyer clearly had an eye for rarity.
This cornucopia of V8 power includes a teal 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429, a 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang, an orange 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS convertible and perhaps most prized of all - a trio of 1969 Yenko Chevys with a Chevelle, Nova and Camaro all represented. From the included photos, all of them look to be in fantastic condition.