GM TO USE CARBON FIBRE IN REDESIGNED BAKKIE BEDS

DETROIT-based General Motors plans to use carbon fibre for the beds of its redesigned full-size pickups to improve performance and reduce weight.

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Carbon fibre is expected to be used as part of a mix of materials for the box of the pickups, including aluminium. The truck beds could mark GM's first use of carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic, a product the automaker announced it was co-developing with Japan-based Teijin Ltd. in 2011.

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The carbon fibre bed is expected to be among a significant number of changes in materials for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups to meet progressively stricter fuel economy regulations and better position them against crosstown rival and truck leader, Ford Motor Co.

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Ford shifted its F-series pickups, including the full-size F-150, to lightweight aluminium alloy bodies starting in 2014.

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GM is anticipated to begin offering the carbon fibre beds within the next two years. The carbon fibre beds will go in premium versions of the pickups, but more efficient production processes could help the automaker eventually offer carbon fibre beds in lower trims.