Ford Motor Co. and Alcoa Inc. will collaborate to produce next-generation automotive aluminum alloys that are more formable and design-friendly. Ford will use Alcoa’s Micromill® material in multiple components on the 2016 F-150 to become the first automaker to use the advanced automotive aluminum commercially. The companies entered into a joint development agreement to collaborate on next-generation aluminum alloys for automotive parts using Micromill™ technology, which produces an aluminum alloy that is 40% more formable than today’s automotive aluminum. Ford will begin using Micromill material in 2016 F-150 production in the fourth quarter of 2015 and plans to increase its use over the next several years on a range of vehicle components.

 In other news, Alcoa will commercialize its Micromill technology with the Danieli Group, a global supplier of plants and equipment to the metals industry. Danieli will license Alcoa’s intellectual property associated with manufacturing advanced Micromill products. Under the agreement, Alcoa and Danieli will work toward an agreement to sell Micromill equipment and license the patented Micromill technology. As part of the collaboration, Alcoa will grant Danieli exclusive rights to sell Micromill equipment for a limited period of time. In addition, the companies will work together to license the Micromill alloys and process technology to potential customers around the world, initially targeting Europe, South America and Southeast Asia.