"The efficiency of our approach also reduces part count by over 20 parts per truck. In previous designs, those separate pieces had to be welded together to form the rail. Integration of features like flanges and piercings into the die allows production of the hydroformed tube as a single part. The resulting vehicle mass savings of 15.9kg are particularly significant because we can reduce weight while retaining the proven strength of steel."
This was another big thing, but I mean.. it isn't something that people really care about or would want to see in an advertisement lol
I wasn't referring to it as being in an advertisement lol. In all the chassis, cab, and factory walkthroughs, Ive never heard it mentioned. To me, when the manufacturer changes the way they build a structure surrounding your body, I want to hear about it. Ford is tooting their own horn after receiving a 5 star crash rating. If this new design helps Nissan do the same Im sure this will be something they'll talk about.
"The roof rail system is an excellent example of our Hydroform-Intensive Body Structures (HIBS) strategy," said Terry Nardone, Vari-Form director of sales and marketing. "It's essential to ensuring cab integrity and occupant protection, and our hydroforming expertise helped Nissan meet their targets for roof strength and crash performance."
Noting that this is the first use of high-strength, variable-gage steel tubing in a roof rail application, Mr. Nardone indicated that Vari-Form R&D engineers adjusted the design to hold tolerances in the part coming out of the die.
