MWS explains development of Xbrite

While progress in its campaign for increased safety checks on take-off, or second hand commercial wheels entering the UK market was delayed by the UK government’s back-tracking on proposed MOT changes, Motor Wheel Service has continued to develop its forged aluminium xlite brand, on which it has a worldwide distribution deal, launching its “next generation Xbrite” single part, transparent finish. The protective coating was specially developed for MWS, offering what it calls “the highest levels of corrosion resistance and unrivalled shine for xlite forged aluminium wheels”. In other news, a change in truck racing’s technical regulations will allow forged aluminium wheels to be fitted to the outside of the rear axle from 2013 onwards, responding to the wishes of 10-time British Truck Racing Championship, Stuart Oliver, who said of xlite: "lighter wheels mean less unsprung weight on the axle, creating less wear and tear to surrounding parts and greater grip between the tyre and the circuit.”

MWS managing director, John Ellis, has been a great advocate of the strength of xlite forged aluminium truck wheels, and the technological quality of their manufacturer, Wheels India. He told Tyrpress.com that the FIA’s decision would help to continue proving the wheels’ strength and quality, as well as providing further research and development opportunities.

Their use in the sport helps to debunk further the belief in the breakability of aluminium wheels, though this was achieved as awareness grew of the xlite brand throughout Europe. The MWS MD also exemplified the use of forged aluminium wheels in military applications – something Wheels India is developing currently.

Ellis told T&A that he sees MWS as an R&D facility, with feedback from the team an invaluable aspect of the company’s 10-year xlite distribution deal. In addition to this and the regular testing, Ellis explained that Wheels India has a computerised testing machine that allows the company to simulate road conditions around the world – technology he says “very few companies have”.

Next-generation Xbrite

Speaking of the new Xbrite finish, Ellis said it has “been two years in development… corrosion resistance and the extra bright appearance are the best on the market.” The coating is non-chromate and environmentally friendly, passing oxidation and salt spray tests.

The company also states that it possesses excellent adhesion properties for a strong coat finish that allows for the easy removal of soil, grime and dust by applying high pressure water and a mild detergent. This benefits both the pocket and the pride of fleet owners, Ellis says, since “cosmetic appeal” is less overlooked than one may imagine.

As xlite has continued to grow – MWS now has distributors in “90 per cent of Europe” – the company has increased its targeted income to £20 million from £7 million in the next five years. Ellis says take up of aluminium wheels in USA is around 60 per cent – in Europe it is around 25 per cent.

The next challenge is to overcome the problems of infrequent replacement of the product and long life cycles, changing enough mindsets to achieve this. With a product MWS says is five times stronger and 40 per cent lighter than the standard steel equivalent, increasing safety, load capacity and fuel efficiency, the company clearly believes it can convert technical excellence into increased take-up of xlite.

Wheel safety campaign to resume in April

While a proposed meeting with under secretary for transport, Mike Penning MP was postponed due to the MOT decision earlier in the year, John Ellis was confident that the progress would continue to be made. He exemplified what has been achieved by the campaign so far by pointing to the publication of the first Freight Transport Association best practice guide to Wheel Security, produced in conjunction with ATS-Euromaster and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers.

“MWS is working in a feedback loop at the front line of safety,” Ellis explained, but the current lack of regulation, protection or assurances for “companies moving outside the established distribution chains” continues to be a cause for concern. Ellis and other MWS representatives are due to meet with Penning later in April – Tyres & Accessories/Tyrepress.com will continue to follow developments as they happen.

Related news:

• HGV wheel safety debated at Westminster again
• New debate on commercial wheel safety
• MWS aiming to increase turnover from £7 million to £20 million, new CFO
• MWS launches next generation Xbrite finish