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Alcoa Integrates Wheels into Transport Products Unit

Alcoa has taken the decision to merge its “Wheel Products” and “Auto and Truck” division into a new “Wheel and Transportation Products” business unit. Kevin B. Kramer (48), who left Goodyear for Alcoa four years ago, will be president of the new business unit, headquartered in Cleveland. Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products employs 2,800 people in 30 locations.

“Wheel and Transportation Products” is divided into three sub-areas Transportation Products (formerly Car and Truck Structure), commercial vehicle wheels and passenger car wheels. In the accompanying press release is of cast aluminium wheels (Alcoa still produces at two locations) is no longer the wheels, but of forged aluminium wheels. Transportation Products will now be led by Scott Kerns, formerly in charge of marketing at Alcoa Wheels. Vice President and General Manager Tim Myers (42) will continue to lead the commercial vehicle wheel division, and Michael Parnell will continue to run the auto wheel division.

7th March 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Releases Even Lighter Wheels

In March of this year, Alcoa Wheels will be 60 years old. To mark this anniversary, Alcoa Wheel Products Europe has succeeded in making their most popular size truck wheels even lighter than before. The weight decrease applies to the following sizes:

22.5 x 8.25 from 24.18 kg to 22.79 kg = – 1.39 kg
22.5 x 9.00 from 24.73 kg to 23.21 kg = – 1.52 kg
19.5 x 7.50 from 18.67 kg to 17.76 kg = – 0.91 kg
19.5 x 8.25 from 19.23 kg to 18.54 kg = – 0.69 kg

The first lightweight wheels were produced in the Alcoa plant in Hungary on 1 February 2008. The first forged aluminium truck wheel was made by Alcoa in Cleveland/USA in 1948, and they have not stopped reinventing it since.

21st February 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Applauds Fuel Efficiency Standards

Alcoa has applauded new vehicle fuel efficiency standards, recently passed in the US House of Representatives as part of a new energy bill. The bill would require 35 miles per gallon fuel average for new domestic vehicles, including SUVs, by 2020 – a 40 per cent increase from current corporate average fuel-economy (CAFE) standards. “Lightweight materials, such as aluminium, play a critical role in making vehicles safer, cleaner and more fuel efficient,” said Kevin Kramer, president, Alcoa Wheel Products. “Light weighting represents one of the most viable options available to carmakers worldwide as they seek to improve the fuel efficiency and environmental performance of their products.”

7th December 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Opens New Hungary Production Line

On 8 November Alcoa officially opened its new Dura-Bright forged wheel production line at its Hungary factory. According to the company, the Alcoa Dura-Bright surface treatment process in Hungary is a very environmentally friendly operation, thanks to the “Green solution for wastewater treatment and recycling systems”, which generates zero liquid disposal, as it uses 100 per cent recycled rinse water. The first “European” Dura-Bright wheels are expected to roll off the line in January 2008. In the meantime, Dura-Bright wheels will continue to be shipped via Alcoa’s European central stock for short term delivery.

7th December 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Presents Forged Supersingle Wheel

Alcoa has demonstrated its leadership in the forged aluminium wheel market by producing a new product designed for use on 455/40 R22.5 Goodyear and Dunlop, as well as Michelin 455/45 R22.5 trailer and semi-trailer tyre sizes. The wheel is also compatible with products in this size produced by other manufacturers.

The wheel has a 120 mm offset and load rate of 5150 kg. It weighs 32 kilograms versus 49 kilos for a steel wheel. This means a weight reduction of 17 kilos, or 35 per cent for each wheel. That’s a weight saving of up to 120 kilos per trailer.

23rd November 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa and Greg Weld Design Offer Tru-Forged Wheels

Greg Weld Design and Alcoa Wheels will have decided to combine their efforts to design, manufacture, market and sell what they say will be “some of the most advanced forged alloy wheels available for the automotive aftermarket.” The two companies’ aim is to exceed the needs of the most demanding 4×4 or “Tuff Truck” enthusiast by offering Greg Weld Design’s new Tru-Forged wheels by Alcoa. The wheels will be Available in 20, 22 and 24 inch diameters and up to 14 inches wide. All Tru-Forged wheels will feature a unique polished finish that carries a limited 5 year warranty supported by Greg Weld Design.

All Tru-Forged wheels will be hot-forged from a billet of 6061-T6 aerospace alloy for maximum strength and durability. The one-piece design is 100 per cent CNC machined. The lightweight design, 3500lb. load rating and lifetime limited structural warranty are reportedly unmatched in the industry.

1st November 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Sells Stake in Chalco for $2 Billion

(Akron/Tire Review) Aluminum producer Alcoa Inc. sold its nearly 7 per cent stake in Chalco, China’s largest aluminum maker, for $2 billion. Alcoa said it would continue to invest in the aluminum industry in China, where it currently manufactures foil, fasteners, automotive components and other products. Alcoa said its initial investment in Chalco was less than $200 million.

14th September 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa to Supply Techart With Forged Dura-Bright Wheel

Alcoa Wheel Products has signed a contract to supply TechArt Automobildesign with forged wheels treated with Alcoa’s Dura-Bright Technology; an industry-leading surface treatment. These forged wheels will be supplied for the TechArt Cayman, Boxster, 911 Carrera and 911 GT Street. All wheels also fit the Porsche series cars too. In addition to keeping wheel shiny, Alcoa reports that Dura-Bright eliminates corrosion resulting from scratches – both common complaints from the consumer.

TechArt, a major tuner of Porsche cars, asked Alcoa Wheels to provide them with the highest technology wheels available today. Additionally, they wanted highly stylized and light weight wheels that would help further improve the very high performance of their cars. Alcoa met all expectations with a series of Dura-Bright forged wheels which will be launched at the 2007 IAA Frankfurt Auto Show.

14th September 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Exclusively Selected for Lamborghini Murcielago Reventon

Alcoa Wheel Products has announced an exclusive supply agreement to provide all wheels for the new highly exotic Lamborghini Murcielago Reventòn. Lamborghini looked to Alcoa Wheels to provide speciality wheels with quick to market processes for this truly exotic vehicle. According to the wheel manufacturer, Lamborghini required Alcoa’s flexibility and manufacturing expertise to develop a unique wheel to compliment the unique appearance and performance of the ultra-exclusive Murcielago Reventòn.

Alcoa will supply directional-specific 18”x8.5” front and 18”x13” rear wheels, each forged from a single block of 6061-T6 aluminum. Each wheel is engraved with “Alcoa Forged”. It is rare to have such engravings in the wheel which highlights Lamborghini’s desire to offer their customers something new. All wheels are finished in Lamborghini Bright Black paint and fitted with carbon fibre “winglets” adding to the design of the wheel and complementing the overall appearance of the vehicle.

13th September 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Wheel Technology Wins 2007 PACE Award

Alcoa Wheel Products has been named a 2007 Automotive News PACE Award winner. The awards, which are given in recognition of superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance amongst automotive suppliers, were announced on April 16 at a ceremony in Detroit.

Alcoa was awarded for its Dura-Bright wheels that utilise the company’s patented XBR Technology. This unique surface treatment penetrates the aluminium to become an integral part of the wheel. Alcoa claim that, unlike coated wheels, wheels treated with XBR Technology, will not peel, crack, corrode or chip. Dura-Bright wheels only require rinsing with mild soap and water to maintain their appearance.

During his acceptance speech, president of Alcoa Wheel Products Kevin Kramer said, “We are truly honoured to be recognised as a winner for this prestigious award. Dura-Bright technology is now enjoying acceptance from our global OEM partners while we have also recently launched the innovation into our automotive aftermarket business. Winning the Automotive News PACE Award further validates our commitment to wheel innovation.”

18th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Results Reach New High

Wheel manufacturer Alcoa has announced an all time high first quarter result for the first three months of 2007, with income from continuing operations recorded at US$673, or $0.77 per diluted share. Net income for the quarter was $662 million, or $0.75 a share, nine per cent more than Q1 2006 and almost double the amount recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Quarterly revenue increased 11 per cent from a year ago to $7.9 billion. Fourth quarter 2006 revenues were $7.8 billion. According to Alcoa chairman and CEO Alain Belda, this improvement can be in part attributed to the company’s focus on higher value-added lines, such as aerospace products.

11th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Adds Dura-Bright to LT/SUV Lines

(Akron/Tire Review) Alcoa Forged Specialty Wheels has added the company’s Dura-Bright wheel technology to its line of aftermarket light truck/SUV wheels. Dura-Bright, already available on Alcoa aluminum medium truck wheels, is a surface treatment that helps maintain a wheel’s bright, like-new appearance.

According to Alcoa, the proprietary surface treatment penetrates and reacts with the aluminum thus becoming an integral part of the wheel, and resists peeling, cracking and corrosion.

10th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Launches New Lines for LT Wheel Market

(Akron/Tire Review) Alcoa Forged Specialty Wheels has expanded its off-road light truck wheel line with the addition of the Pro Series and Adventure Series lines. Forged from one-piece 6061-T6 aluminum, both Pro Series and Adventure Series wheels are now available for most ½-ton trucks, full size SUVs and Jeeps. A variety of 17- to 20-inch sizes, with polished clearcoat and chrome finish options, are available.

2nd February 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Introduces New Tyre Management System

Alcoa Wheel Products have introduced a new product providing fleet operators real time data on their vehicle’s tyre pressure and tread depth. Called the InTire™ Management System, Alcoa’s new offering is a web-based system the company reports can maximise tyre life, enhance fuel economy and increase productivity in maintenance procedures. The InTire software interfaces with the vehicle-based sensing equipment wirelessly.

Optional add on equipment allows users to monitor items requiring periodic maintenance, such as fluid levels and the condition of filters.

24th January 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa and UAW Reach Agreement

Alcoa and the UAW have formalised their agreement to end the two-month strike affecting some 830 workers at Alcoa’s Cleveland wheel manufacturing facility. UAW affiliated employees returned to work on January 2 after ratification of a new four-year labour agreement that addresses the issues of greatest importance to both parties.

The agreement covers workers at the Cleveland plant where forged aluminium wheels are produced for the heavy duty truck and automotive markets, as well as forged products for the aerospace (including the Airbus A380) and industrial markets. It is claimed that the agreement will improve the plant’s competitiveness while preserving employee living standards.

3rd January 2007/by Tyrepress Editors