A Revolution in Wheel Surface Treatment
As consumers demand further vehicle differentiation and accessories that offer low maintenance benefits, the automotive industry continues to generate advancements in new vehicle upgrade options. Wheel size and style choices continue to lead the way in vehicle differentiation. However, concerns over wheel maintenance have limited larger or more dynamic wheel designs. Number and complexity of spokes, intricacy of detail and wheel shape have all been limited due to concerns over wheel cleaning maintenance. Findings from independent research firms validates that wheel maintenance is important to drivers and a major consideration in wheel design. Dura-Bright® technology from Alcoa offers an innovative solution. Nearly maintenance-free cleaning benefits allow wheels with Dura-Bright® technology to contain more dynamic and intricate detail and design offering further product differentiation and revenue generating opportunities.

History of Innovation
Alcoa originally developed and patented Dura-Bright® technology for commercial vehicle applications. Commercial truckers wanted wheels that shined like chrome, cleaned easily and were durable. Through market assessment, validation and extensive product development, Alcoa launched a pilot scale production wheel program for Dura-Bright® technology in 1999. Some of the early customers for Dura-Bright® technology included the Pittsburgh and Cleveland Transit Authorities. Today, wheels with Dura-Bright® technology on their buses have over one-million miles of real world testing in stop-and-go city traffic, extensive brake friction heat and exposure to sand, road salt, magnesium oxide and other winter chemicals.

Sales of the Dura-Bright® technology quickly expanded into North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and Japan through extensive fitments on commercial vehicles. Alcoa continued to invest in manufacturing facilities in Barberton, Ohio, Monterrey, Mexico and Kofem, Hungary to support Dura-Bright® technology production. Today, the innovative Dura-Bright® technology can be found on several current global automotive platforms. Still other manufacturers have plans to introduce the innovation on automotive platforms in upcoming model years.

The Science of Dura-Bright® Technology
Dura-Bright® technology is an integrated surface modification and polymerization process that maximizes durability in corrosive environments. The process penetrates and atomically bonds with the aluminum to become an integral part of the wheel. Compatibility with the physical microstructure of the alloy is optimized to maximize adhesion resulting in chemical bonding, essentially eliminating filiform corrosion. Dura-Bright® technology is resistant to dirt, brake dust, oil and road grime preventing wheel surface dulling. The surface treatment meets OEM performance specification requirements such as corrosive acid salt spray, rock chip, thermal shock adhesion, UV resistance, chemical resistance and dry adhesion testing while exhibiting no orange peel or other surface imperfections. Further, Dura-Bright® technology exhibits no laminate weaknesses; it resists peeling, cracking and corrosion.

Alcoa forged aluminum wheel with Dura-Bright® technology exposed to 120,000 miles of road use. Right side has been wiped clean with a dry cloth.		Dura-Bright® technology scribe at 240 hours of corrosive acid salt spray (CASS). Note no filiform corrosion, cracking or pealing.

Extensive Pantone colorimeter (cleanliness) testing supports the high surface brightness and easy to clean maintenance characteristics. Dura-Bright® technology provides a long-term high quality wheel finish with nearly maintenance-free benefits. Pantone colorimeter testing of a road soiled wheel illustrates that Dura-Bright® technology more thoroughly recovers back to original pre-test measurements than other commercially available wheel surface options. The innovation provides this protection because of its superior hardness and temperature resistance.

In addition, Dura-Bright® technology is environmentally friendly, absent of chromium or other hazardous volatile compounds. From a customer standpoint, the ease of maintenance benefits of the finished wheel reduces the need for aggressive cleaning solutions.

Dura-Bright® technology further supports sustainability efforts when combined with the benefits of light weight, strength and durability of Alcoa forged aluminum wheels. Alcoa one-piece forged aluminum wheels have been tested and proven to be four times stronger than steel wheels and more than twice as strong as cast wheels in comparable load crush testing. In addition, forged aluminum wheels are typically 20% lighter than comparably designed cast aluminum wheels; lowering vehicle CO2 emissions, increasing fuel efficiency and improving driving dynamics.

Alcoa provides Dura-Bright® technology in both polished and brushed finish appearance options to match the needs of the automobile platform design requirements.

Industry Recognition
Automotive News recognized Alcoa’s Dura-Bright® technology with a PACE Award win during their 2007 ceremonies. PACE recognizes automotive suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance.

"We are truly honored to be recognized as a winner for this prestigious award. Winning the Automotive News PACE Award further validates our commitment to wheel innovation," Kevin Kramer, President of Alcoa Wheel Products, said during his acceptance speech.

Alcoa Wheels Joins Carroll Shelby to Celebrate his 85th Birthday
Carroll Shelby, a legend in the motor sports arena, celebrated his 85th birthday on January 11, 2008. Shelby Automobiles, Inc. and Ford Motor Company also took the opportunity to present the first production GT500KR to the press and nearly 500 Shelby owners who attended the weekend long festivities held at Shelby Headquarters and the Las Vegas Speedway.

"Alcoa Wheels is proud to be a sponsor of this celebration and to contribute to charities important to Mr. Shelby," said Kevin Kramer, President of Alcoa Wheel Products. "Carroll Shelby changed the automotive landscape and continues to provide innovative performance options to enthusiast drivers. Alcoa Wheels is proud to be a vital member of Team Shelby."

Alcoa supplies 18" forged aluminum wheels for the Shelby GT500KR and 20" forged aluminum wheels for the Shelby Super Snake. All wheels are supplied with Alcoa’s innovative Dura-Bright® wheel surface technology.

Alcoa Wheels With Dura-Bright® Technology on NBC’s Knight Rider
NBC debuted the new Knight Rider original movie event to their nationwide audience this month. The new KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) vehicle featured in Knight Rider is a Ford Shelby GT500KR equipped with 20" Alcoa forged aluminum wheels.

The 2008 update to the iconic 1980’s television series follows the on-going theme of always offering the latest in new and innovative on-board vehicle technology. Each new Knight Rider KITT vehicle is equipped with 21st century advancements including supercomputer technology, artificial intelligence and legendary vehicle driving performance. Alcoa Wheels plays a part in ensuring that KITT provides the latest in innovation and technology by providing forged aluminum wheels with Dura-Bright® technology. The revolutionary wheel surface treatment helps KITT maintain nearly maintenance-free cleaning benefits to always look its best!