Alcoa Auto Wheels Unveils Technical Display
The Alcoa Auto Wheels team proudly revealed the latest in forged aluminum wheel innovation by unveiling a 1500 square foot display at offices in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The display, unveiled to industry press representatives in early March (see references to press coverage from leading automotive industry publications below), is now open for customer tours.

The technical display contains current and emerging technologies including new alloys, additional design solutions to lower wheel weight and new finish options as well as many current and planned customer wheel platform programs. Stay tuned for in-depth coverage on many of these new programs in future eNewsletters.

The Alcoa Auto Wheels Technical Display will be available for customer tours through spring 2009. For more information and to schedule a visit, see your Alcoa Auto Wheels account manager.

Lightweight Wheel Solutions from Alcoa Highlighted by Automotive News
Automotive News published an article in the March 16, 2009 issue on how Alcoa Auto Wheels is working to offer light weight solutions to OEMs through intensive wheel design as well as the use of new alloys. Robert Sherefkin, Automotive News Staff Reporter, toured the Alcoa display and offices in Farmington Hills, Michigan and wrote about the latest innovations shaping the wheel industry.


Here’s an excerpt from the article:
Alcoa’s sales efforts aim to show auto industry executives that they can save money and fuel and reduce emissions with what Alcoa says is simple bolt-on technology.

Click here to review the article appearing in Automotive News.

Tire Review Covers Trends in the Wheel Market
Scott Blair, Performance Editor at Tire Review, has been conducting a three-part series on the future of the tire and wheel industry. In the February issue (2nd of a three-part series), Blair reached out for input from Alcoa Auto Wheels to center on how OEMs and Aftermarket customers are leading the way with wheel design and performance in light of CAFÉ and fuel economy mandates.

Here’s an excerpt from the article:
Last month, I spoke about the potential rise in demand for lighter wheels, both at the OE and aftermarket levels. With CAFE standards on the rise, it is a natural progression to lean toward wheels that achieve light weight while maintaining load capacity. To get an idea of the validity of those statements, I contacted Brian Thomas, marketing communications with Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products (strongwheels.com).

“Because a forged wheel is 20% to 25% lighter than a comparable cast aluminum wheel – and much stronger – we’re seeing many OEMs request forged aluminum wheel solutions for trucks/SUVs, performance vehicles and hybrid/alternative propulsion vehicles,” he says. “Alcoa recently announced a new 18-inch forged wheel with Dura-Bright technology for the new Audi A6 as well as many others that we’ll announce later this year.”

Follow the link below or see the February issue for the full article.
http://www.tirereview.com/?type=art&id=91478

Alcoa Wheels Prominent on Shelby Pace Cars at NASCAR Shelby 427
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby 427 race held recently at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was lead by a pack of Shelby pace cars fitted with forged aluminum wheels featuring Alcoa’s patented Dura-Bright® technology. The leading wheel surface innovation is also a part of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Limited Edition Shelby 427 package now available for the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang.

Alcoa first launched Dura-Bright® technology into the commercial vehicle segment in 2003, and more recently in the automotive OEM market. Shelby Autos was the first automotive customer of Dura-Bright® technology with fitment on the Shelby Super Snake package starting in 2007. The innovation is now available on several leading Global automotive platforms.

“By staying cleaner longer, Alcoa wheels with Dura-Bright® technology enhance the vehicle’s appearance allowing owners to enjoy their vehicle while lowering maintenance efforts,” said Kevin B. Kramer, President – Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products. “Shelby Autos first selected Dura-Bright® technology back in 2007 and we are proud to be a part of this special program today.”

For additional information on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Limited Edition Shelby 427 package for the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, visit www.shelbyautos.com.

Motor Trend Blogs About Wheel Innovation
Frank Markus, Detroit Editor at Motor Trend, recently posted a blog covering the latest trends and innovations from Alcoa Auto Wheels after touring the Alcoa Technical Display in Farmington Hills, Michigan.


Here’s an excerpt from his blog:
Aluminum giant Alcoa doesn't get much press for its wheel business, because about 90 percent of it is supplying factories with original-equipment wheels, and those don't get rolled out with fanfare and SEMA-show babes draped over them. But Alcoa has been quietly innovating on the wheel front, and some of the good ideas for mass reduction (and commensurate fuel economy and performance improvements), and durable new finishes that are rolling out now or in the near future seemed worthy of a little rundown.

Follow the link below for the entire article:
http://blogs.motortrend.com/6473158/technology/reinventing-the-forged-wheel/index.html

Alcoa Attends Mid-American Truck Show
Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products again attended and displayed at the 2009 Mid-American Truck Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky. The show attracts commercial vehicle manufacturers, fleet owners, owner/operators and consumers interested in learning about the latest products for commercial trucks. Alcoa Auto Wheels had a portion of the booth and displayed Dura-Bright® technology for ¾-ton and 1-ton aftermarket truck fitments. Research shows that a high proportion of commercial vehicle owner operators also own a full size pickup truck and recognize the Alcoa brand and the benefits of Dura-Bright® technology in easing wheel maintenance.

The Alcoa aftermarket wheel group displayed 20”x9”, 8-lug fitments of Discovery Series, Revolver Series and Xtreme Series wheels with Dura-Bright® technology. The display generated a high degree of interest and excitement throughout the show. Visit www.strongwheels.com to learn more about Dura-Bright® technology for ¾-ton and 1-ton aftermarket truck fitments.

Aluminum Pricing

LME Summary
Ask prices as of 17-Apr-2009 10:47:32 (Eastern US)
	LME ($/MT)	Chg vs Prior Close	MW US ($/LB)
Cash	1,444	-11.75	0.7001
3 Mth	1,480	-12.00	0.7213
Avg 2009	1,502	-12.84	0.7302
Avg 2010	1,627	-14.75	0.7980
LME Warehouse Stocks (MT)		3,666,125	up 7,775