Alcoa to Supply Lightweight Aluminum Wheels for GM Electric Car

Alcoa Automotive Wheels, a division of Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, announced today that it has been awarded the wheel program for the Chevy Volt extended-range electric vehicle. “Alcoa is pleased to supply forged aluminum wheels for the Volt. Working closely with the GM team resulted in a wheel designed, engineered and manufactured for light weight performance that will further extend the range of this alternative propulsion vehicle,” said Mike Parnell, Vice President and General Manager – Alcoa Auto Wheels. General Motors has targeted the Chevy Volt to deliver up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles. Removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle platform was a major goal of the program. "The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future ... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges,” stated Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO, during the GMnext Centennial Broadcast held on September 16, 2008. Alcoa (NYSE:AA) focused on design, engineering and production techniques to increase strength and durability while lowering the overall weight of the wheel. Forged aluminum wheels by Alcoa provide increased strength and durability gains and are typically greater than 20 percent lighter while doubling strength as compared to a similar cast aluminum wheel. Lightweight wheels not only have a linear effect on reducing emissions and fuel consumption but can further improve driving performance and efficiency from a lower rotary inertia. As the energy used to accelerate and decelerate the wheel is reduced, less mass is required in adjacent, un-sprung components such as brakes, steering and suspension. Lowering overall un-sprung weight compounds the benefits of fuel economy and reduces emissions. General Motors unveiled the production version of the Volt during their recent 100th anniversary celebration in Detroit. Volt production is expected in late 2010. “Alcoa provides the benefits of lightweight forged aluminum wheel programs for many global manufacturers and is honored to be working closely with GM on the Volt. Optimizing wheel weight enhances vehicle performance increasing driving range and economy while lowering emissions,” concluded Parnell. Source: azom.com