Alcoa New Concepts To Be Introduced at Mid-America Trucking Show

CLEVELAND--March 23, 2006--Alcoa announced today that it has developed four new innovative products for the commercial transportation industry that provide customers with products that reduce weight, maintenance and operating costs while increasing payloads and fuel economy.

The four new innovations continue Alcoa's longstanding history of technology development in the commercial transportation market. Alcoa had 2005 revenues of $1.8 billion in the commercial transportation market, a 20 percent increase from 2004. The new products include:

Alcoa Dura-Bright(R) Fuel Tank

In response to the huge commercial success of its Dura-Bright(R) wheel products and the growing market demand for additional Dura-Bright(R) products, Alcoa has developed the first fuel tanks with its patented Dura-Bright(R) surface treatment, which provides a shiny surface without polishing.

Consistent with Dura-Bright(R) wheels, truckers can trust the technology on a Dura-Bright(R) fuel tank to resist corrosion and to provide a polish-free shine. Unlike imitator surface coatings that can crack, peel corrode and dull over time, Alcoa's Dura-Bright(R) surface treatment penetrates the metal and allows the brilliant shine to last even after years of use. Dirt, grime and oil residue wash off quickly and easily with soap and water. These tanks are currently completing field evaluations and are expected to be commercially available in 2007.

Alcoa Aluminum Landing Gear

Alcoa's new aluminum landing gear concept for truck trailers reduces the weight of a trailer by as much as 100 pounds, as well as increase fuel economy and payload capacity. In addition, the aluminum landing gear offers truck drivers and fleet owners a durable, environmentally-friendly product.

The aluminum landing gear has been engineered to meet or exceed all loading conditions and the corrosion-resistance of aluminum enhances the structural integrity of the Alcoa landing gear. It can withstand harsh conditions without corrosive failure that is often associated with the effects of deicing agents on the underside of trucks and trailers.

Aluminum Fifth Wheel

Alcoa is partnering with Holland Group to exhibit the latest concept in fifth wheel technology--the aluminum fifth wheel. The fifth wheel utilizes Holland's exclusive "No Lube" technology with a 6061 T6 forged aluminum plate to create a fifth wheel that reduces the weight of a typical steel fifth wheel by 100 pounds. This too increases fuel economy and payload capacity.

Alcoa Aluplate(TM)

Alcoa Aluplate(TM) is an aluminum composite panel that provides a high performance aluminum alternative to steel composites. Advantages of Aluplate include a weight advantage of 500-1,000 pounds versus competition, depending on specification. Aluplate is suitable for trailer side walls and doors, and drives bottom line value through weight savings, manufacturing efficiencies and lower trailer lifetime costs. It combines a high strength aluminum alloy produced with an Extruded Thermoplastic Core.

The Lufkin Trailer booth at the Mid-America Trucking Show, 710, will feature a trailer utilizing the Alcoa Aluplate side wall material.

All four new innovations will be showcased at the Mid-America Trucking Show, the premier trade show in the trucking industry, on March 23-25 at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville. The Alcoa booth at the show is 4475.

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 42 countries and has been named one of the top three most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com