Alcoa Wheels Recognized with Top 20 New Product by Heavy Duty Trucking

CLEVELAND--February 22, 2011: Heavy Duty Trucking recognized Alcoa Wheels, a key supplier to Wheel Torque Solutions, as a Top 20 new product recently at the TMC Annual Convention in Tampa, Florida. Heavy Duty Trucking editors, in combination with members of the American Trucking Associations Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC), evaluated hundreds of new products for those that are innovative and likely to contribute to the bottom line by improving safety, fuel economy or efficiency.

"Our engineering, field service and commercial teams worked with a leading fleet company for nearly two years to develop Wheel Torque Solutions."

As a critical component of Wheel Torque Solutions, Alcoa aluminum wheels help to improve the wheel changing process by providing a more robust mounting surface. In addition, Alcoa aluminum wheels are not susceptible to paint build-up or corrosion resulting in a more dependable fastening interface.

"Our engineering, field service and commercial teams worked with a leading fleet company for nearly two years to develop Wheel Torque Solutions," stated Mike Parnell, Vice President and General Manager - Alcoa Commercial Vehicle Wheels. "We're honored that this system has been recognized for improving maintenance procedures and reducing wheel-offs in the commercial transportation market."

Wheel Torque Solutions, comprised of four leading fleet truck product suppliers, Alcoa Wheels, B&D Cold Heading, Chicago Pneumatic, and ITW CIP, has revolutionized the wheel changing process. Wheel Torque Solutions brings together the optimum nut, bolt, wheels and procedures easing the installation process, increasing torque retention and reducing the potential for costly and dangerous wheel-off incidents.