Hayes Lemmerz Introduces CentruLite A New Cast Aluminum Wheel

9 November 2000

    NORTHVILLE, Mich., Nov. 8 Hayes Lemmerz International,
Inc. , a leading global supplier to the automotive and commercial
highway industries, announced today that it has expanded its Commercial
Highway product line to include CentruLite(R), a new lightweight cast aluminum
wheel for Class 7 & 8 tractors and over the highway trailers.
    Manufactured entirely by Hayes Lemmerz using a proprietary casting
process, the CentruLite product is styled similarly to industry standard Class
8 forged wheels.  CentruLite can be used on all 22.5 x 8.25-inch hub piloted
mountings using a 10-hole, 285.75mm bolt circle, 220mm center hole, and a
6.70-inch offset making it interchangeable for most popular truck, trailer and
bus applications.  CentruLite wheel quality standards exceed all industry
testing requirements.
    Aluminum wheels have become widely accepted in the truck market by
offering 25-30% weight savings verses steel wheels, improving fuel economy and
increasing revenue producing payload.  In addition, the Hayes Lemmerz casting
process now enables styling flexibility and functionality previously
unavailable with forged wheels.  With this unique capability, Hayes Lemmerz is
able to offer affordable, lightweight customized and signature wheels to truck
OEM's and fleet customers.  Similar to automotive, the truck market now has
the option to equip specific truck models with uniquely styled wheels to
further differentiate brands and improve competitiveness.
    CentruLite aluminum wheels are CNC diamond machined which results in a
superior brilliant appearance, improved ride and handling, and reduced tire
wear.  Each wheel is serialized and carries a visual record verifying process
control and enabling future traceability.