Alcoa Expands Availability of Dura-Bright Wheels into Wide Base Line; Popularity of Non-Corrosive Wheel Has Led to Introduction in Several Truck and Trailer Data Books

    CLEVELAND--July 9, 2003--Alcoa announced today that its Alcoa Wheel & Forged Products' patented Dura-Bright(R) surface treatment option is now available for its full line of 14-inch aluminum wheels in addition to other select wide base wheel applications.
    Alcoa Dura-Bright(R) aluminum wheels resist corrosion and eliminate the need for polishing. Initially made available in 1999 in the transit bus industry, Dura-Bright(R) wheels offer a high-quality shine with a spray of soap and water. They're available for a broad range of applications, including truck and trailer, RV and motor home, and bus and motor coach.
    "Expanding the Dura-Bright(R) surface treatment's availability to 14-inch wheels was in direct response to customer demand for the product," said Mark Holtz, marketing manager, commercial vehicle wheels and accessories for Alcoa Wheel & Forged Products. "Interest in Dura-Bright(R) wheels has exceeded our expectations, leading to sales increasing five-fold over last year and the product becoming available in several truck and trailer data books."
    In addition to faster, easier cleaning and maintenance, Alcoa Dura-Bright(R) wheels exhibit all the other advantages of aluminum 14-inch wheels, including one-piece, forged-in strength from the industry leader, better heat dissipation for extended tire and brake life, less weight for increased payload and greater fuel efficiency, and higher resale value.
    At 71 pounds, the Alcoa 14-inch wheel carries a 12,800-pound maximum load rating. Switching from steel duals to an Alcoa wide base wheel and tire assembly saves 318 pounds per axle - up to 1,272 pounds per tractor and tandem axle trailer.
    For more information on Alcoa Wheel Products or Dura-Bright(R) wheels, call 1-800-242-9898, visit www.alcoawheels.com or www.dontpolish.com, or email to info@dontpolish.com.

    Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, 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 as a single solution to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) aluminum foil, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 127,000 employees in 40 countries. For more information go to www.alcoa.com