Alcoa Launches Eight New Cast Aluminum Wheels for Automakers

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.--Oct. 5, 2004--Alcoa

Alcoa Automotive announced today that it has successfully launched eight new cast aluminum wheels for Nissan and Chrysler Group.

"Alcoa's cast aluminum wheels provide our customers with cost-effective styling options to offer their customers," according to Kevin Kramer, president of Alcoa's Cast Auto Wheels business.

"The ability of Alcoa's cast wheels to add to the visual appeal of a broad variety of platforms is shown through the new profiles we are sending to Chrysler Group," Kramer continued. "Their new applications range from the hot new Chrysler 300 Touring Edition and Dodge Magnum to the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans."

"We're delighted to join Nissan's North American wheel supply base with the launch of four new wheels for the Altima, Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra," he added.

Alcoa operates cast wheel plants in Beloit, WI, Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, Ferrara, Italy and Rualca, Venezuela.

About Alcoa Automotive

Alcoa automotive products are designed to enhance driving experience by improving a vehicle's performance, comfort and convenience, safety and styling. Alcoa's automotive products also have helped customers create revolutionary advances that have successfully repositioned entire brands. Easier opening and closing, electronic distribution systems, improved functionality, better visibility, reduced squeaks and rattles and more interior room are benefits car makers gain from Alcoa's innovative automotive products. In addition, many of the safest autos in the world feature Alcoa products in their crash management systems and crumple zones, side-impact beams and engine cradles. Alcoa automotive products also offer customers the opportunity to differentiate their products with fresh design and eye-catching appeal.

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world's leading producer 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. 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 120,000 employees in 42 countries and has been a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average for 45 years and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2001. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com