Alcoa Selected by GM to Provide Automotive Castings

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.--Oct. 5, 2004--Alcoa announced today that its automotive castings business has been selected to produce the front and rear subframes for the 2006 Corvette and Cadillac XLR as well as steering knuckles for two 2005 GM vehicle programs. The one-piece, cast aluminum subframes will be produced at Alcoa's Kentucky Casting Center and the knuckles will be produced at the company's Michigan Casting Center.

"In addition to the clear enhancements these subframes bring to the handling and crash management of the Corvette and XLR, they also offer GM significant part consolidation advantages," according to Allen Zwierzchowski, president of Alcoa Automotive Castings.

"Steering knuckles are an important element of a vehicles' suspension system. They are the component that connects the wheel to the vehicle. They are clearly safety critical. And they are playing an increasingly important role in better handling by helping car makers improve the weight balance of their vehicles," Zwierzchowski added.

Alcoa's knuckles are machined and integrated into front suspension systems for the vehicles. Each knuckle produced at Alcoa's Michigan Casting Center is subjected to X-ray and fluorescent die-penetrant inspection. Their alloy, A356, was developed for improved machinability and ductility and is easily recyclable.

The subframes and knuckles are produced via the Vacuum Riserless - Pressure Riserless Casting Process. "This is a proven, high-volume producing a wide-range of structural castings distinguished by their superior microstructural and mechanical properties," Zwierzchowski concluded.

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 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 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