The Alcoa Ultra One wheel, introduced at the IAA, is 47 percent lighter than a steel wheel.
Alcoa presents the according to them "lightest and strongest wheel for trucks in Europe" at the IAA in Hanover: the new Alcoa Ultra One Wheel is 47 percent lighter than a steel wheel and has a maximum load capacity index of 4,250 kilograms. The US manufacturer starts production in its plant in Székesfehérvár (Hungary) at the beginning of 2017.
Because of the low weight and high bearing capacity, a more efficient transportation of greater loads is possible according to the manufacturer. Alcoa also states that the Alcoa Ultra One Wheel’s patented magna-force alloy is on average 17 percent stronger than the industrial 6061 standard alloy, which reduces maintenance and operating costs. Furthermore, the new European Ultra One's design is compatible with tyre pressure monitoring systems: the uniform rim flange enables the use of balance weights for pinning and glueing.
The manufacturer also announced the separation into two different companies at the IAA in Hannover. In future, the alloy wheels' manufacturing and sales are located at the Value-Add Company, which among other things offers solutions for the aerospace-, transportation- and construction industry. Manufacturing and sales of primary products like bauxite and aluminum are combined into five business segments in the new company Upstream. Klaus Kleinfeld, hitherto CEO of Alcoa, will manage both companies during the transition period, but later take over the Value-Add Company as CEO.
