Alcoa Inc. (AA), the global aluminum giant, has announced the launch of its lightest heavy-duty truck wheel – the Ultra ONE – during the 65th International Motor Show (IAA) Commercial tradeshow in Germany. This is the lightest forged aluminum wheel to be unveiled in Europe which will help heavy vehicles to increase their payload and fuel efficiency. The wheel will be made available in Europe from the second half of 2015.
Ultra ONE wheels, featuring MagnaForce alloy, are light weight, unlike steel, and offers heavy-duty performance with fuel efficiency and high payload which makes it a natural choice for fleets worldwide. This is Alcoa’s best technology ever which will cater to the growing European demand for low cost and weight. MagnaForce, invented by the world’s largest light metals research center — the Alcoa Technical Center — is 17% stronger than the industry-standard Alcoa’s 6061 alloy.
This technology has gained quick success since its launch in Mar 2014 in other major wheel markets, including the U.S., where truck and trailer manufacturers have upgraded to the Ultra ONE wheels. Being 47% lighter than steel wheels of the same size, these innovative wheels can save about 1,400 pounds per rig allowing the fleets to carry more goods while meeting the strict federal emission regulations. Vehicles carrying petroleum and heavy goods were quick to adopt this innovation and the same is now expected in European markets.
The wheels are created from a single piece of forged aluminum which makes them much lighter and five times stronger than steel wheels. Moreover, in Europe, the wheels will be available along with Alcoa’s Dura-Bright EVO surface treatment which will keep the surface of the wheels shiny and durable for a long time without polishing thus reducing the maintenance costs.
Alcoa will make the European Ultra ONE wheel at an Alcoa facility in Europe.
Alcoa currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Other better-ranked companies in the mining space include Solitario Exploration & Royalty Corp. (XPL), U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (SLCA) and Anglo American plc (AAUKY). While Solitario Exploration & Royalty and U.S. Silica Holdings sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Anglo American has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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