Alcoa Wheel Products Wins 2007 Automotive News PACE Award

Alcoa Wheel Products was named a 2007 Automotive News PACE Award winner at recent ceremonies in Detroit. The prestigious award recognizes automotive suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance. Alcoa Wheel Products was recognized for its Dura-Bright® Wheels with XBR™ Technology. The truly unique properties of this patented surface treatment create a cross-linked system that actually penetrates the aluminum to become an integral part of the wheel. Unlike coated wheels, it will not peel, crack, corrode or chip. Dura-Bright® wheels only require rinsing with mild soap and water to maintain their unique appearance. During his acceptance speech, Kevin Kramer, President of Alcoa Wheel Products said, "We are truly honored to be recognized as a winner for this prestigious award. Dura-Bright® technology is now enjoying acceptance from our global OEM partners while we have also recently launched the innovation into our automotive aftermarket business. Winning the Automotive News PACE Award further validates our commitment to wheel innovation.” Acceptance of Dura-Bright® technology has recently resulted in wheel fitments on OEM and aftermarket applications. At the 2007 New York Auto Show, Carroll Shelby unveiled the Ford Shelby GT500KR fitted with the first application of Alcoa Dura-Bright® technology on a production vehicle platform. Alcoa Wheel Products also recently announced Dura-Bright® technology as a wheel surface treatment option on their Adventure Series and Pro Series aftermarket wheel lines. The company is now accepting orders. The 13th annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) Award was presented by Automotive News, Microsoft, SAP and Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.). The competition was open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The Automotive News PACE Award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. Alcoa Wheel Products won in the Product category which recognizes innovations in new products or services or in new product and service development and introduction processes that have significant market impact and act as "game changers” in the automotive industry. The Automotive News PACE Award ceremony also recognized suppliers in three additional categories: Product – Europe; Information Technology and Services, and Manufacturing Processes and Capital Equipment. Alcoa Wheel Products earned Automotive News PACE Award winner status following an extensive review by an independent panel of judges including a comprehensive written application and a site visit. For complete details of the Automotive News PACE Award, visit www.automotivenews.com/pace. About Alcoa Wheel Products Alcoa Wheel Products is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and employs more than 3,000 associates in seven locations globally. The Alcoa business unit manufactures cast and forged aluminum wheels for the heavy truck, automotive, and motorcycle industries. About Alcoa Alcoa (NYSE:AA) 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® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 122,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.