Cleveland, Ohio, March 8, 2022 – Alcoa® Wheels, the global leader in aluminum innovation, is announcing a groundbreaking solution for the market, that delivers fuel savings and helps fleets further improve freight efficiency.
Today, the forged aluminum wheel supplier launches its Aerodynamic Solutions: the steer wheel cover and the drive wheel cover plus wheel. The new products add aerodynamic advantages to Alcoa® wheels, provide fuel savings by way of reducing air drag, are durable, easy to install and allow for seamless wheel inspections to obtain the most out of every mile.
Unveiled at the 2022 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, Alcoa® Wheels Aerodynamic Solutions make it easy to go with the flow.
“The goal for Alcoa® Wheels’ Aerodynamic Solutions is more than just designing an aerodynamic cover that saves fuel,” said Nathalie Tessier, general manager Alcoa® Wheels. “It is important that we provide an innovation that offers significant fuel savings and efficiencies while also addressing and finding resolution for maintenance, installation and performance concerns identified by fleets. We are proud of our portfolio expansion and excited about the solutions they bring to the field.”
Aerodynamic Steer Cover
This patent pending design is engineered specifically to push air away from the tire/wheel and vehicle, limiting aerodynamic drag. Backed by rigorous testing, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), wind tunnel and test track analysis, the new cover enhances performance as compared to a full-wheel cover or no cover at all. The adoption of the aerodynamic steer cover is easy to implement for a quick return on investment.
- Verified fuel savings; saves up to 0.39 gallons of fuel per 1,000 miles
- Estimated $136.5 annual fuel savings per truck based on 100,000 miles per year, estimated fuel cost at $3.50/gallon
- Two-year warranty, twice the protection of competitive products
- Compatible with all 10 x 285.75mm bolt circle wheels
- Durable retention system
- Available in Matte Black and Chrome finishes
Aerodynamic Drive Cover + Wheel
An exclusive cover plus wheel system, this cover is designed for the 22.5” x 8.25” and 22.5” x 14” wheels, part numbers ULA18x, 84U61x and 84U64x. The cover’s design powers fuel efficiency while weighing less than comparable solutions. Its innovative design features a unique approach in attachment style. The cover provides a measurement-free installation process. It is also affixed to a ring, which is secured in the flange groove of the wheel (patent-pending flange design), leaving the hub unburdened by heavy brackets and ensuring appropriate mounting consistently and for maximum results. Additionally, the cover features a 9” inspection opening, which allows for a clear view of all wheel-end components, eliminating the need for wheel cover removal during pre-trip, post-trip, road-side inspections and tire inflation.
- Saves up to 0.96 gallons of fuel per 1,000 miles
- Estimated $336 annual fuel savings per truck based on 100,000 miles per year, estimated fuel cost at $3.50/gallon
- Proprietary flange mounted design ensures consistent offset position, which secures expected aerodynamic benefits consistently; compared to existing offerings on the market that are not conducive to providing consistent results
- No challenging brackets attached to the wheel-end resulting in measurement-free installation
- Available in Alcoa® Wheels advanced finishes High Polish and Matte Black
Additional benefits include:
- Initial system installation in under four minutes (per wheel)
- One-time ring installation
- Camloc® ¼ turn Quick Release Fasteners lock and unlock in seconds
- A 9” opening allows for effortless inspections and tire inflation without cover or ring removal
Alcoa® Wheels Aerodynamic Wheel Covers are intended to work as a complete system in order to maximize aerodynamic benefits and incur a combined savings of up to 1.35 gallons of fuel per 1,000 miles or an estimated $472.5 annual fuel savings per truck. A first of its kind approach to aerodynamics, this is another state-of-the-art innovation for the commercial trucking market. The Aerodynamic Steer Wheel Cover and Aerodynamic Drive Wheel + Cover is the ultimate in technology, achieving optimal performance when performing together.
Discover the hub covers and new system on display at the TMC Annual Meeting in Booth #605 and available to spec beginning in late 2022.
To learn more and for information on Alcoa® Wheels, visit www.alcoawheels.com.
About Alcoa® Wheels
Alcoa® Wheels, a product brand of Howmet Aerospace Inc., serves the commercial heavy-duty, medium-duty, trailer and bus vehicle market with forged aluminum wheel solutions, including premium products such as Ultra ONE® Wheels with MagnaForce® alloy, Dura-Black™ wheels, Dura-Bright® wheels, Dura-Flange® wheels, as well as a variety of accessories for these markets. For more information: alcoawheels.com and follow @AlcoaWheels on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About Howmet Aerospace
Howmet Aerospace Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company’s differentiated technologies enable lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft to operate with a lower carbon footprint. For more information, visit www.howmet.com. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
