Alcoa Transportation Products Celebrates Finalist Status In 2009 Automotive News PACE Award Competition

November 25, 2008
 Prestigious Supplier Credential

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa Transportation Products is a finalist in the prestigious 2009 Automotive News PACE Award competition. The 15th annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) Award is presented by Automotive News and co-sponsors Ernst & Young and Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.).

Alcoa Transportation Products was recognized for its Alcoa Vacuum Die Casting (AVDC) for Lightweight Door Assemblies developed as an integrated casting alloy/process/equipment “Systems Solution,” which provides vehicle manufacturers within the Passenger Auto and Commercial Transportation market segments the opportunity to maximize the weight savings (30-35%), part consolidation (60-70% BOM/parts reduction) and systems cost of Lightweight Door Systems. The integration of Alcoa Transportation Products (a) patented AVDC casting process, (b) dimensionally stable high strength/high ductility casting alloys and (c) large die/part size capability has expanded the lightweight options for door inner panels beyond multiple piece stamped aluminum or steel sheet stampings.

Recognizing superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance, the Automotive News PACE Award is open to suppliers that contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation.

Alcoa Transportation Products is a finalist in the Product-Europe category, which includes 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 also recognizes suppliers’ superiority in three additional categories: Product, Information Technology and Services and Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment.

Alcoa Transportation Products, along with other Automotive News PACE Award finalists, will undergo an extensive review process – including a site visit – by industry, academic and business leaders to select award winners, to be announced in Detroit, Michigan on April 20, 2009.

For complete details of the 2009 Automotive News PACE Award visit www.autonews.com/PACE.

About Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products

Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, serves the commercial vehicle, automotive, and defense markets with products used in a range of applications including cast and forged aluminum wheels, aluminum space frames, specialized vacuum die cast products, niche products such as Dura-Bright® and Dura-Flange® wheels and M-Series™ medium truck wheels, as well as a variety of other aluminum components for these markets. AWTP is composed of three divisions: Transportation Products, Commercial Vehicle Wheels, and Automotive Wheels. It employs 2,800 people at 30 locations worldwide.

About Alcoa

Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined through its active and growing participation 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 including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, structures and building systems. The Company has 97,000 employees in 34 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.